[Redbmwm33]

Hi all,
I'm having a tough time deciding between a Helix 5" stepped fmic vs the VRSF 7". What would perform best for a 335is that will eventually get upgraded twins?

[SINGH_]

I'm going to be one of those guys now.

Do a search.
It has been discussed and discussed...

[Redbmwm33]

I've searched and I'm referring to a 335is.

[TheYuriPanda]

Not much difference from the 335i and the 335is on inter coolers.. The car isn't that special lol. It's like asking which intakes are better for my 335xi vs the 335i?

[BMSE92_Harry]

335is and 335i are the same engine platform, so there is no difference when deciding which intercooler to get.
There are a lot of post discussed about brand of intercooler. But in short, 7 inch will have more surface area and less prone to be heat soaked. It all depends on where you live, what mods you have, and what you want to accomplished eventually.
I see that you live in Texas, so 7 inch might not be a bad idea. Any aftermarket intercooler from ER, Mishimoto, VRSF, Helix, HPF, CPE, Cobb, Dinan... will be a vast improvement over stock. There are discussion on other post that if you are not running high boost 20psi, you don't necessary need 7 inch; as 5 inch will be sufficent, and generate faster airflow exit from the intercooler. If you plan on running 450whp eventually, you will probably want to get the 7inch. If you just want to add a few mods to be FBO, than 5 is more than sufficient and provide much better IAT.
Other factors to consider is if you are getting a 7 inch, most likely you will have to do some trimming. 5 inch from VRSF, HPF, HELIX are direct fit behind the bumper and no trimming required. Some intercooler uses stock tubing, some require you to get a J pipe.. do a little more research before you purchase one.
Helix and HPF are probably the most popular 5 inch out there. VRSF is always improving their product, customer service is excellent, both 5 and 7 are excellent product. you just don't get the big brand name like the other ones.. but all are quality intercooler.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

How come nobody ever discusses core density, pressure losses, end tank designs, ETC. Only thing I've seen true so far (in this thread) is the majority will be better then stock but there are plenty of differences between intercoolers.

[mastamike911]

Hey artsoasis , I've got a 335is vert, and I installed the ER intercooler. I'm not sure if it's a factor of the 335is, or of being a vert, but there IS a little difference when installing the lower charge pipe (the pipe that connects the intercooler to the upper charge pipe). I had to completely disconnect one end of the radiator hose and move it off to the side in order to slide the lower charge pipe down to the intercooler.

Also, the 335is has an upgraded radiator fan that takes up more space, so your intercooler might not "hook" onto it like it's supposed to (not sure if this is just something that the ER intercooler has or not). My intercooler still fit though and is secure, so it's not a big deal.

I'd say you're probably fine getting whatever intercooler you want, just be wary that you'll need to do a lot more trimming with a 7" than a 5".

[csu87]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

How come nobody ever discusses core density, pressure losses, end tank designs, ETC. Only thing I've seen true so far (in this thread) is the majority will be better then stock but there are plenty of differences between intercoolers.

because no one knows of these things. They just think the biggest one that fits is the best.

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

How come nobody ever discusses core density, pressure losses, end tank designs, ETC.

??
What does that stuff have to do with anything? The only thing that's really important is getting the biggest intercooler possible and running as much PSIs of boost as you can...everybody knows that

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by csu87

because no one knows of these things. They just think the biggest one that fits is the best.

Originally Posted by FCobra94

??
What does that stuff have to do with anything? The only thing that's really important is getting the biggest intercooler possible and running as much PSIs of boost as you can...everybody knows that

You both are awesome. Thanks for understanding my frustrations. LOL

[335NJ]

Here's what I'm looking to buy in the near future: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367102

[Snypa]

VRSF stepped.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by artsoasis

Hi all,
I'm having a tough time deciding between a Helix 5" stepped fmic vs the VRSF 7". What would perform best for a 335is that will eventually get upgraded twins?

As mentioned above lots of things need to be considered to find which intercooler best fits your needs. Some of these things are IAT control, pressure drop, size of the intercooler , core density,etc....

Between the 2 that you have mentioned in the first post, the VRSF 7 will perform better.

[EJ_3]

Go with whichever intercooler that best fit your budget. If you're stuck between the two you listed, I'd go with Helix.

[TrAcK TRaP]

I have helix 7'' didn't really know helix makes 5'' IC. If money is not an issue go with Helix if you wanna save couple hundred gO with VRSF.

[Evil///M]

I have the AMS. It's design is very good, I just wish they made a 7" one.

[Redbmwm33]

Decided on going with VRSF. It had so many reviews and can't beat a 7" in this texas heat. I'm going to put this intercooler to the test though and post logs compared to my buddies 5" helix stepped on the same car.

We shall see who is the best.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by artsoasis

Decided on going with VRSF. It had so many reviews and can't beat a 7" in this texas heat. I'm going to put this intercooler to the test though and post logs compared to my buddies 5" helix stepped on the same car.

We shall see who is the best.

Let us know how it goes. Make sure both cars have the same mods and are pushing the same boost.

[Sgop335]

Originally Posted by 335NJ

Here's what I'm looking to buy in the near future: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=367102

Good choice! The profile of the end tanks is well designed for fluid dynamics. Not a pipe w sudden expansion like most others are. The vrsf 7 Is good too...

[mike@x-ph.com]

Couple VRSF 7" reviews that we received from our customers

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15621423#post15621423

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1042629

Originally Posted by 924er

Lol that's like the most popular brand for this platform

It is the most popular choice

[Redbmwm33]

I actually purchased a little under 2k of mods from you yesterday lol.

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Couple VRSF 7" reviews that we received from our customers

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15621423#post15621423

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1042629






It is the most popular choice

[924er]

I have the old 5in Vrsf non stepped and it's a major upgrade from stock, it does get hot after a few pulls but no pressure drops