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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > N54 Turbo Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications - 335i > You get what you pay for?



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      06-02-2013, 02:01 AM   #1
Maxspeed
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I bought AR downpipes, and I love them! But I keep thinking I could have saved money by going with the VRSF ones. Im now in the market for a FMIC, and there's is only about $400 bucks! What do you guys think about there FMIC and chargepipe?

Or any other cheap brand intercoolers? And is a BOV or DV and chargepipe really necessary? I pls on running a mix of E85 once FBO, probably protuned at some point. Thanks!
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      06-02-2013, 02:34 AM   #2
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I've heard good things about the VRSF FMIC. Could be worth buying. Look out for generic (godspeed) fmics, as you'll spend about as much in labour butchering your bumper to get it to fit, than you would for a properly engineered FMIC like the VRSF.

I have an aftermarket chargepipe and the forge DVs. The factory DVs can have issues if you start running a lot of boost, same with the factory CP.

Also if you're thinking about running a piggyback + meth, a charge pipe that comes fitted with meth bungs is nice.
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      06-02-2013, 02:49 AM   #3
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Yeah I do want to run meth soon. I just don't know how to with Cobb. I don't want to switch to jb4, and I definitely want a fail safe!
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      06-02-2013, 05:23 AM   #4
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VRSF makes solid intercoolers, i'm very happy with mine. Frankly downpipes are just two pieces of piping, once they're on they all do the same thing...But fitment certainly has a relationship to price in that instance. BMS seems to make very good downpipes for a good cost, I held a set not long ago and they looked 99.9% identical to my Macht Schnell ones.
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      06-02-2013, 06:48 AM   #5
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BMS stuff is great , have the meth elbow and OCC , looks and performs great in my engine bay.

Meth - get the aquamist HFS-4 , just had it installed , brilliant system. Look in the sales threads , I got mine there. Or ebay.
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      06-02-2013, 07:22 AM   #6
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I got VRSF 7" FMIC and DP like them both great quality products couldn't go wrong.
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      06-02-2013, 07:34 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 135Pats View Post
VRSF makes solid intercoolers, i'm very happy with mine. Frankly downpipes are just two pieces of piping, once they're on they all do the same thing...But fitment certainly has a relationship to price in that instance. BMS seems to make very good downpipes for a good cost, I held a set not long ago and they looked 99.9% identical to my Macht Schnell ones.
I'm happy with my VRSF downpipes, too! The fitment was spot on, and Tiago is very helpful, should you run into issues.
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      06-02-2013, 07:57 AM   #8
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Yep, nothing beats AR quality. You may want to look into VSRF 5" intercooler or Wagner. Yes, you will want to upgrade your DVs and charge pipe if you'll be running higher boost w/meth. GL
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      06-02-2013, 10:48 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tinnsoldaten View Post
BMS stuff is great , have the meth elbow and OCC , looks and performs great in my engine bay.

Meth - get the aquamist HFS-4 , just had it installed , brilliant system. Look in the sales threads , I got mine there. Or ebay.
+1 on HFS-4, I don't run meth but I've driven in several N54s that do, there is no doubt in my mind it's the best and safest system on the market for this platform. Totally blows the other options out of the water.
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      06-02-2013, 10:52 AM   #10
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And dont forget Richard gives the best support ever with his product
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      06-02-2013, 01:45 PM   #11
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vrsf for the win..i love mine
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      06-02-2013, 02:47 PM   #12
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Looks like I'm going with the VRSF intercooler!
Now, as far as a chargepipe or DV goes, what's the difference, and what's a good one that's cheap?
Thanks!
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      06-02-2013, 03:06 PM   #13
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i bought all used parts from this forum members lol

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no problem with performance at alllll. saved alot of money myself i think
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      06-02-2013, 09:15 PM   #14
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+1 VRSF.

Its true that "you get what you pay for" will often lead to poor quality when you cheap out, but...and this is a big BUT when it comes to aftermarket parts...many are waaaay overpriced, making the more inexpensive ones seem like you're buying into cheap low quality products.

The reality is that many of the parts in the aftermarket business need to be priced high because they don't really sell in that high a volume. Some companies are better able to manage this or settle/operate with lower margins.

Years ago in college I really wanted a NISMO cold air intake for my Sentra SE-R but it cost $300 for the intake. I was a typical broke college student and I decided to home depot intake piping and clamps for $15. During a Nissan dyno day my intake netted 10 more hp on average than guys just running the NISMO unit. Lesson learned that pricing is not always indicative of performance. BTW, yes I was jealous of all the guys who's NISMO intakes looked super cool being chrome and shiny. It definitely was a better looking unit.
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      06-02-2013, 09:36 PM   #15
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The VRSF FMIC has been pretty popular, and a pretty good unit. Another pretty good option is the AMS FMIC.

As for charge pipe the ER charge pipe is by far the best charge pipe in terms of fitment and finish, and available options. Pretty well priced as well I think. The ER charge pipe also uses the factory C-clip throttle body mount which is the superior system over a generic silicone coupler.

Mike
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      06-02-2013, 10:23 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com View Post
The VRSF FMIC has been pretty popular, and a pretty good unit. Another pretty good option is the AMS FMIC.

As for charge pipe the ER charge pipe is by far the best charge pipe in terms of fitment and finish, and available options. Pretty well priced as well I think. The ER charge pipe also uses the factory C-clip throttle body mount which is the superior system over a generic silicone coupler.

Mike
And you will want to buy it from Mike. Best vendor on these forums
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      06-03-2013, 07:11 PM   #17
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Thanks for the kind words guys, our 7" will be back in stock early next week
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      06-03-2013, 07:29 PM   #18
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If I was worried about quality/efficacy I would have paid more for the intercooler and bought the cheaper DPs since if they fit and not rattle, they all do the same thing.
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      06-04-2013, 02:37 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cripple View Post
And you will want to buy it from Mike. Best vendor on these forums
-B
Thanks for the kind words

Mike
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      06-04-2013, 03:49 PM   #20
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+1 for VRSF FMIC and catless DP's. I've had mine on for about 10 months now, and I have nothing but positive comments.
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      06-05-2013, 12:50 AM   #21
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Ran 21.9 PSI peak boost at least thats what COBB showed, logs showed 18-19PSI. on VRSF Intercooler 5". with stock turbos and VRSF DPs, don't think you can go wrong. Intercooler is doing very good job keeping the Temps down even when stock in traffic. I'm definitely blown away by the price ans functionality.
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