[CaliBMW86]

I didn't see any previous post concerning this topic so don't kill me for asking:

So both VRSF and ETS have a 5" front mount intercooler. If you have either of the FMIC which one did you choose, and why didn't you choose the other? ETS FMIC sells for $770, and VRSF sells for ~$440 does anyone know why there is such a huge cost difference?

[Kuch335]

pretty much comes down to made in china and not made in china.. performance wise you probably wont be able to tell a difference.. I have the VRSF down pipes and haven't had any issues.. will be getting their FMIC soon once they're back in stock.

[thenewrick]

no real difference between any of the fmic other than looks/cost. I got a cheap vsrf one and it works fine

[Harry335i]

Originally Posted by thenewrick

no real difference between any of the fmic other than looks/cost. I got a cheap vsrf one and it works fine

Works fine meaning you saw a performance difference or rather it did not come apart?

[dman918]

I'd go VSRF.

[Gizm0]

I'd buy a 5" VRSF too, but I'd like to see comparative IAT graphs of stock vs. 5" FMIC before pulling the trigger. I know the 7" gives significant lower IAT over the stock intercooler, but isn't the stock intercooler 5" deep as well?

[thenewrick]

My IAT dropped like 10%. FMIC upgrades are vastly vastly overrated on this board. I just live in a hot climate and I wanted to clean out my entire intake system of oil and found a great deal on a VSRF one so I went for it. It's not something I'd generally recommend though.

[romanonj]

Originally Posted by CaliBMW86

I didn't see any previous post concerning this topic so don't kill me for asking:

So both VRSF and ETS have a 5" front mount intercooler. If you have either of the FMIC which one did you choose, and why didn't you choose the other? ETS FMIC sells for $770, and VRSF sells for ~$440 does anyone know why there is such a huge cost difference?

I faced that same dilemma a few months back. I chose ets based on quality, fitment and workmanship. Install was trivial and fitment almost perfect. overall quality of ets intercooler is visible. ets is very efficient, and iat has been consistent at 20-30 over ambient. Several vendors on here will suggest ets, helix, over vrsf.. Not to say its a bad product. There are plenty of people on here running vrsf and happy with it.

[Kayani_1]

+1

In my opinion singing praises of one or another is useless without seeing data of IAT graphs of stock vs 5" of both brands. Until that just stick with stock. Unless u like parting with $500-700 dollars for no reason and if u like to waste your money I can send you my paypal account so you can wire me some money for a sweet homemade 5" FMBC......and no the B here does not stand for bull shit

Originally Posted by Gizm0

I'd buy a 5" VRSF too, but I'd like to see comparative IAT graphs of stock vs. 5" FMIC before pulling the trigger. I know the 7" gives significant lower IAT over the stock intercooler, but isn't the stock 5" deep as well?

[BoostAddict]

I had a local customer who switched from VRSF 5" to ETS 5". He was pretty happy with the result. I'll try to get him to post in here to give you more specifics, as I don't remember what the delta between the two was and don't want to spread false information about the VRSF's FMIC. I do know that he was seeing IAT's up around 180* with the VRSF at the end of a 1/4mile pull. Down here in Florida we really put these FMIC's to the test lol

[1chanc3]

A question for people here.

Should I get a FMIC or PE system for my next mod? (I am only doing 1 mod/year as to save money)

My car is a daily driver; I do not track my car at all. What do you guys think?

[2010MSPORT335i]

Definitely go with a big wing.

[GamecockEsquire]

How about the VRSF vs Helix? I've been pretty close to pulling the trigger on the helix. I like the staggered core but if the VRSF is just as good, I'd like to save the money.

[TrAcK TRaP]

Originally Posted by GamecockEsquire

How about the VRSF vs Helix? I've been pretty close to pulling the trigger on the helix. I like the staggered core but if the VRSF is just as good, I'd like to save the money.

helix is the best FMIC but if you trying to save money go for VRSF. it will do the job. if you dont track your car ones again VRSF is better for you which is half price of helix. if you are planing to do crazy mods (like upgraded turbo) pull the trigger for Helix..