First Look: Helix FMIC Prototype

Dr_Dirt · 09-23-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

frontal area and core volume are increased by approximately 56%.

I'm not sure how the air will move through the top section (where it steps up) of the intercooler. It looks like it could be a dead spot.

There doesn't seem to be anything that says the air has to move through that stepped section, unless there is some additional piping that I can't see.

TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management · 09-23-2007, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrH

His logic seems sound.. Only results to the contrary will prove him wrong

the logic is sound if we were talking about just a thicker intercooler of the same height. this intercooler has an ambient face 56% larger than stock .

TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management · 09-23-2007, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr_Dirt

I'm not sure how the air will move through the top section (where it steps up) of the intercooler. It looks like it could be a dead spot.

There doesn't seem to be anything that says the air has to move through that stepped section, unless there is some additional piping that I can't see.

the endtanks are designed with shape and enough volume to get the air moving thru the entire core, also when dealing with pressure, flow follows the path of least resistance ie without any blockages the airflow/pressure will try and balance out in the entire core. this can be tested easily by taking temps of the hot and cold sides on each charge row from bottom to top.

sdiver68 · 09-23-2007, 10:03 AM

Quite frankly, the last thing we need is another FMIC. How about someone please address the real weakness of the 335i...engine cooling!

TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management · 09-23-2007, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdiver68

Quite frankly, the last thing we need is another FMIC. How about someone please address the real weakness of the 335i...engine cooling!

have people still been having problems with the new auxilliary oil cooler?

Dr_Dirt · 09-23-2007, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

the endtanks are designed with shape and enough volume to get the air moving thru the entire core, also when dealing with pressure, flow follows the path of least resistance ie without any blockages the airflow/pressure will try and balance out in the entire core. this can be tested easily by taking temps of the hot and cold sides on each charge row from bottom to top.

Will you be attaching some RTD's or Thermocouples around the intercooler to make sure there are no hotspots.

sdiver68 · 09-23-2007, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

have people still been having problems with the new auxilliary oil cooler?

Yes. Based on my experience at the track, and tracking all the threads on the topic, it looks like the stock system can hold one out of limp mode up to somewhere around 80 degree outside air temp with the Step, higher with the manual. Beyond that it is a crap shoot, but many limp modes are reported including by the owner of a fleet of 335i's at Autobahn road race course.

Add a bump in boost, and it seems like they all hit limp mode after a few laps with stock cooling, or there is not sufficient data to determine.

The race cars that I'm aware of all had custom fab cooling solutions, at least one of which is now available to the public in the vented Vorsteiner hood.

TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management · 09-23-2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr_Dirt

Will you be attaching some RTD's or Thermocouples around the intercooler to make sure there are no hotspots.

generally we take temperatures with an infrared temp scanner when we are testing all over the core. as a designer you try your best to design the endtanks as best you can with the space provided, in this case we wanted to maintain the factory position( so we didn't lose the draw through effec from the fan) as well as increase the height of the core the end shape you see is the only way to do that. once we post pics on the car I think some of you guys will understand what we were trying to accomplish.

sambonator · 09-23-2007, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdiver68

Quite frankly, the last thing we need is another FMIC. How about someone please address the real weakness of the 335i...engine cooling!

Yes. Where's the bigger radiator for the 335i? And the transmission fluid cooler?

TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management · 09-23-2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdiver68

Yes. Based on my experience at the track, and tracking all the threads on the topic, it looks like the stock system can hold one out of limp mode up to somewhere around 80 degree outside air temp with the Step, higher with the manual. Beyond that it is a crap shoot, but many limp modes are reported including by the owner of a fleet of 335i's at Autobahn road race course.

Add a bump in boost, and it seems like they all hit limp mode after a few laps with stock cooling, or there is not sufficient data to determine.

The race cars that I'm aware of all had custom fab cooling solutions, at least one of which is now available to the public in the vented Vorsteiner hood.

I'll look into this for you guys, we can make just about anything when it comes to radiators/intercoolers/oil coolers etc.

sdiver68 · 09-23-2007, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

I'll look into this for you guys, we can make just about anything when it comes to radiators/intercoolers/oil coolers etc.

Thank you

Dr_Dirt · 09-23-2007, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

I'll look into this for you guys, we can make just about anything when it comes to radiators/intercoolers/oil coolers etc.

Excellent!

HyperM3 · 09-24-2007, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer335i07

Let me know if you need a e90 beta tester for any of your products. Seems like I take a drive to Philly pretty often these days. Just got back from the Philadelphia zoo today.

I would have stopped by and said hi, but I took the Navigator today and did not have your address in my nav.

See you guys soon!

Scott

Hey, back off son, Im closer!!

Instead of donating my body to science, Id rather donate my car.

BMW_TT · 09-24-2007, 03:52 PM

very interesting setup.

leftcoastman · 09-24-2007, 05:50 PM

Make an upgraded oil cooler and I will be the first to buy it.

An idea: Add ANOTHER oil cooler on the driver's side. The place where the oil cooler should be, is empty. Maybe I'll try to fab a similar setup as we have on the passenger side.

Alex@Helix · 09-25-2007, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer335i07

Let me know if you need a e90 beta tester for any of your products. Seems like I take a drive to Philly pretty often these days. Just got back from the Philadelphia zoo today.

I would have stopped by and said hi, but I took the Navigator today and did not have your address in my nav.

See you guys soon!

Scott

Scott,

Next time your in Philly definately stop by. Our address is:
2424 Martha St.
Philadelphia, PA 19125.

eric@helix · 09-25-2007, 06:23 PM

Correction Alex:

One Helix Plaza
2424 Martha Street
Philadelphia, PA 19125

itsbrokeagain · 09-25-2007, 07:48 PM

Looks to be an interesting piece as well. Im looking forward to how it turns out and the results.

TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management · 09-30-2007, 05:48 PM

installed the FMIC today, it fits just fine albeit a little tight. I am going to get some silicone shipped out to me asap for testing purposes, but I'm also going to get some factory like billet couplers CNC'ed and TIG'ed on so the factory o-ringed charge pipes will clip right on. as expected this intercooler takes up almost all available space in the front of the car without altering anything

[IMG]

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itsbrokeagain · 09-30-2007, 07:41 PM

in reference to the last post about overheating, the autos overheat faster than the manuals, not the other way around.

Im sure with the cooler weather out it should be ok for track use.

The radiator does a fine job, but the oil cooler is what I would really like to see.

And I hear there is better results with Castrol TWS 10w-60 oil (Used for the M engines) for track use. Someone on here used it and did not see oil temps beyond 240-250 all day.

And some people forget that even though we have an intercooler at the bottom, you still have the two kidney grilles feeding the radiator...

cgillio · 10-01-2007, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

installed the FMIC today, it fits just fine albeit a little tight. I am going to get some silicone shipped out to me asap for testing purposes, but I'm also going to get some factory like billet couplers CNC'ed and TIG'ed on so the factory o-ringed charge pipes will clip right on. as expected this intercooler takes up almost all available space in the front of the car without altering anything

[IMG]

[/IMG]

[IMG]

[/IMG]

Do you have any install pictures? Also would there be any negative affect on the cooling if you spray painted the FMIC a different color?

Neema · 10-01-2007, 02:47 AM

i really like this one becuase it looks fine and doesnt require any cutting or other modifications

09-23-2007, 10:03 AM	#26
sdiver68 Expert Road Racer 59 Rep 1,329 Posts Drives: 07 335i e90, 09 335i e93 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (3)	Quite frankly, the last thing we need is another FMIC. How about someone please address the real weakness of the 335i...engine cooling!
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09-24-2007, 03:52 PM	#36
BMW_TT Colonel 224 Rep 2,548 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (4)	very interesting setup.
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09-24-2007, 05:50 PM	#37
leftcoastman Lieutenant Colonel 52 Rep 1,714 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Near some canyons iTrader: (1)	Make an upgraded oil cooler and I will be the first to buy it. An idea: Add ANOTHER oil cooler on the driver's side. The place where the oil cooler should be, is empty. Maybe I'll try to fab a similar setup as we have on the passenger side.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-25-2007, 06:23 PM	#39
eric@helix 208 Rep 1,161 Posts Drives: 01 M Coupe, 08 135i, '12 328i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0)	Correction Alex: One Helix Plaza 2424 Martha Street Philadelphia, PA 19125
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09-25-2007, 07:48 PM	#40
itsbrokeagain 310 Rep 15,745 Posts Drives: 1999 528iT, E53 X5, E46 325xi Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Strong Island iTrader: (7)	Looks to be an interesting piece as well. Im looking forward to how it turns out and the results.
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09-30-2007, 05:48 PM	#41
TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management Major 80 Rep 1,283 Posts Drives: 2012 Abarth 500 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (3)	heres some installed pics! installed the FMIC today, it fits just fine albeit a little tight. I am going to get some silicone shipped out to me asap for testing purposes, but I'm also going to get some factory like billet couplers CNC'ed and TIG'ed on so the factory o-ringed charge pipes will clip right on. as expected this intercooler takes up almost all available space in the front of the car without altering anything [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG]
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2007, 07:41 PM	#42
itsbrokeagain 310 Rep 15,745 Posts Drives: 1999 528iT, E53 X5, E46 325xi Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Strong Island iTrader: (7)	in reference to the last post about overheating, the autos overheat faster than the manuals, not the other way around. Im sure with the cooler weather out it should be ok for track use. The radiator does a fine job, but the oil cooler is what I would really like to see. And I hear there is better results with Castrol TWS 10w-60 oil (Used for the M engines) for track use. Someone on here used it and did not see oil temps beyond 240-250 all day. And some people forget that even though we have an intercooler at the bottom, you still have the two kidney grilles feeding the radiator...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-01-2007, 02:47 AM	#44
Neema Major General 788 Rep 7,246 Posts Drives: a few BMWs Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (12)	i really like this one becuase it looks fine and doesnt require any cutting or other modifications __________________ LTMW Widebody+1M front bumper+Slek CF Lip\|M3 Hood\|StopTech BBK\|M-Sport Rear Bumper+DD CF Diffuser\|Custom Recaro Seats\|KW V2\|BavX LS3\|M3 Side Skirts+Custom CF Lip\|BBS CHR 19x10.5+BBS Lugs\|LCI Taillights\|RD Sport Anti-Sway Bars\|GIAC S2\|ER Intercooler+CF Shroud+Charge Pipe\|Tial BOV\|Injen Intake\|MS downpipes\|Custom Exhaust\|BMS Oil Catch Can\|M3 DCT wheel+TiD CF Paddles\|BMW CF Trunk Spoiler\|Aluminum Pedals
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