[AWD Addict]

Okay, first, spare the me the search emoticon. I've done a ton of reading, and I actually think it's hurting my process at this point. My head is about to explode between data and opinions, and the tons of options on IC upgrades.

1) I'm a daily driver, not a track racer.

2) I'm looking for a balance in my IC selection in performance and installation and price that suits my needs. I'm not tracking the car, I want daily driver stability and reliability I've had that I can mate with a Cobb Stage 1 Plus. For example, based on what I've read, I'm not opposed to using the stock couplers - I'm not looking to squeeze every hp out of this thing. If the right option requires it, so be it.

3) I'm going to have this installed at my local BMW shop (not dealer). He's taking my bumper off for some other stuff, so I'll have him toss this on while it's on the lift.

4) I want a quality unit - no ebay products please with junk end tank designs or garbage fins.

So, the best thread for me so far is the one listing out all the ICs with their specifications and most importantly, efficiency (which I know, isn't a perfect end-all metric.)

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=intercooler

I'd rather not have cutting, so I'm in the 5" territory.

Here's where I'm at for my narrowed down list. Please help guide me to the best option for my circumstances, and let me know if I've got anything wrong.

VRSF - 5" core, good price, good stats, no cutting, needs upgraded couplings. Stepped solution coming out in a few weeks (or less) Do I wait?

Mishimoto - 5" core, good price, good stats, no cutting, mild bonus on the black finish, mates with oem pipes. no stepped design.

Wagner - 5" core, good price, good stats, no cutting, mild bonus on the black finish. stepped design and end tank design look very good. Don't love the brand (if that matters). Can't use factory couplings...

Helix - 5" option getting upgraded end tank design? should this be in the mix? The efficiency stats on the older one looked great. Price was quite a bit higher, and the end tanks and fins don't look substantially better than the other models (the wagner tanks, for example, look better. Am I missing something?)

Should another option still be in the mix from my narrowed down list?

Finally, am I way overthinking this?

[vivanapoli806]

You can't beat vrsf for the price. I have there original 5" on me e82. Great quality and Tiago is awesome if u have any problems or questions. Get the new stepped core 5" it flows better than the previous version. Also get the lower charge pipe upgrade. You don't need upgraded anything I'm running stage 1+ aggressive and have no problems at all

[Edge Iron]

What about the Mechtuning FMIC? It is similar to the stepped Wagner core and uses the stock connections. Easy to install, cost $499 and has a lifetime warranty.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Wait for the 5" Stepped VRSF or go with the Mishimoto if you prefer stock connections.

/ thread

[mike@x-ph.com]

Agree with Jeff,just wait for the VRSF 5" stepped core intercooler.
It is already available for pre-order.

[Snypa]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

Wait for the 5" Stepped VRSF or go with the Mishimoto if you prefer stock connections.

/ thread

+1

Sounds like you want as clean of an install as possible. If that's the case, just go with the Mechtuning. You're requirements pretty much narrowed it down to that one and only option...

[UMich_335i]

I have the stepped Cobb FMIC and really like it, no cutting either.

[2Times]

I say... support a local (Mass) vendor... VRSF fo sho

[stanlalee]

If the bumper is coming off and a shop is doing it (lift) I don't think ease of install should be a factor (its going to be easy). If you want quality and don't mind paying for it you should be looking at ETS 5" (if your stuck on 5") and AMS (6"). These are the ones with top quality American cores (as is Helix but good damn luck finding one new to buy) but you pay for it as they are going to cost considerably more than "overseas" produced offerings. I'm not claiming they don't cool as well but I'll bet your life on the workmanship difference between ETS/AMS/Helix etc and some of the cheaper offering (Quite obvious is some areas like welding techniques).

[gtaccord]

Wagner uses the stock couplers and the black finish is pretty stealthy. I like mine.

[AWD Addict]

You guys rock. Great responses. Leaning towards new vrsf, but theres a helix for sale online used....

Good to know the install wont be meaningfully different if its on the lift. My guys good, so he'll bang it out anyways.

[AK 335i]

ER

[335bbqct]

+1 for Ets - the quality of the Ets fmic is impressive and it comes with an upgraded charge pipe which you will want to replace as well while the fmic is installed

[AWD Addict]

Where i'm in an 08, is it crazy not to do the lower charge pipe section?

I'm having trouble gauging the incremental benefit.

I put the stock lower charge pipe back in there. Fits much better than the optional VRSF unit and I didn't really see much to gain from the upgraded part anyway. If the stock one breaks I'll worry about it then.

[reeltime]

Originally Posted by 2Times

I say... support a local (Mass) vendor... VRSF fo sho

+1. VRSF is the way to go. Quality products without the BMW tax included

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

The VRSF 5" Stepped is looking like a nice unit.

But why limit yourself to the 5" size of FMIC? With come minor trimming of the stock shroud you can get a much better core in the 6-7" size (AMS, ER, VRSF 7")

Mike

[ihc95]

Originally Posted by AK 335i

ER

+1 but I'm biased . I've never heat soaked once with my ER. I would strongly recommend not using the stock couplers. They really choke the flow and can dull responsiveness. Also, getting a lower charge pipe will help responsiveness as well.

The reason I went with my ER full kit was because it came with everything I wanted: A quality FMIC, smooth replacement couplers, a lower charge pipe specifically for AT cars, and an upper charge pipe (knowing the stock plastic one would break eventually). The price isn't cheap for this kit but the quality and the fact that everything was designed to work together makes it worth every penny imo.

[AWD Addict]

Thanks guys. As I said, I'm not interested in cutting, and I'd rather keep the stock connectors.

Plus, $1000 is obnoxious given the quality of units at $400 - $600.

[fredcase]

Great thread. I am in the search button research phase of my fmic selection.

What fmic provides best iat, without increasing wgdc?

Something the op might want to take into account as well.

[brewnami]

+1 for the ER

The cutting required is just 1" off the radiator shrouding and it only took me a couple minutes with an angle grinder. Fitment is perfect, flush, uses OEM mounting points and much better couplers.

Originally Posted by ihc95

+1 but I'm biased . I've never heat soaked once with my ER. I would strongly recommend not using the stock couplers. They really choke the flow and can dull responsiveness. Also, getting a lower charge pipe will help responsiveness as well.

The reason I went with my ER full kit was because it came with everything I wanted: A quality FMIC, smooth replacement couplers, a lower charge pipe specifically for AT cars, and an upper charge pipe (know the stock plastic one would break eventually). The price isn't cheap for this kit but the quality and the fact that everything was designed to work together makes it worth every penny imo.