Multi Mod Review - aFe Dual cone, Code3 FMIC, Hotchkis X-Brace

bimmerguy2006 · 08-26-2008, 11:22 AM

aFe Dual Cone intake (Dry) - wow, big difference when combined with the FMIC - throttle response is much better, even on the Steptronic. Engine has a more definitive growl and you can definitely hear the turbo's a bit more. There is a big kick in the pants when boost hits max level around 3k RPM. Great fit and finish and looks great in the engine bay. Its amazing how small the stock air box is in comparison.

Code3/Spearco FMIC - being the test fit car for an auto tranny fix, I had the pleasure of watching HP Autowerks test fit it and modify it to avoid any interference with the auto tranny cooler where the boost tube connects. With a slight adjustment of angles on the boost tube we got it to fit without any interference or rubbing. on any of the surrounding equipment. Performance gains were noticeable and you can see the quality in the unit. Hard pulls and no more heat soak. Mind you thats just around town driving but with the stock unit you could feel it on a hot day in SoCal. There is a much smoother boost delivery and less boost drop when shifting, again no numbers but definitely noticeable on the butt dyno.

Hotchkis X-Brace - With help from HP Autowerks for R&D, Hotchkis just released a great cross brace replacement for the rears of the cars. After using my car as a test fit platform for the car. Installed in 10 minutes with the use of a lift. In conjunction with the Tein Coilover system, the rear is much tighter in cornering and even with acceleration. The car seems to squat more and you can feel the rigidity gained from the part. There is an increased clearance for exhausts as well which is nice for us aftermarket lovers. It is also aerodynamic.

Big thanks go out to HP Autowerks, Hotchkis, and Code3 Performance.

I will put pictures up when I get the chance. If anyone in socal wants to feel the difference in person, let me know. I'm in Santa Barbara.

2008_Dinan335i · 08-26-2008, 03:48 PM

Sounds great! Do you notice any loss in power in lower rpm's with the intake? Also with the X-brace where can I buy it and how much? I have KW V2's and H&R front and rear sways, so do you think this mod would help much or is it just overkill?

Chowbow · 08-26-2008, 04:26 PM

I'd be interested in knowing how much of a difference the cross brace really makes. How significant is it? Is it drastically better?

bimmerguy2006 · 08-26-2008, 05:33 PM

I noticed a difference. There is significantly less chassis flex. You will notice it going over bumps and up driveways immediately. On the track i can only imagine how much more flat the cornering is. Like i said, i noticed a change in the feel of the car, squatting more upon acceleration. You can get it from hpautowerks (hpautowerks.com) or Hotchkis (hotchkis.net).

I noticed actually better response from the intake at low revs. Its definitely an improvement over stock.

1clean335i · 08-26-2008, 06:00 PM

nice! which tein coilovers did you go with?

bimmerguy2006 · 08-27-2008, 10:29 AM

Superstreet with Pillowball uppermounts.

wrh3 · 08-27-2008, 07:21 PM

JUst ordered the brace from Harold today, thanks for the info.

HP Autosport · 08-28-2008, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrh3

JUst ordered the brace from Harold today, thanks for the info.

Thanks for the order! Got the new AFE intake for your M if you are interested!

Hunter399 · 09-17-2008, 01:04 AM

Very nice

I need to order that brace...

HP Autosport · 09-17-2008, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunter399

Very nice

I need to order that brace...

We have them in stock!

HP Autosport · 04-10-2009, 02:50 AM

Bump this product review thread!

lacartus · 04-10-2009, 08:21 AM

op: thanks for sharing, that's a nice looking brace.

Does anyone know the performance specs for thenbrace, e.g., it's 20% more rigid torsionally and in XY bending loads? I did a quick search (albeit on my phone) but couldn't find it. If the specs aren't available, it would be cool if someone (ahem, vendor) could do a quick test, such as jacking the car from the front jack point on one side at a time and measuring the droop at the rear wheels versus OEM. I did this on one of my prior cars when building braces/cage and it proved to be very informative about bracing design and placement.

HP Autosport · 07-28-2009, 11:44 PM

I believe Bimmerguy is parting out his car. Contact him for any of these great products at a reduced price!

08-26-2008, 11:22 AM	#1
bimmerguy2006 BMW Lover 16 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	Multi Mod Review - aFe Dual cone, Code3 FMIC, Hotchkis X-Brace aFe Dual Cone intake (Dry) - wow, big difference when combined with the FMIC - throttle response is much better, even on the Steptronic. Engine has a more definitive growl and you can definitely hear the turbo's a bit more. There is a big kick in the pants when boost hits max level around 3k RPM. Great fit and finish and looks great in the engine bay. Its amazing how small the stock air box is in comparison. Code3/Spearco FMIC - being the test fit car for an auto tranny fix, I had the pleasure of watching HP Autowerks test fit it and modify it to avoid any interference with the auto tranny cooler where the boost tube connects. With a slight adjustment of angles on the boost tube we got it to fit without any interference or rubbing. on any of the surrounding equipment. Performance gains were noticeable and you can see the quality in the unit. Hard pulls and no more heat soak. Mind you thats just around town driving but with the stock unit you could feel it on a hot day in SoCal. There is a much smoother boost delivery and less boost drop when shifting, again no numbers but definitely noticeable on the butt dyno. Hotchkis X-Brace - With help from HP Autowerks for R&D, Hotchkis just released a great cross brace replacement for the rears of the cars. After using my car as a test fit platform for the car. Installed in 10 minutes with the use of a lift. In conjunction with the Tein Coilover system, the rear is much tighter in cornering and even with acceleration. The car seems to squat more and you can feel the rigidity gained from the part. There is an increased clearance for exhausts as well which is nice for us aftermarket lovers. It is also aerodynamic. Big thanks go out to HP Autowerks, Hotchkis, and Code3 Performance. I will put pictures up when I get the chance. If anyone in socal wants to feel the difference in person, let me know. I'm in Santa Barbara. __________________ Space Grey/Coral Red. Spearco/Code3 FMIC. SSTT. Borla exhaust w/ Secondary Cat Delete Pipes. Tein Coilovers. Hotchkis X-Brace. AFE Dual Cone Intake. AeroLip. Shadowline Style Trim. ITC EuroSD Wheels Diamond Cut. Falken 452's. Special Thanks To: HP Autowerks. Code3 Performance. Hotchkis. 200MPH Motorsports. Integrated Performance. PSI Motoring. Last edited by bimmerguy2006; 08-26-2008 at 01:54 PM..
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08-26-2008, 03:48 PM	#2
2008_Dinan335i Private First Class 13 Rep 198 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Coupe Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i Coupe [0.00]	Sounds great! Do you notice any loss in power in lower rpm's with the intake? Also with the X-brace where can I buy it and how much? I have KW V2's and H&R front and rear sways, so do you think this mod would help much or is it just overkill? __________________ SOLD 2008 335i Coupe / Blk Sapphire Metallic / 6MT / Dinan Stage 2 / CPE Quad Exhaust / KW V2 Coilover / H&R Sway Bars / Forge DV's / Mtech Body Kit / 3D Design Rear CF Diffusor / CF Vorsteiner Decklid Spoiler / OEM SSK / OEM Aluminum Sport Pedals / 20" DPE S10's / AFE Intake / RPI Scoops SOLD
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08-26-2008, 04:26 PM	#3
Chowbow pew pew 169 Rep 6,781 Posts Drives: 三三五i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2015 BMW 328i wagon [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i sedan [10.00] 1997 BMW 328i track ... [10.00]	I'd be interested in knowing how much of a difference the cross brace really makes. How significant is it? Is it drastically better? __________________ CSL replicas are now CSL counterfeits. Jesus saves, like Valentine1.
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08-26-2008, 05:33 PM	#4
bimmerguy2006 BMW Lover 16 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	I noticed a difference. There is significantly less chassis flex. You will notice it going over bumps and up driveways immediately. On the track i can only imagine how much more flat the cornering is. Like i said, i noticed a change in the feel of the car, squatting more upon acceleration. You can get it from hpautowerks (hpautowerks.com) or Hotchkis (hotchkis.net). I noticed actually better response from the intake at low revs. Its definitely an improvement over stock. __________________ Space Grey/Coral Red. Spearco/Code3 FMIC. SSTT. Borla exhaust w/ Secondary Cat Delete Pipes. Tein Coilovers. Hotchkis X-Brace. AFE Dual Cone Intake. AeroLip. Shadowline Style Trim. ITC EuroSD Wheels Diamond Cut. Falken 452's. Special Thanks To: HP Autowerks. Code3 Performance. Hotchkis. 200MPH Motorsports. Integrated Performance. PSI Motoring.
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08-26-2008, 06:00 PM	#5
1clean335i Perf BMW mag issue 147, 159 431 Rep 6,799 Posts Drives: Project Estoril Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (31) Garage List 2013 335i M-sport [0.00] 2011 X5 xdrive35i M ... [0.00] 2009 335i M-sport [0.00] 07' 335i Sedan [0.00]	nice! which tein coilovers did you go with? __________________ '13 Estoril Blue 335i M-sport *Don't PM me!* Message me here- http://www.facebook.com/ProjectEstoril
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08-27-2008, 10:29 AM	#6
bimmerguy2006 BMW Lover 16 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Coupe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	Superstreet with Pillowball uppermounts. __________________ Space Grey/Coral Red. Spearco/Code3 FMIC. SSTT. Borla exhaust w/ Secondary Cat Delete Pipes. Tein Coilovers. Hotchkis X-Brace. AFE Dual Cone Intake. AeroLip. Shadowline Style Trim. ITC EuroSD Wheels Diamond Cut. Falken 452's. Special Thanks To: HP Autowerks. Code3 Performance. Hotchkis. 200MPH Motorsports. Integrated Performance. PSI Motoring.
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08-27-2008, 07:21 PM	#7
wrh3 Car Guy 39 Rep 801 Posts Drives: BMW M2, Alfa Romeo Giulia/4C Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ATL, GA iTrader: (10)	JUst ordered the brace from Harold today, thanks for the info. __________________ Bill- 2024 M2 www.billswebspace.com/bmwindex BMW CCA Member # 389948
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09-17-2008, 01:04 AM	#9
Hunter399 Major General 335 Rep 8,088 Posts Drives: F90M5 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (33)	Very nice I need to order that brace...
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04-10-2009, 02:50 AM	#11
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 4087 Rep 55,787 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	Bump this product review thread!
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04-10-2009, 08:21 AM	#12
lacartus Blah blah blah 8 Rep 149 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	op: thanks for sharing, that's a nice looking brace. Does anyone know the performance specs for thenbrace, e.g., it's 20% more rigid torsionally and in XY bending loads? I did a quick search (albeit on my phone) but couldn't find it. If the specs aren't available, it would be cool if someone (ahem, vendor) could do a quick test, such as jacking the car from the front jack point on one side at a time and measuring the droop at the rear wheels versus OEM. I did this on one of my prior cars when building braces/cage and it proved to be very informative about bracing design and placement. __________________ Ian 2009 e90 MT
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07-28-2009, 11:44 PM	#13
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 4087 Rep 55,787 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	I believe Bimmerguy is parting out his car. Contact him for any of these great products at a reduced price!
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