[andrewsmith335i]

Anyone here running an ARM 7" FMIC. Thinking of getting one for my 335 and would love to hear what you guys have to say about them! Thanks.

[Rule1977]

Originally Posted by andrewsmith335i

Anyone here running an ARM 7" FMIC. Thinking of getting one for my 335 and would love to hear what you guys have to say about them! Thanks.

If you're going with ARM I would go with their 7.5" Race.. it's a lot better IMO.

[_N54]

I have the 5" and it fit normal, but I sorta regret getting such a small upgrade. Someone local has the 7" and he said the fitment wasn't that great, but maybe it's improved over time.

[Smgs1992]

VRSF is better imo ive seen some pretty bad welds on the ARM intercooler

[Rule1977]

Originally Posted by Smgs1992

VRSF is better imo ive seen some pretty bad welds on the ARM intercooler

Agreed about VRSF but the ARM 7.5" Race looks pretty good and to be honest it looks identical to the VRSF and BMS 7.5" Race. I personally don't like the stock connections that ARM uses on it's other intercoolers and if I were to buy one with stock connections it would be the CSF.

[mike@x-ph.com]

We have not had any issues with ARM quality, they certainly stepped up their game. When reading ARM reviews, make sure its recent as they upgraded most of their product line.

[andrewsmith335i]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

We have not had any issues with ARM quality, they certainly stepped up their game. When reading ARM reviews, make sure its recent as they upgraded most of their product line.

Thank you!

[Bimmer_Bro]

Originally Posted by andrewsmith335i

Anyone here running an ARM 7" FMIC. Thinking of getting one for my 335 and would love to hear what you guys have to say about them! Thanks.

What ever brand you choose, I would avoid ones that use the stock connections. They are prone to leaking and you will always be replacing those stupid rubber seals. Even with new seals mine leaks a bit. Next time I will be getting an intercooler that uses rubber couplers and clamps. Far less annoying and less hassle.

[_N54]

Originally Posted by Bimmer_Bro

What ever brand you choose, I would avoid ones that use the stock connections. They are prone to leaking and you will always be replacing those stupid rubber seals. Even with new seals mine leaks a bit. Next time I will be getting an intercooler that uses rubber couplers and clamps. Far less annoying and less hassle.

Very true. I'm leaning towards the CTS as a future upgrade. I had their product on my 2016 GTI and everything was always spot on.

https://x-ph.com/cts-turbo-bmw-e9x-n...it-direct-fit/

[Rule1977]

Originally Posted by ///S58

Very true. I'm leaning towards the CTS as a future upgrade. I had their product on my 2016 GTI and everything was always spot on.

https://x-ph.com/cts-turbo-bmw-e9x-n...it-direct-fit/

Man the fin density on that intercooler does not good at all.

[_N54]

Originally Posted by Rule1977

Man the fin density on that intercooler does not good at all.

You think it sucks at cooling down the temps?

[Rule1977]

Originally Posted by ///S58

You think it sucks at cooling down the temps?

I think based on what I can see there are much better fmic's.

The fin density looks a lot like the old VRSF 7" and it didn't do a very good job.

[Rule1977]

VRSF 7.5" fin density. Their 5" is the same.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by ///S58

Very true. I'm leaning towards the CTS as a future upgrade. I had their product on my 2016 GTI and everything was always spot on.

https://x-ph.com/cts-turbo-bmw-e9x-n...it-direct-fit/

CTS makes quality products

Originally Posted by Rule1977

Man the fin density on that intercooler does not good at all.

Fin density is one aspect of what makes an intercooler good, it's about balance when it comes to intercoolers or else all companies would use the highest possible density core.

Higher fin density leads to a heavier intercooler which leads to a slower recovery. It also could lead to a higher pressure airdrop which results in a turbo lag.

As I said earlier, it's all about finding the perfect balance. Without data, it's almost impossible to make a final decision on any intercooler (unless its poorly designed or finished)

Your power goals, application and ambient temps in your area play a big role in what kind of intercooler you need.

And last but not least, your budget

[Rule1977]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

CTS makes quality products

Fin density is one aspect of what makes an intercooler good, it's about balance when it comes to intercoolers or else all companies would use the highest possible density core.

Higher fin density leads to a heavier intercooler which leads to a slower recovery. It also could lead to a higher pressure airdrop which results in a turbo lag.

As I said earlier, it's all about finding the perfect balance. Without data, it's almost impossible to make a final decision on any intercooler (unless its poorly design or finished)

Your power goals, application and ambient temps in your area play a big role in what kind of intercooler you need.

And last but not least, your budget

Agreed. I will say I have the VRSF 7.5" Race on stock turbos and I personally can't tell a difference as far as lag compared to the stock fmic. IAT's will actually drop during a pull. It's a pretty amazing intercooler IMO.

[Tiago@VRSF]

OEM connectors on a 7" FMIC are a contradiction considering that the OEM connectors neck down to less than 2" which the largest bottleneck in the intake tract aside from the pancaked outlets. They're also prone to leaking when pushing higher than stock boost levels which will prematurely wear your turbos.

Replacing the OEM connectors takes less than 30 minutes and will ensure that you don't have to buy a more free flowing intercooler in the future.

OEM connectors are fine for cars running stock boost or near stock boost levels but they aren't suitable for anyone looking to push more than 375-400whp.

[RoughKnight]

dont waste your money and get the hose upgrade, the clamps that come with it are usually wrong. I ended up running gear wire clamps for every connection so far. but it keeps the IAT's down like a mf. Get the 7.5".