[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by tc535i

they all use factory size connections. The only difference is the ones that actually use FACTORY CONNECTIONS keep the stock clip-on hose fitting. Otherwise you use hose clamps, which are nowhere near as fool-proof and reliable.

This is incorrect. We replace the restrictive factory connectors (which neck down to 2") with better flowing 2.75" connectors.

While the OEM connections are a bit easier to install, they are a large restriction on the intake tract and are easily the biggest bottle neck in the intercooler tract. I wouldn't say they are completely reliable either on a tuned car, look at a tuned car running the stock FMIC and you'll see quite a bit of oil around the hot side intercooler inlet.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by BlueBimmer

Another stupid question: I didn't think the size of the connection had anything to do with it, isn't it all about the cooling happening inside. I though a smaller connection means less drop in pressure which I think is better right?

Do both the VRSF FMICs use the factory connections or are those changed out during install?

The smaller connection actually creates MORE back pressure because it's a restriction in the intake path. We were able to decrease the pressure drop from our V1 OEM connector intercooler by .3psi just from switching to the more free flowing 2.75" connectors.

The 2" intake tract is fine for OEM boost levels but when increasing airflow there are large gains when going with 2.5"+ piping. This isn't something specific to VRSF, the ETS, AMS, ER, AA, Helix intercoolers all replace the restrictive OEM connectors for a reason

[iturbo_bmw]

Originally Posted by BlueBimmer

I too thought it was excessive but even at 25-30 hp it's still noticeable and it's a custom map so who knows. I'm not sure how much of your statement is sarcasm though - lol. Do you really feel you should've gotten the bigger one?

ooh ok yea running a more aggressive map will give u more power, but the power mostly comes from the tuning and not the intercooler so i guess essentially u do get the much because of an intercooler

yes and no. no i don't really need a bigger one, but it wouldn't hurt. basically its just easier to get the 7inch the first time, its only a lil bit extra and pretty much as far u can go with intercoolers and then u wont ever have to deal with again

[Nguyenhu0106]

in my experience in how it works and how it affected my car... all i can say is.. it did not increase HP or at least I couldn't feel it. in my car after my tune at high RPM's the power drop was very noticeable and that's because with the increase boost.. this also increased intake volume, to the point where the stock FMIC can no longer keep up with the cooling of the air coming in. as a result the AIT rises and to keep the car from detonating, the car retards the timing. loss of power in the top end.

What advantage you get from the upgraded FMIC is the increased ability to cool larger volume of air. as a result the car will no long drop in power in high rpm. meaning you just keep the power you have but longer.

i suppose what the tuner meant is... if you upgrade your FMIC and add a DP and a new intake, you can run a more aggressive map.. as a result you would gain more HP...

but what i am trying to say is.. if you have an established tune and you just add a FMIC... it will not directly increase HP without a retune.

[BlueBimmer]

Originally Posted by Nguyenhu0106

in my experience in how it works and how it affected my car... all i can say is.. it did not increase HP or at least I couldn't feel it. in my car after my tune at high RPM's the power drop was very noticeable and that's because with the increase boost.. this also increased intake volume, to the point where the stock FMIC can no longer keep up with the cooling of the air coming in. as a result the AIT rises and to keep the car from detonating, the car retards the timing. loss of power in the top end.

What advantage you get from the upgraded FMIC is the increased ability to cool larger volume of air. as a result the car will no long drop in power in high rpm. meaning you just keep the power you have but longer.

i suppose what the tuner meant is... if you upgrade your FMIC and add a DP and a new intake, you can run a more aggressive map.. as a result you would gain more HP...

but what i am trying to say is.. if you have an established tune and you just add a FMIC... it will not directly increase HP without a retune.

When you say 'drop in power at high RPM' what range are you talking about. Above say 4000 or above 6000 or even higher.
The higher it is the less likely I'll notice it unless I'm really on the pedal which is rare. But if it's noticeable above 4k then it's definitely something I'll feel often.

[Eat.Sleep.Race]

5inch will offer less pressure drop, if your stock turbo go with 5 inch VRSF, ETS, or AMS

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by Eat.Sleep.Race

5inch will offer less pressure drop, if your stock turbo go with 5 inch VRSF, ETS, or AMS

While I'll agree that the 5" will have less pressure drop, we've made more power on the 7" than the 5" on the same FBO stock turbo car without any noticeable lag or loss of response. I generally only recommend the 5" model for those not interested in cutting/trimming the shroud.

[jskin1510]

Originally Posted by Nguyenhu0106

What advantage you get from the upgraded FMIC is the increased ability to cool larger volume of air. as a result the car will no long drop in power in high rpm. meaning you just keep the power you have but longer.

i suppose what the tuner meant is... if you upgrade your FMIC and add a DP and a new intake, you can run a more aggressive map.. as a result you would gain more HP...

but what i am trying to say is.. if you have an established tune and you just add a FMIC... it will not directly increase HP without a retune.

I know this is an old thread but had searched and didn't find the answer. Going along with the above quote... My question on this is will I still see gains or would it be worth it to have an upgraded FMIC on a Daily Driver (that of course gets some spirited driving) if I'm not doing many back to back hard pulls or tracking where you are driving hard for long periods of time? I just didn't know if I would still see gains and if it would be worth it in my situation.

[Tiago@VRSF]

You will absolutely see gains on a daily. You're engine will run healthier due to the knock suppression from the lower intake temps, you'll make more power in any condition whether it's a single pull or back to back and you will free up the restriction in the intake tract.