What couplers for HPF intercooler?

vasillalov · 08-31-2011, 11:24 AM

I am interested in buying the HPF intercooler, but I really don't care for the stock couplers with the c-camps. So I was getting ready to order one unit with regular couplers but HPF does not sell any silicone couplers.

So, can anyone recommend a set of silicone couplers that I can purchase for the HPF intercooler?

If not, I am considering the AMS unit since their size is pretty much the same as HPF, their end tanks are virtually identical and they do come with silicone couplers.

Thanks in advance.

BMWsky · 08-31-2011, 12:05 PM

ER has some really nice couplers which you can order seperate from their FMIC.

vasillalov · 08-31-2011, 12:26 PM

Thanks. Unfortunately, they only seem to have straight couplers.

Brey335i · 08-31-2011, 01:47 PM

I'd just buy a FMIC with couplers that are made to fit. Seems like less of a headache.

vasillalov · 08-31-2011, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brey335i

I'd just buy a FMIC with couplers that are made to fit. Seems like less of a headache.

True!

Mr. Nice · 08-31-2011, 02:29 PM

HPF is 815 cubic inches AMS is 720. Doubt there is any noticeable difference between the two, but I also doubt there is a noticeable difference between the stock couplers and silicone couplers, other than the ease of install and removal. AMS is great so go for that one if want one that comes with couplers. Otherwise if you contact Lutz and order the HPF through them, I'm sure they would include couplers for you, they just did a group buy not too long ago.

vasillalov · 08-31-2011, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Nice

... Otherwise if you contact Lutz and order the HPF through them, I'm sure they would include couplers for you, they just did a group buy not too long ago.

Thanks for the heads up!

I already talked to Lutz. They did not have any couplers, nor did HPF. They said this is because there are too many charge pipe variations and they don't stock couplers.

Yeah, I know about AMS being a bit smaller in volume than HPF. I do like both of their end tank designs. The dimensions are close with in each other too. The AMS unit comes with good couplers, but the HPF one comes with additional brackets for supporting it from below which I also like...

BMWsky · 08-31-2011, 03:30 PM

What's the size of the couplers? Are they 2.5"? Maybe Stett carries some.

vasillalov · 08-31-2011, 03:47 PM

Just called HPF directly to clarify things up a bit on the couplers. It is confirmed: if you want an intercooler without the OEM c-clamps, you need to source your own couplers.

Side note:

I know this will probably cause a lot of people to laugh and be generally negative, but they told me that the HPF intercooler will OEM c-clamps will work with their Stage 1 single turbo kit. I was told that they are currently making a batch of the exhaust manifolds. They will be releasing it in 3 months and it will come with a new charge pipe which will connect to intercooler with OEM style c-clamp.

It should be really interesting to see HPF will meet their own timeline: 3 months for Stage 1 single turbo.

08-31-2011, 11:24 AM	#1
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1221 Rep 5,458 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	What couplers for HPF intercooler? I am interested in buying the HPF intercooler, but I really don't care for the stock couplers with the c-camps. So I was getting ready to order one unit with regular couplers but HPF does not sell any silicone couplers. So, can anyone recommend a set of silicone couplers that I can purchase for the HPF intercooler? If not, I am considering the AMS unit since their size is pretty much the same as HPF, their end tanks are virtually identical and they do come with silicone couplers. Thanks in advance. __________________
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08-31-2011, 12:05 PM	#2
BMWsky Major 27 Rep 1,244 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Webster NY iTrader: (1)	ER has some really nice couplers which you can order seperate from their FMIC.
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08-31-2011, 12:26 PM	#3
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1221 Rep 5,458 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	Thanks. Unfortunately, they only seem to have straight couplers. __________________
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08-31-2011, 01:47 PM	#4
Brey335i Banned 122 Rep 4,771 Posts Drives: e46 ///M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (11)	I'd just buy a FMIC with couplers that are made to fit. Seems like less of a headache.
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08-31-2011, 03:30 PM	#8
BMWsky Major 27 Rep 1,244 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Webster NY iTrader: (1)	What's the size of the couplers? Are they 2.5"? Maybe Stett carries some.
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08-31-2011, 03:47 PM	#9
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1221 Rep 5,458 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	Just called HPF directly to clarify things up a bit on the couplers. It is confirmed: if you want an intercooler without the OEM c-clamps, you need to source your own couplers. Side note: I know this will probably cause a lot of people to laugh and be generally negative, but they told me that the HPF intercooler will OEM c-clamps will work with their Stage 1 single turbo kit. I was told that they are currently making a batch of the exhaust manifolds. They will be releasing it in 3 months and it will come with a new charge pipe which will connect to intercooler with OEM style c-clamp. It should be really interesting to see HPF will meet their own timeline: 3 months for Stage 1 single turbo. __________________
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