[BlueBimmer]

I am seriously considering an FMIC, a pro tuner just told me that I am likely to gain 40hp (with a cobb based map) which is mind blowing to me to see this much gain.

So on average, how much will an aftermarket FMIC cost to install? Also will a 7" make a big difference from a 5" FMIC?
If its significant enough to justify trimming?

thanks.

[e92_enthusiast_1]

I went with a 5" so can't comment on that. No trimming but was billed 2 hrs at a performance shop @ $99 per hour. Its all relative but hope that helps. My IAT's stay around 120 in AZ on datalogs 3rd-4th gear WOT ambient temp like 95-100. Post history and you can find em. gL. I would definitely do it. I went with a Cobb fmic factory connections can always go back to stock easily if need.

[BlueBimmer]

thanks for the info - so a $200 install. I assume you're Cobb Stage 1+, did you feel a power bump over stage?

[atinybug]

If you get one that uses factory connections, the install is very easy to DIY. Basically just take off front bumper, unhook old IC, and reverse steps with new one. Probably take you max 2 hours if you're not mechanically inclined at all.

[BlueBimmer]

how about power increase on 5" vs 7"?

[atinybug]

I'm of the belief that for basic (FBO) mods, a 5" is enough. You probably won't need a 7" until you start upgrading the turbos.

[e92_enthusiast_1]

Stg 2 FMIC+ ST Sport and very much so. Basically double the stock boost. Never tried another map so that's all I have to compare it to.

Originally Posted by BlueBimmer

thanks for the info - so a $200 install. I assume you're Cobb Stage 1+, did you feel a power bump over stage?

[mythek]

installation should cost $100-200 top. definitely worth getting an FMIC if you care about your car's well being and performance.

[gtaccord]

Originally Posted by atinybug

If you get one that uses factory connections, the install is very easy to DIY. Basically just take off front bumper, unhook old IC, and reverse steps with new one. Probably take you max 2 hours if you're not mechanically inclined at all.

You don't have to take off the front bumper. Install took me 1 hour.

[Bme30]

Install it yourself. Super easy if you can use a screwdriver and a socket wrench.

[Tiago@VRSF]

A 7" will outperform a 5" by at least 10-15 degrees on a 2-4 gear pull assuming the same fin pack is used internally and externally. I've seen decreases of 20+ degrees on back to back pulls as well. The bigger the heat sink, the faster/better the dissipation.

[BlueBimmer]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

A 7" will outperform a 5" by at least 10-15 degrees on a 2-4 gear pull assuming the same fin pack is used internally and externally. I've seen decreases of 20+ degrees on back to back pulls as well. The bigger the heat sink, the faster/better the dissipation.

Thanks Tiago - excuse me if this is a stupid question:
your answer leads me to believe that a 7" translates into more power than a 5" even with stock downpipes a just a PE and a tune, not necessarily having to upgrade turbos or downpipes to achieve more HP - correct?

[Tiago@VRSF]

The 7" will keep you intake temps lower allowing you to safely run more timing which translates to more power. You don't need to upgrade your turbos in order to realize these gains, the difference can be measured on stock turbos as well.

[chepy24]

just installed mine this week and i would agree do the install your self. super easy and plenty of diy i did it on ramps no removal of bumper needed took me a bit since i was careful and ran out of daylight (started at 7pm and had to make a run to the store in between) but if you get the 5 inch trust me DO NOT PAY FOR LABOR its too easy the trimming wasent that bad

[Hokie_BMW]

I installed my mishimoto FMIC which uses the factory connections in less than 45 mins. Very easy. Also the bumper does not have to be removed at all. Just the lower splash shield.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by Hokie_BMW

I installed my mishimoto FMIC which uses the factory connections in less than 45 mins. Very easy. Also the bumper does not have to be removed at all. Just the lower splash shield.

But am I the only one thinking 40hp is a bit optimistic from just adding a FMIC?

It is on an OEM connection 5" FMIC

[Hokie_BMW]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

It is on an OEM connection 5" FMIC

Edited it since I think they may have not meant wheel hp. Just can't see 40 wheel hp being added from a FMIC only. I felt a good bit of a bump when I installed mine but not more than my VRSF downpipes when they were installed. But yes mine is using factory connections, but it was free so I can't complain!

[iturbo_bmw]

yeah ur not gonna see 40whp from an intercooler lol. The purpose of an intercooler is to stop from losing power due to heat, not create more. it will help in the top end where normally you would lose a little power due to heat

+1 on the 5inch is finefor fbo on stock turbos

however, i wish i had just gotten the 7inch..tho my 5inch is fine, the bigger the better right lol

also don't worry about trimming. in fact u should trim it so ur intercooler looks better out of the bumper lol

[vivanapoli806]

Yeah 40hp from intercooler won't happen. You will gain some power though with the cobb map that's specifically made for intercooler. It produces couple more psi I believe

[BlueBimmer]

Originally Posted by chepy24

just installed mine this week and i would agree do the install your self. super easy and plenty of diy i did it on ramps no removal of bumper needed took me a bit since i was careful and ran out of daylight (started at 7pm and had to make a run to the store in between) but if you get the 5 inch trust me DO NOT PAY FOR LABOR its too easy the trimming wasent that bad

Originally Posted by Hokie_BMW

I installed my mishimoto FMIC which uses the factory connections in less than 45 mins. Very easy. Also the bumper does not have to be removed at all. Just the lower splash shield.

Ok I think I'll attempt to install myself, thanks for the input. If I manage to pull this off, it'll be nice to be able to put it back for dealer warranty visits. i imagine the required trimming for a 7" won't be a problem at the dealer as it's only cosmetic - maybe even having an FMIC installed won't be a problem unless maybe there's turbo work needed.

Originally Posted by iturbo_bmw

yeah ur not gonna see 40whp from an intercooler lol. The purpose of an intercooler is to stop from losing power due to heat, not create more. it will help in the top end where normally you would lose a little power due to heat

+1 on the 5inch is finefor fbo on stock turbos

however, i wish i had just gotten the 7inch..tho my 5inch is fine, the bigger the better right lol

also don't worry about trimming. in fact u should trim it so ur intercooler looks better out of the bumper lol

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?

Originally Posted by vivanapoli806

Yeah 40hp from intercooler won't happen. You will gain some power though with the cobb map that's specifically made for intercooler. It produces couple more psi I believe

Thanks for the input! Much appreciated.

[BlueBimmer]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

It is on an OEM connection 5" FMIC

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?

[tc535i]

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?

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.