[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by Bimmer This

As long as it doesn't leak boost pressure, I don't see anything wrong with running an eBay IC.

There's way more to an intercooler than leaking boost. Core type, fin design, end tank design & the actual quality are huge factors. I've been fortunate enough to see plenty of ebay intercoolers in person and there's been quite a few that have had loose weld sludge inside the core just waiting to make its way into your engine.

Not saying you'll notice this in every ebay/cheap intercooler but losing a motor because you decided to save a hundred bucks or so seems like a poor choice to me.

[Shellacked135i]

Originally Posted by tvieira24

There's way more to an intercooler than leaking boost. Core type, fin design, end tank design & the actual quality are huge factors. I've been fortunate enough to see plenty of ebay intercoolers in person and there's been quite a few that have had loose weld sludge inside the core just waiting to make its way into your engine.

Not saying you'll notice this in every ebay/cheap intercooler but losing a motor because you decided to save a hundred bucks or so seems like a poor choice to me.

True, there are many things to factor in when purchasing an intercooler.

Quality
Core Design
End Tank Design
Modifications Necessary to your vehicle
Core Size/Volume
Charge pipe hook up and size
Pressure Loss

[Bimmer This]

Originally Posted by tvieira24

There's way more to an intercooler than leaking boost. Core type, fin design, end tank design & the actual quality are huge factors. I've been fortunate enough to see plenty of ebay intercoolers in person and there's been quite a few that have had loose weld sludge inside the core just waiting to make its way into your engine.

Not saying you'll notice this in every ebay/cheap intercooler but losing a motor because you decided to save a hundred bucks or so seems like a poor choice to me.

Of course I know that! What I was trying to say is that all IC's have the same functions. Apprently the OP didn't want to spend a lot of money on an IC and was wondering.

[Xx__xs]

Interesting points guys. I didnt know about the cutting of the bumper though...

Guess I'll have to save up for the ETS then. 400 bucks left lol

[Big Tom]

Originally Posted by System Of A...

Interesting points guys. I didnt know about the cutting of the bumper though...

Guess I'll have to save up for the ETS then. 400 bucks left lol

No cutting is required on the bumper, I don't know where you guys got that from?
It's the exactly same amount of cutting as with the AA IC.

I did all the installation work on my driveway by my self, while watching over my two kids at the same time.
I really think the work involved installing the BigTomIC is way to much exaggerated...

[Xx__xs]

Originally Posted by Big Tom

No cutting is required on the bumper, I don't know where you guys got that from?
It's the exactly same amount of cutting as with the AA IC.

I did all the installation work on my driveway by my self, while watching over my two kids at the same time.
I really think the work involved installing the BigTomIC is way to much exaggerated...

Could a body shop do it with relative ease?

[**335i**]

OP check this topic http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=426942&page=7 only u cant get big toms ic in usa its in Sweden, only if u ship it overseas, and at the moment they are out of stock only will be possible in May, waiting by myself as well

[secretsquirrel]

Originally Posted by System Of A...

Could a body shop do it with relative ease?

Only if they are doing it by themselves while simultaneously watching 2 kids.

[Shellacked135i]

Originally Posted by Big Tom

No cutting is required on the bumper, I don't know where you guys got that from?
It's the exactly same amount of cutting as with the AA IC.

I did all the installation work on my driveway by my self, while watching over my two kids at the same time.
I really think the work involved installing the BigTomIC is way to much exaggerated...

So how much cutting is necessary of the AA IC and the one you have for those that dont know? For some people its not the amount of work, but the fact that they want to keep there vehicle close to OEM and as least intrusive as possible. I'm all for power, but some people have limitations for modifications.

[**335i**]

check here http://activeautowerke.com/pdf/product07a.pdf its tutorial so its very similar how u need install big toms ic as well