looking to purchase intercooler soon

kt335i · 05-24-2011, 04:32 AM

hello, i was looking at intercoolers as im looking to purchase one in the next week or two and want to know which ones are the best and what you recommend, they are all around the same price range, and im not worried about cutting

heres some i've been looking at, if i miss any brand let me know

HPF
ETS im guessing the 7 in is better than the 5 in
helix
ams
cp-e
spearco

Thanks!

RR80 · 05-24-2011, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kt335i

hello, i was looking at intercoolers as im looking to purchase one in the next week or two and want to know which ones are the best and what you recommend, they are all around the same price range, and im not worried about cutting

heres some i've been looking at, if i miss any brand let me know

HPF
ETS im guessing the 7 in is better than the 5 in
helix
ams
cp-e
spearco

Thanks!

I hear good commends on Helix, but you need to do some cutting. HPF also a good one. I am using Forge FMIC and happy with that

TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management · 05-24-2011, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RR80

I hear good commends on Helix, but you need to do some cutting. HPF also a good one. I am using Forge FMIC and happy with that

No cutting required with the newest generation Helix on a 335

and they are in stock!

mofbb · 05-24-2011, 06:18 AM

OEM one ??

Poderes1 · 05-24-2011, 08:17 AM

I Have the Helix Front mount stepped Intercooler and it's all worth it. And no it's a direct fit so no cutting needed. Highly recommend it.

bigdaddycane · 05-24-2011, 08:29 AM

Cp-e is a really nice IC....price is close to other upper tier ICs and it comes with an extra oil cooler.

Quote:

OEM one ??

yeah sure, if you want to hamstring your mods

cn555ic · 05-24-2011, 08:38 AM

Any thing is better than stock.

werke-t · 05-24-2011, 09:18 AM

HPF here, I think everyone will recommend the one they have on their car...

I just got my IC 2 days ago used, but I did a ton of research on the intercoolers out for the n54. Coming from a e46 m3, I know HPF makes a VERY high quality product and will stand behind anything they produce. new or used.

The hpf also uses a slightly smaller core in terms of height mainly because they wanted to keep the OEM seal for the radiator fan to work LIKE OEM does. Unlike some intercoolers which block the radiator/fan setup and can cause higher temps. + the HPF intercooler is the perfect size for the opening on the front bumper for incoming air, some of the HUGE intercoolers are almost completely blocked by the front bumpers on these cars, not every efficient.

Not pointing any fingers at other designs, but I prefer the HPF setup, although it is the most expensive choice. My second choice would be the Helix. Last thing I can add about the HPF, is that HPF made this intercooler specifically to handle their upcoming turbo kits. So they are built for high horsepower ratings, some of the intercoolers out there will not be up to snuff when it comes to handling the upgraded turbos.

Good luck, just use the

you will find tons of threads with info on the intercooler comparo's

-Travis

awd · 05-24-2011, 10:08 AM

I have the ETS no cutting involved and install was a snap. Took it to the track a couple weeks ago and intake temps stayed nice and cool all day.

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 05-24-2011, 10:44 AM

AMS is very popular with my customers...

Mike

thwgw24 · 05-24-2011, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poderes1

I Have the Helix Front mount stepped Intercooler and it's all worth it. And no it's a direct fit so no cutting needed. Highly recommend it.

+1

plague · 05-24-2011, 01:41 PM

i got the helix fmic last week and i can feel the car running more solid. it was installed at their shop and they had to cut themselves. so, im going to say, cutting is necessary. only a bit.. no big deal

Alan l. · 05-24-2011, 01:48 PM

Get whichever is the cheapest and in stock. They will all perform about the same but their prices vary quite a bit

Mr. Nice · 05-24-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Get whichever is the cheapest and in stock. They will all perform about the same but their prices vary quite a bit

I'm runnin HPF but seriously, buy whatever one you can get the best deal on, differences in performance will be negligible in real world use.

kt335i · 05-24-2011, 05:22 PM

thanks for all the answers i have about 1-2 weeks till i make up my mind and im going to read up on all of the intercoolers

Joe@TopGearSolutions · 05-24-2011, 05:35 PM

Depends on what your looking for.

If your looking for the most performance plan on cutting!

If your looking for a no cutting the 5inch ETS requires no cutting.

If you want to meet somewhere in the middle you have that option too.

Since you said you dont mind cutting I would recommend you for the ETS 7 inch. Let me know if you need any help.

zeenon53 · 05-24-2011, 05:52 PM

I know when I buy an IC i'm going to follow the Big Tom DIY. There is a thread here somewhere where they tested it and the results are impressive. Plus it is about half the price.

deltalima0 · 05-24-2011, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zeenon53

I know when I buy an IC i'm going to follow the Big Tom DIY. There is a thread here somewhere where they tested it and the results are impressive. Plus it is about half the price.

If I had it to do over I would probably do this. For what it is worth I have cp-e and it is great but I think anything bigger than stock is going to be better than oem. Temps are definitely down and pulls really hard up top.

ETS Michael · 05-24-2011, 07:55 PM

I'm a bit biased, but no cutting here. If you plan on sticking with the stock turbochargers the 5.0" is enough if you decide to upgrade the turbochargers down the road the 5.0" will still work, but the 7.0" will give you room for higher boost levels.

Not all cores are created the same. We have 10 charge rows on our intercooler which give us 20 heat transfer plates. Most intercoolers like ours only have 6 or 7 charge rows giving them 12-14 heat transfer plates. There is also a huge difference on the internal fin pack from intercooler to intercooler.

Make sure you get a core with an offset and staggered fin pack, it will make all the difference. Some will argue get the biggest intercooler possible, but there is a lot more to an intercooler then just size.

Good Luck on your search! If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

Thanks!

Michael

antonio335 · 05-24-2011, 09:46 PM

I need One Intercooler send me Pm with the prices!!!!!!!!!!!

D335NUTZ · 05-24-2011, 10:23 PM

Look for a used ic on the forums. I got a used ETS 5" core for $550 and I love it.

Stay away from Spearco IMO.

kt335i · 05-24-2011, 10:30 PM

I have been looking for a used one to save me a couple bucks that would be great. But can find any, if anyone is selling any intercooler or knows someone that is that would be great

Thanks

05-24-2011, 04:32 AM	#1
kt335i First Lieutenant 22 Rep 315 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Crown Point, Indiana iTrader: (6)	looking to purchase intercooler soon hello, i was looking at intercoolers as im looking to purchase one in the next week or two and want to know which ones are the best and what you recommend, they are all around the same price range, and im not worried about cutting heres some i've been looking at, if i miss any brand let me know HPF ETS im guessing the 7 in is better than the 5 in helix ams cp-e spearco Thanks!
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05-24-2011, 06:18 AM	#4
mofbb Lieutenant 38 Rep 517 Posts Drives: '13 E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: British Columbia iTrader: (0)	OEM one ?? __________________ 335i Cabriolet Jet Black/Coral Red - Retired but will never be forgotten M3 Coupé DCT Competition Package Mineral White/Fox Red E9X Picture Game: 2 points (Slow sign, Leaves)
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05-24-2011, 08:17 AM	#5
Poderes1 Lieutenant 25 Rep 501 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: PSL, Florida iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 325xi [0.00]	I Have the Helix Front mount stepped Intercooler and it's all worth it. And no it's a direct fit so no cutting needed. Highly recommend it. __________________ 08 E92 335 i AW/CR, Alum Trim, Prem & Sport Pkgs, Step w/Paddles, Nav, 3M 20% tint all around, Passport 9500i radar, JB3 v2.0 with USB, Matte Black Grills, RPI Ram Air Scoops, OSS Full Blackout Angels V2, LED Turnsignals and sidemarkers, Helix V2 Stepped Front Mount Intercooler, Bastuck Quad Exhaust, Custom rear valence, Forged 1 Eight Deep Concaves Coral Red/Matte Black centers and Gloss Black Barrels 20x8.5f and 20x10.5r
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05-24-2011, 08:38 AM	#7
cn555ic 460 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	Any thing is better than stock.
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05-24-2011, 09:18 AM	#8
werke-t Captain 51 Rep 731 Posts Drives: 2020 X3M Competition Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sarasota, FL iTrader: (5)	HPF here, I think everyone will recommend the one they have on their car... I just got my IC 2 days ago used, but I did a ton of research on the intercoolers out for the n54. Coming from a e46 m3, I know HPF makes a VERY high quality product and will stand behind anything they produce. new or used. The hpf also uses a slightly smaller core in terms of height mainly because they wanted to keep the OEM seal for the radiator fan to work LIKE OEM does. Unlike some intercoolers which block the radiator/fan setup and can cause higher temps. + the HPF intercooler is the perfect size for the opening on the front bumper for incoming air, some of the HUGE intercoolers are almost completely blocked by the front bumpers on these cars, not every efficient. Not pointing any fingers at other designs, but I prefer the HPF setup, although it is the most expensive choice. My second choice would be the Helix. Last thing I can add about the HPF, is that HPF made this intercooler specifically to handle their upcoming turbo kits. So they are built for high horsepower ratings, some of the intercoolers out there will not be up to snuff when it comes to handling the upgraded turbos. Good luck, just use the you will find tons of threads with info on the intercooler comparo's -Travis Last edited by werke-t; 05-24-2011 at 09:27 AM..
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05-24-2011, 10:08 AM	#9
awd Private First Class 3 Rep 158 Posts Drives: 16 M4 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: vancouver wa iTrader: (0)	I have the ETS no cutting involved and install was a snap. Took it to the track a couple weeks ago and intake temps stayed nice and cool all day.
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05-24-2011, 10:44 AM	#10
Mike@N54Tuning.com Joint Chiefs of Staff 5017 Rep 116,150 Posts Drives: 2007 335i, 2015 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: N54tuning.com iTrader: (89)	AMS is very popular with my customers... Mike
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05-24-2011, 01:41 PM	#12
plague Captain 41 Rep 957 Posts Drives: 335i sold :( / jb 20th AE Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (2)	i got the helix fmic last week and i can feel the car running more solid. it was installed at their shop and they had to cut themselves. so, im going to say, cutting is necessary. only a bit.. no big deal __________________ 07 335i- SOLD, and will be missed... Parts for sale- PWM meth kit, M steering wheel, M shift knob, perforated e brake handle
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05-24-2011, 01:48 PM	#13
Alan l. Major General 5742 Rep 9,009 Posts Drives: 2020 F95 X5M Competition Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: United States iTrader: (9)	Get whichever is the cheapest and in stock. They will all perform about the same but their prices vary quite a bit __________________
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05-24-2011, 05:22 PM	#15
kt335i First Lieutenant 22 Rep 315 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Crown Point, Indiana iTrader: (6)	thanks for all the answers i have about 1-2 weeks till i make up my mind and im going to read up on all of the intercoolers
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05-24-2011, 05:35 PM	#16
Joe@TopGearSolutions Major 267 Rep 1,173 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (3)	Depends on what your looking for. If your looking for the most performance plan on cutting! If your looking for a no cutting the 5inch ETS requires no cutting. If you want to meet somewhere in the middle you have that option too. Since you said you dont mind cutting I would recommend you for the ETS 7 inch. Let me know if you need any help.
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05-24-2011, 05:52 PM	#17
zeenon53 Major 44 Rep 1,153 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: obx iTrader: (3)	I know when I buy an IC i'm going to follow the Big Tom DIY. There is a thread here somewhere where they tested it and the results are impressive. Plus it is about half the price.
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05-24-2011, 07:55 PM	#19
ETS Michael Major 79 Rep 1,155 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, WA iTrader: (4)	I'm a bit biased, but no cutting here. If you plan on sticking with the stock turbochargers the 5.0" is enough if you decide to upgrade the turbochargers down the road the 5.0" will still work, but the 7.0" will give you room for higher boost levels. Not all cores are created the same. We have 10 charge rows on our intercooler which give us 20 heat transfer plates. Most intercoolers like ours only have 6 or 7 charge rows giving them 12-14 heat transfer plates. There is also a huge difference on the internal fin pack from intercooler to intercooler. Make sure you get a core with an offset and staggered fin pack, it will make all the difference. Some will argue get the biggest intercooler possible, but there is a lot more to an intercooler then just size. Good Luck on your search! If you have any questions feel free to PM me. Thanks! Michael
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05-24-2011, 09:46 PM	#20
antonio335 Private First Class 12 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Road iTrader: (1)	I need One Intercooler send me Pm with the prices!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ JB4, Macht Schnell DP, AA BOV, SCOOPS.STETT STAGE 2 OIL COOLER.
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05-24-2011, 10:23 PM	#21
D335NUTZ The Blue Beast 143 Rep 5,665 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335xi in Montego Blue Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Queens, New York iTrader: (8)	Look for a used ic on the forums. I got a used ETS 5" core for $550 and I love it. Stay away from Spearco IMO. __________________ Cobb AP Stage 2+ \| BMS DCI \| UR Catless DP \| UR Chargepipe \| Tial BV 50mm \| BSH OCC \| ETS FMIC \| Eisenmann Race Exhaust \| KWv1 Coilovers \| Volk TE37 TC Kline Ed.
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05-24-2011, 10:30 PM	#22
kt335i First Lieutenant 22 Rep 315 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Crown Point, Indiana iTrader: (6)	I have been looking for a used one to save me a couple bucks that would be great. But can find any, if anyone is selling any intercooler or knows someone that is that would be great Thanks
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