[MrRetep]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Well there's quite a few advantages to be honest. In terms of fabrication, the original tank we offered has a 2.75" pipe (thinner material) welded to the end tank (thicker material). This makes it difficult to get proper penetration and generally requires cleaning up the inside of the pipe afterwards. It also doesn't allow for a smooth entrance and exit since there's going to be a lip on the inside. The new design is a seamless entrance/exit which will help will allow for better flow.

We also reduce a step in the manufacturing process which ensures the same, perfect fit each time. There's also the aesthetic value but I'm the type of person that will design something to perform rather than compromising for the sake of appearance..

Intercoolers like the AMS use this method and it works fine but we're just trying to perfect the design. Using the cast inlet/outlet also allows us to use thicker inlet/outlet which allows the installer to crank down on the t-bolts when installing without having to worry about the pipe deforming since our cast inlets are much stronger than conventional tube inlets. We're also one of the only intercooler (possibly the only one) that uses a true 2.75" ID inlet/outlet on a cast end tank (AA uses 2.25", HPF uses 2" OEM). These cars definitely need help breathing up top due to the smaller turbos and increasing the size of the intake tract will definitely help.

You'll mostly benefit from this larger connection on an upgraded turbo setup, while the gains on a stock turbo car running stock like boosts are going to be marginal.



The stock connections have proven to support up to high 400whp without causing a bottleneck, although I have yet to see/do a proper test showing different HP gains. I honestly don't think peak HP will be affected too much, although gains in the upper RPM range should be expected on a full bolt on car.

Awesome, thanks for the information. So it appears I will be okay with your original end tanks for now. I think I own everything you make for the N54 anything else on the way?

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by MrRetep

Awesome, thanks for the information. So it appears I will be okay with your original end tanks for now. I think I own everything you make for the N54 anything else on the way?

The previous 2.75" connection kits are golden. The ones that went out were perfect, we just had a couple that required extra finish work before we could ship them. We do have chargepipes, and catch cans on the way as well as a 3.5" catless turbo back (literally from the turbo-back) that uses a single 3.5" pipe and replaces the division of the downpipe for the N55.

Maybe big single/bigger twin kits but I don't know yet, tuning seems to be the major issue with these and they're not something we'll sell a lot of.

[psmitty95]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Here's a shot of the 7" with the new end tanks and new finish. I have a few of the 5" that I'll post on Monday if I have time

Wow that looks awesome! Kinda mad I didn't wait for the new one though . Do you know what size the end tanks on mine are? 2.25?

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by psmitty95

Wow that looks awesome! Kinda mad I didn't wait for the new one though . Do you know what size the end tanks on mine are? 2.25?

All our intercoolers that don't use the OEM connectors use 2.75". We just use a pipe with a smaller OD vs the new one. The new one's OD is actually closer to 3.125".

[psmitty95]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

All our intercoolers that don't use the OEM connectors use 2.75". We just use a pipe with a smaller OD vs the new one. The new one's OD is actually closer to 3.125".

I'm pretty sure mine used the oem connectors then since it was just the intercooler, and clamps and no other pipe

[Tiago@VRSF]

So you reused the OEM connectors that insert into the CNC'd flanges?

[psmitty95]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

So you reused the OEM connectors that insert into the CNC'd flanges?

I have no idea since I didn't install... If it's not OEM is there a new pipe that it came with? Mine came with clamps, intercooler, and the hoses and we used the 90 degree hose clamped to the black plastic pipe.

[Tiago@VRSF]

That is the 2.75" connection, the hoses replace the OEM connectors

[psmitty95]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

That is the 2.75" connection, the hoses replace the OEM connectors

Oh ok well that's good news. Anyways the new fmic end tanks look great! Anything new on the exhaust such as more catless clips or news on if the louder version is going to happen?

[chillbil79]

When will the 5" fmic available to purchase? Price is $410 shipped? So a one rate shipping fee? Price without shipping?

I looked on website and found no answers. Called customer service # that was provided, went to generic vm

Any help would be appreciated
Thanks

[psmitty95]

Originally Posted by chillbil79

When will the 5" fmic available to purchase? Price is $410 shipped? So a one rate shipping fee? Price without shipping?

I looked on website and found no answers. Called customer service # that was provided, went to generic vm

Any help would be appreciated
Thanks

You should PM or email Tiago. He responds to both very quickly. Email is sales@vr-speed.com if you want to email him

[Tiago@VRSF]

The 5" & 7" versions in the 2.75" coupler configuration posted above will become available for shipment around mid-Feb. These are currently on their way over.

They are available to pre-order now. We're getting a limited batch initially and we only have a few spots available so I suggest getting your order in as quickly as possible in order to secure your purchase.

[cslpower]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

The previous 2.75" connection kits are golden. The ones that went out were perfect, we just had a couple that required extra finish work before we could ship them. We do have chargepipes, and catch cans on the way as well as a 3.5" catless turbo back (literally from the turbo-back) that uses a single 3.5" pipe and replaces the division of the downpipe for the N55.

Maybe big single/bigger twin kits but I don't know yet, tuning seems to be the major issue with these and they're not something we'll sell a lot of.

DO IT ! I'll be the first buying your turbo kit

[hellomyBMW]

nice color! nice fmic!

[straightcashhomie]

cant wait for thr 5 inch

[etichi]

5" == no cutting and easy install?

[M3E46M]

Originally Posted by etichi

5" == no cutting and easy install?

NO CUTTING, DIRECT BOLT ON! I just installed mine 2 days ago. It was a pain removing the old coupling on the passenger side as you have to grind the clamp and there is no room for my fat fingers but I managed. All I can tell you Holly ...it! with the cobb stage 1 +FMC v 4.02 Sport, I'm breaking rear end loose at 45-50 mph when I floor it , I have no LSD but I have Bilstein PSS10 suspension and still it just want's to goooo! BUY IT! YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT! GOOD JOB VRSF! CAN'T BEAT THE QUALITY FOR THE PRICE!

[M3E46M]

Oh ya my exhaust note with stock exhaust is much deeper now I just love it!

[etichi]

damn it!

I don't know how much longer I can resist not getting this. It seem 1+ is a lot better. Life is short and money is finite.. fuck it.

[whiteCanadian335xi]

Purchasing the 5" or 7" for sure! Just wanted to know whether or not if the 7" is needed? I plan to run RB in the future and by spring time i'll be FBO. I only want the 5" because its direct install and no cutting from what Im reading. DO I need the 7" core?

[AlpineSwift]

The 7" core is peace of mind IMO. It's not 100% necessary, but it is a REALLY nice investment over the long term regardless of what your power goals are. My IAT's are insanely low compared to stock, and that alone was worth the extra money.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by AlpineSwift

The 7" core is peace of mind IMO. It's not 100% necessary, but it is a REALLY nice investment over the long term regardless of what your power goals are. My IAT's are insanely low compared to stock, and that alone was worth the extra money.

Well said.

Also if you're going with upgraded turbos, a larger core is necessary.