[fedinand]

Has anyone gone from stage 2 to just adding the intercooler? Impressions please if you have...I am considering adding just the intercooler to stage 2 w/out going full stage 3. TIA

[tintivilus]

Why? The whole point of the Stage III software is that it includes tweaks for the intercooler. If you're not getting the Dinan SW you might as well at least get a cheaper non-Dinan IC.

[fedinand]

Originally Posted by tintivilus

Why? The whole point of the Stage III software is that it includes tweaks for the intercooler. If you're not getting the Dinan SW you might as well at least get a cheaper non-Dinan IC.

I have stage 2 now, but don't want to spend an arm and a leg on stage 3...I want to know if there are any gains w/ just the intercooler added to stage 2. A less expensive non-Dinan intercooler would make the Dinan warranty worthless.

[vegasspeed]

I have just the intercooler, oil cooler and exhaust and I don't notice much of a difference. The software does most of the work tuning the car. I would NOT buy it if are not upgrading the software package. It will probably extend the length of your turbo system but you will not feel much right now.

NOTE: I am waiting for the updated stage 3 software for DME 81.0. That is the reason I am in limbo without a software upgrade.

[fedinand]

So you are not running a Dinan flash of any sort? Since I already have the flash, I want input from folks who have stage 2 + intercooler. I would agree that if you don't have a tune, the intercooler would not be worth it.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by fedinand

So you are not running a Dinan flash of any sort? Since I already have the flash, I want input from folks who have stage 2 + intercooler. I would agree that if you don't have a tune, the intercooler would not be worth it.

I think both sparkplug and funkdoc are running Stage II + FMIC...if I remember correctly

[M4TW]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

I think both sparkplug and funkdoc are running Stage II + FMIC...if I remember correctly

Sure am.

Here is my review

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...unkdoc+special

When Stage II rev 2 is loaded it asks if it has the Dinan FMIC. It doesn't load the full bore Stage III, but I think it loads the same or nearly the same map (just with slightly less boost). In both cases the power/torque is instant-on and doesn't fade until redline. It has only gotten better for me, even in the mid-range.

There is a huge advantage to the bigger FMIC, primarily that the turbos do not have to work as hard to make the same boost as well as better performance (only 9 hp diff. between Stage II.5 and Stage III).

I'm VERY happy with how my car is performing with this set-up. I have no particular yearning to add more. And I don't think it's necessary for me to add the expensive Oil Cooler. If my car starts running hot, I'll reconsider.

Until then, I'm still groovin'.

[fedinand]

Did you get the fmic with the revision to stage 2? Great review btw. I think I'm probably going to go the route you did.

[M4TW]

Yeah, I had what I call Flash Classic and then updated to Stage II rev. 2 at the same time that I got the FMIC.

[funkdoc]

Do it. There's not substantial number gains with just an intercooler on top of stage 2, but you get more consistent power in the heat by lowering iats, and the lower pressure drop is a plus on the top end-a few hp. My combo of stage 2, dinan intercooler,and catback eliminating 2nd cat is very satisfying and has knocked off almost .2 secs and gained 1.5-2 mph on my g-tech times. Plus, you retain the warranty with their intercooler and you could step up to stage 3 in the future if it doesn't tickle your fancy enough....

[fedinand]

Originally Posted by funkdoc

Do it. There's not substantial number gains with just an intercooler on top of stage 2, but you get more consistent power in the heat by lowering iats, and the lower pressure drop is a plus on the top end-a few hp. My combo of stage 2, dinan intercooler,and catback eliminating 2nd cat is very satisfying and has knocked off almost .2 secs and gained 1.5-2 mph on my g-tech times. Plus, you retain the warranty with their intercooler and you could step up to stage 3 in the future if it doesn't tickle your fancy enough....

That is exactly what I am thinking - already have the exhaust and will probably step up for the fmic soon. Thanks for the info folks

[StarrDlux]

do it but you get free upgrade to stage 3 with dinan intercooler?? if you don't use dinan intercooler good bye warranty from dinan (and bmw). $2K for a cheap spearco lol.

[M4TW]

Originally Posted by StarrDlux

do it but you get free upgrade to stage 3 with dinan intercooler?? if you don't use dinan intercooler good bye warranty from dinan (and bmw). $2K for a cheap spearco lol.

The Stage III software upgrade (II to III) costs $500, which is well enough in my books except they won't sell you the upgrade unless you have the Dinan Oil Cooler rather than the factory one.

[matreyia]

Originally Posted by M4TW

Sure am.

Here is my review

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...unkdoc+special

When Stage II rev 2 is loaded it asks if it has the Dinan FMIC. It doesn't load the full bore Stage III, but I think it loads the same or nearly the same map (just with slightly less boost). In both cases the power/torque is instant-on and doesn't fade until redline. It has only gotten better for me, even in the mid-range.

There is a huge advantage to the bigger FMIC, primarily that the turbos do not have to work as hard to make the same boost as well as better performance (only 9 hp diff. between Stage II.5 and Stage III).

I'm VERY happy with how my car is performing with this set-up. I have no particular yearning to add more. And I don't think it's necessary for me to add the expensive Oil Cooler. If my car starts running hot, I'll reconsider.

Until then, I'm still groovin'.

I just called Dinan headquarters today and asked them if I needed a Stage "2.5" revision update after I install the intercooler and they laughed at me. They said they have no idea what I was talking about and that there is only one Stage 2 software ...and that version automatically adapts to the intake, exhaust, and intercooler as you add them along the way. So there is no need to add any "revision 2.5" - because it doesn't exist according to them.

So where are you getting this information? Are they lying to me?
Thanks.

VT

[Ingeniator]

Originally Posted by matreyia

I just called Dinan headquarters today and asked them if I needed a Stage "2.5" revision update after I install the intercooler and they laughed at me. They said they have no idea what I was talking about and that there is only one Stage 2 software ...and that version automatically adapts to the intake, exhaust, and intercooler as you add them along the way. So there is no need to add any "revision 2.5" - because it doesn't exist according to them.

So where are you getting this information? Are they lying to me?
Thanks.

VT

I'm thinking this is @Tiago@VRSF trolling us so that we won't buy Dinan. Seriously If you want to Necro a thread at least read it.