[Eno335]

Ok well Im converting my stock front bumper to a M3 rep bumper.. So I figured I'd buy a VRSF 7" intercooler and install at the same time when I put the M3 rep on.. I dont plan on doing much of any other mods as of right now due to warranty so I was wondering will it be a problem if I install the 7" intercooler without any other mods?? Will I major pressure drops being all stock??? Sorry for the newb question but I dont want to run into problems if I do install it..

Thanks!!!

[N8N]

there is absolutely no problem upgrading the intercooler. Theoretically you might notice slightly more turbo lag due to the increased volume of air between the turbos and the intake valves but in practice I seriously doubt that you could detect the difference. The cooler IATs will be good for the engine when you are not beating on it. In short there is nothing bad that can come with this except for an overzealous SA at the dealership noticing and saying something about it.

I just had the same IC installed just the other day, haven't had a chance to even reflash yet though much less drive the car. (I have the Cobb AP, was running Stage 1, now I can run Stage 1 +FMIC)

[Eno335]

Originally Posted by N8N

there is absolutely no problem upgrading the intercooler. Theoretically you might notice slightly more turbo lag due to the increased volume of air between the turbos and the intake valves but in practice I seriously doubt that you could detect the difference. The cooler IATs will be good for the engine when you are not beating on it. In short there is nothing bad that can come with this except for an overzealous SA at the dealership noticing and saying something about it.

I just had the same IC installed just the other day, haven't had a chance to even reflash yet though much less drive the car. (I have the Cobb AP, was running Stage 1, now I can run Stage 1 +FMIC)

Thanks for the info! Ya I was just unsure about how noticeable the pressure drop / turbo lag there would be.. Would tune, intake, and say down pipes help limit pressure drops in the future or does that not matter??

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

No problem. I would definitely get a tune though. Best bang for the buck mod.

Technically you can install an intercooler without removing the bumper btw.

Pressure drop is there on paper but negligible when tuned. These twin turbo's spool fast enough for that to not be an issue.

[Eno335]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

No problem. I would definitely get a tune though. Best bang for the buck mod.

Technically you can install an intercooler without removing the bumper btw.

Pressure drop is there on paper but negligible when tuned. These twin turbo's spool fast enough for that to not be an issue.

Cool ya I just figured I'd do everything when I take the front bumper off to make things a bit easier.. But ya I'm thinking about Cobb eventually here soon until warranty ends then maybe Jb4.. We'll see

[N8N]

honestly if you're taking the bumper off to install the IC - and mine did come off to install the 7" VRSF (you might be able to sneak the 5" in without removing the bumper) - the logical "while you're in there" mod would be an oil cooler. I didn't do it because I'm not working right now and I'm hoping to pick up a used one off the forums and hopefully install myself to save some ducats.

The logical next mod to your car would be a tune, e.g. Cobb, JB4, or Procede. I'm running Cobb but there is no one clear winner as to who is best, I did my research and decided Cobb was best for me but your needs/wants may be different.

Downpipes and an intake might make more power but aren't really a "while you're in there" mod for an intercooler. If you go for an intake I would recommend looking for one that is a true cold air intake, there's a lot of intakes on the market (not just for BMWs) that are basically a pipe and a cone filter, those can make good power on the dyno but in the real world will lose power because they're sucking hot air from the underhood area.

good luck and have fun!

[Eno335]

Originally Posted by N8N

honestly if you're taking the bumper off to install the IC - and mine did come off to install the 7" VRSF (you might be able to sneak the 5" in without removing the bumper) - the logical "while you're in there" mod would be an oil cooler. I didn't do it because I'm not working right now and I'm hoping to pick up a used one off the forums and hopefully install myself to save some ducats.

The logical next mod to your car would be a tune, e.g. Cobb, JB4, or Procede. I'm running Cobb but there is no one clear winner as to who is best, I did my research and decided Cobb was best for me but your needs/wants may be different.

Downpipes and an intake might make more power but aren't really a "while you're in there" mod for an intercooler. If you go for an intake I would recommend looking for one that is a true cold air intake, there's a lot of intakes on the market (not just for BMWs) that are basically a pipe and a cone filter, those can make good power on the dyno but in the real world will lose power because they're sucking hot air from the underhood area.

good luck and have fun!

Ya I think the order I'm going things would be - Note with warranty ( RPI scoops, Intake, and Cobb.. Without warranty ( down pipes, exhaust, and down the road always different turbos maybe) :

[Tiago@VRSF]

No problem at all

Here's a picture of what it'll look like:

[Eno335]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

No problem at all

Here's a picture of what it'll look like:

^ Seen this Mine is going to be exactly the same but in Monaco Blue and a adding a lip eventually.. Cant wait to install the intercooler! Read a lot on VRSF

[Rookie83]

I installed my 7" vrsf last weekend and if you have a lift its pretty easy. Taking my time it took me like 2.5 hrs. Didnt have to remove the bumper or fan. Love it so far!

[Eno335]

Originally Posted by Rookie83

I installed my 7" vrsf last weekend and if you have a lift its pretty easy. Taking my time it took me like 2.5 hrs. Didnt have to remove the bumper or fan. Love it so far!

Good to know Thanks!