[expressfish]

BUMP, so what IS that magical number where the DME starts pulling timing. Is the charge air temp Im viewing on my cobb the same as IAT's ?

[WTF?]

I don't think that question will be answered here. I have asked many times. I know I get NO timing pulls with a stock intercooler here in Texas.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by expressfish

BUMP, so what IS that magical number where the DME starts pulling timing. Is the charge air temp Im viewing on my cobb the same as IAT's ?

There is no magical number ... A lot of factors need to be taken under consideration

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by WTF?

I don't think that question will be answered here. I have asked many times. I know I get NO timing pulls with a stock intercooler here in Texas.

How does your IAT look with stock intercooler?

[RSL]

Originally Posted by expressfish

BUMP, so what IS that magical number where the DME starts pulling timing. Is the charge air temp Im viewing on my cobb the same as IAT's ?

CAT is used on other limiting tables based just on IAT and RPM, so no telling really. CAT for timing correction factor includes at least 2 factors as the table indicates: air temp at the TB (IAT) and what I believe is ambient, even though it goes to a ridiculously high value (248°F). It gives the impression it could be ECT or OCT, but it also starts at 32°. I've never found an explicit answer to what it represents and there are other limit tables with similarly high (32-230F) values for IATs, so I'm pretty sure Y-axis is just ambient. Either way, while the CAT timing correction factor isn't only based on IATs, they are certainly part of it.

That is a factor table, which indicates it's used in a calculation and won't be seen as separate timing corrections in logs, if that's what people are looking for. They will only be seen in the final values as logged (timing ° or amount of a correction). i.e. correction factor (calculation/offset) to timing, not standalone timing corrections. They may reduce the timing targets, increase the intensity of timing corrections (if there are any for other reasons) or both.

[ilicboris]

Would love to buy an FMIC for my car, but all the ones I'm interested in are sold out.

Any suggestions on intercoolers for around $600 or less? Not interested in spending $700+.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by ilicboris

Would love to buy an FMIC for my car, but all the ones I'm interested in are sold out.

Any suggestions on intercoolers for around $600 or less? Not interested in spending $700+.

Wagner EVO 1 performance

[9krpmrx8]

Can some clarify if the available inter coolers are bolt on for and E90 N55? I have found conflicting threads where helux and others state the piping is different on the N55's. But all the products for sale state they fit all the way to 2011 on the E90.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8

Can some clarify if the available inter coolers are bolt on for and E90 N55? I have found conflicting threads where helux and others state the piping is different on the N55's. But all the products for sale state they fit all the way to 2011 on the E90.

They are bolt ons
Most 5" intercooler will fit 100% plug and play
6" and up intercoolers will need trimming of the black plastic behind the front bumper

This applies to N54 and N55

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8

Can some clarify if the available inter coolers are bolt on for and E90 N55? I have found conflicting threads where helux and others state the piping is different on the N55's. But all the products for sale state they fit all the way to 2011 on the E90.

If the intercooler mentions N54 or N55 with no option to select then it fits.

For example, Mishimoto, Cobb or Wagner.

But options like ETS or VRSF will require you to select N55 (ETS) or 2009+ Later (VRSF).

Which intercooler specifically are you looking into?

[9krpmrx8]

I think I have decided on the Wagner EVO2.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8

I think I have decided on the Wagner EVO2.

EVO 2 will fit .. You need to do some trimming like any other large intercooler

[ilicboris]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Wagner EVO 1 performance

Thanks, I haven't fully researched, but it looks promising.

What is your opinion on FMIC's that use factory couplers? I noticed the Wagner and Mishimoto do. The reason I ask is because VRSF and AA are both of out of stock and I have a friend parting his car out and offered me a used Mishimoto for $400. Not sure whether or not to accept, since it isn't much bigger than stock and it's pricey.

[Torgus]

I'm no expert but vrsf seems like the best choice unless you are a single. Unless you are OK with a DIY and the big tom(I am). It's just an intercooler people put too much thought into it. A bms meth kit will do more for AITs and power to the ground vs an intercooler at about the same price.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Torgus

I'm no expert but vrsf seems like the best choice unless you are a single. Unless you are OK with a DIY and the big tom(I am). It's just an intercooler people put too much thought into it. A bms meth kit will do more for AITs and power to the ground vs an intercooler at about the same price.

I disagree with you, intercooler is one of the most important mods on this car

[Torgus]

You think an IC will net more gains than a meth kit on stock turbos?

An inexpensive IC is fine for most people imo. I like me helix but would install a big tom in a heart beat if I wanted an IC in the e90.

[JunkyardDogg]

I think I will go with VRSF 7". Not willing to pay double for marginal improvements if any.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by JunkyardDogg

I think I will go with VRSF 7". Not willing to pay double for marginal improvements if any.

If you want the same performance as the Wagner Evo 2, check out the new VRSF 7" HD we have releasing in a couple weeks. It's only $120 more than the standard 7" (still hundreds less than the competition) right now and it will outperform any intercooler in it's comparable size.

It's also better suited for cars in warmer climates and cars with upgraded twins

[WTF?]

Originally Posted by Torgus

I'm no expert but vrsf seems like the best choice unless you are a single. Unless you are OK with a DIY and the big tom(I am). It's just an intercooler people put too much thought into it. A bms meth kit will do more for AITs and power to the ground vs an intercooler at about the same price.

Yess!

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by Torgus

You think an IC will net more gains than a meth kit on stock turbos?

An inexpensive IC is fine for most people imo. I like me helix but would install a big tom in a heart beat if I wanted an IC in the e90.

Meth would not only suppress IAT better but it will have that octane bump.

Only downside to meth is the obvious inherent risks of using it and associated costs.

I still prefer to recommend an FMIC first but the FMIC will take out a lot of the gains with meth since the FMIC also suppresses IAT. Still benefits for using meth because of the octane bump though and further IAT suppression.

I remember doing a log back when it was 90+ and my IAT were 89 sustained through a 4th gear pull...

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Torgus

You think an IC will net more gains than a meth kit on stock turbos?

I never said that

[Torgus]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

I never said that

Well I said a bms meth kit is better bang for your buck vs. An intercooler as they are around the same price. You than said you disagree with me:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

I disagree with you, intercooler is one of the most important mods on this car

I think we are spitting hairs here.

Both are good mods and most probably start with an IC as it is a simple bolt on. Meth is slightly more complicated.