[Alex@AKMotorwerk]

Originally Posted by scalbert

Just FYI, I haven't gotten much done today as I was tied upt his morning and then did a V3 install for a local. But what I have done has taught me that there is significant trimming needed for the Helix IC. I beleive I have it done but still need to clean up the edges. I should be able to wrap this up tomorrow as we have an event to attend this evening.

And yes, I have taken pictures of the needed trimming.

Hmmmm... trimming with the Helix IC huh? I thought they claimed "direct bolt on, no trimming needed"?

can't wait to see the pics you took, this is good info... thanks again

[Park2670]

Originally Posted by nj323ci

Hmmmm... trimming with the Helix IC huh? I thought they claimed "direct bolt on, no trimming needed"?

+1. I wonder why they claim no trimming?

[Hit_Apex]

Consider replacing the torx fat-head heatshield bolt that interferes with the rear DP with a flush-head. It took me a while to realize this bolt head was preventing the flange from seating as I fumbled endlessly with the v-band.

[Sniz]

keep at it.

I installed my helix and UR downpipes myself w/ the help of a friend. It can be done.

those are 2 great mods.

[TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management]

Originally Posted by Park2670

+1. I wonder why they claim no trimming?

we have not had to trim anything on any in house install, also the entire last production run of FMICs also had no install issues that were presented to us.

2 possibilities
-there may possibly be some differences in "some" cars as all of the FMIC's are exactly the same.
-The FMIC is being installed in a manner different than we have done. Its a very very tight fit during install and I can see how the way its installed can cause confusion and trimming. IE: The prototype was installed on my car without trimming BUT the forum member(SNIZ ^) I sold it to did some trimming(didn't have to) as its very tight. The FMIC takes up most of the available space in the front of the car as I designed it to seal off this area so the air had to go through the core.

during the design phase I measured a 335i coupe and sedan for this design at a local dealership (prior to thge purchase of my car) I then went out and did hand drawings that led to cad and solid works renderings then on to production. The aforementioned prototype fit into my car like a very tight glove(exactly as I planned it to) since the we have done a complete production run with no issues ie the statement of no install issues because there were NONE. Our 135i fitment does require trimming and we state that. we will begin looking into if there are infact changes BMW made to the cowl and affected area that would cause trimming to be neccesary on some cars. If this is the case we will state that trimming may be neccesary on some cars.

2 sets of hands hands to install and eye things as they go in are obviously invaluable.

[Alex@AKMotorwerk]

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

we have not had to trim anything on any in house install, also the last production run of FMICs also had no install issues. 2 possibilities
-there may possibly be some differences in "some" cars as all of the FMIC's are exactly the same.
-The FMIC is being installed in a manner different than we have done. Its a very very tight fit during install and I can see how the way its installed can cause confusion and trimming. IE: The prototype was installed on my car without trimming BUT the forum member I sold it to did some trimming(didn't have to) as its very tight. The FMIC takes up most of the available space in the front of the car as I designed it to seal off this area so the air had to go through the core.

Any "tips" for installing the Helix FMIC without having to do any trimming?

[TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management]

Originally Posted by nj323ci

Any "tips" for installing the Helix FMIC without having to do any trimming?

2 sets of hand and eyes really go a long way. with this design we are dodging some parts as it goes up in to its final "resting" place. its tight on all sides of the fmic but once you do it, its easy. also lining the fmic up from underneath to the mounting holes(where the screws go in) helps to insure you have no interference along the sides. you may also have to slightly pull the fan shroud back or the cowl slightly forward to get it to slip in. we have done it simply jacked up off the the dyno rollers when we were doig before and after testing. but Ant and I do ALOT of installs and know what to look for. If you have any issues where you think you need to trim. let us give it a try or give Ant a ring you know his #

[Alex@AKMotorwerk]

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

2 sets of hand and eyes really go a long way. with this design we are dodging some parts as it goes up in to its final "resting" place. its tight on all sides of the fmic but once you do it, its easy. also lining the fmic up from underneath to the mounting holes(where the screws go in) helps to insure you have no interference along the sides. you may also have to slightly pull the fan shroud back or the cowl slightly forward to get it to slip in. we have done it simply jacked up off the the dyno rollers when we were doig before and after testing. but Ant and I do ALOT of installs and know what to look for. If you have any issues where you think you need to trim. let us give it a try or give Ant a ring you know his #

Great info... thanks Mark

[Park2670]

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

we have not had to trim anything on any in house install, also the entire last production run of FMICs also had no install issues that were presented to us.

2 sets of hands hands to install and eye things as they go in are obviously invaluable.

Thank you very much for your informative post. Great vendor to describe the research that has gone into your product. A+

[Tuned335i]

Originally Posted by Park2670

Thank you very much for your informative post. Great vendor to describe the research that has gone into your product. A+

+1

I want to do the FMIC install, but any trimming rules that mod out for me. If the Helix can go in without trimming, that will be my next mod. My car is an early 2007 production, so hopefully it's similar to the one Helix used to design the FMIC and it will fit without trimming

[scalbert]

An update:

I got a little over an hour to mess around with it again today and got the IC installed. I haven't gotten to drive it as it is still on the stands and will remain that way until the DP's are installed tomorrow or Tuesday. But I did warm it up to check for any potential leaks I may have caused in other areas.

It would have been beneficial to have a hand in this but can be done alone. As for no cutting needed; it may be possible with an extra hand but did not appear to be so on my car. Where the IC ended up and where factory plastic pieces were located would have occupied the same space. That said, I have no issues with some trimming and grinding. I have installed countless IC's as well as designing one myself and most have some minor changes needed as the OEM builds change from time to time.

Below are the images from the install to highlight what I trimmed and the final installation images.

Drivers Side



Passenger Side

Removed the piece circled:





Even where I trimmed, the IC was still contacting that area. It is very difficult to see but the top corner of the IC is touching here:



Installation Images:





As mentioned, I will be performing the DP installation tomorrow or Tuesday which should go smoothly as I have done this before.

[SfValley335i]

Do you like orange peel?

[M_M]

I received mine last Friday too, fast shipping! but still haven't got time to install it yet.

Originally Posted by scalbert

Yes, I was late to the GB but got it in earlier this week and they arrived yesterday.

[Tuned335i]

Subscribed!!!

[AV9]

thnx for sharing!

[Tuned335i]

Originally Posted by SfValley335i

Do you like orange peel?

That might be the texture of the clear bra (assuming he has one...) Doesn't look smooth enough to be paint (even with BMW's crappy factory-installed orange peel...)

[scalbert]

Originally Posted by SfValley335i

Do you like orange peel?

It is dirty and the way the light is reflecting gives that appearance.

[DrewKo]

Man, wish I could have been there to help out. I'm still pretty much sick.

Glad to see things are moving along. I can't wait to ride in your car when you are finished up.

[Mr. 5]

You are going to have a crap load of fun installing those DPs.
It took me about 8 hours on ramps lieing on my back.

I did have my daughter that I was kind of watching at the same time.
She was in her pack and play playing with tools.

My next DP installation took 4 hours but that was using a lift.

[SfValley335i]

I think DP's and FMIC are both equally pain in the ass to install.

[scalbert]

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

You are going to have a crap load of fun installing those DPs.
It took me about 8 hours on ramps lieing on my back.

I did have my daughter that I was kind of watching at the same time.
She was in her pack and play playing with tools.

My next DP installation took 4 hours but that was using a lift.

The last ones I did took less than 4 hours and was also in my garage. I expect it to take less time this time around. IMO, this is a breeze compared to B5 S4 DP's.

[cliverman]

scalbert - you are the man! FMIC and DPs all in one swoop! No children injured is also a plus. I'm on my way to Ga. to see this beast. Congrats and kudos on the DIY thread. Sub'd.