WTB Stepped FMIC (Got One Today)

[martymil]

I'm after a stepped FMIC for the 135i

Helix or HPF is preferred but let me know what you have

Willing to give you my stock one as part payment if you need one.

[135]

If you're willing to buy new and pay for shipping from the USA then the VRSF 5" Version 2 (stepped design) is supposed to be available now (ETA June 25) - see the VRSF website. Supposedly no cutting/trimming required - I can't recall if there is no trimming on the Helix but it might be the case.

[martymil]

I wanted the helix as it was recommended to be the best by peter from advan but they are not available for another 3 months minimum as they are making a new design, I got a email from them stating this.

I don't mind paying for shipping, just want the best available, no use spending money twice if I decide to go for RB's later.

[135]

Originally Posted by Ian///M

Be cautious with some stepped designs as they tend to suffer pressure drops greater than OE

Do you know of any specific stepped design intercoolers that have this problem?

Originally Posted by martymil

I wanted the helix as it was recommended to be the best by peter from advan but they are not available for another 3 months minimum as they are making a new design, I got a email from them stating this.

I don't mind paying for shipping, just want the best available, no use spending money twice if I decide to go for RB's later.

I just checked my intercooler notes and here they are (if I recall, they all refer to 5" FMICs because, at the time, I preferred no trimming):


Stock ... 5"x4-1/4"x20" ( HxDxL )
ER Competition ........ (trimming)
ETS ................... (no trimming)
Forge ................. (no trimming)
HPF ................... (trimming)
Helix ................. (trimming)
Stett ................. (major trimming)
VRSF stepped........... (no trimming)

So ETS, Forge, VRSF & Wagner are all no-cut.
The VRSF is at least half the price of all the others except the ETS, which is midway between - I'm not sure if that reflects something about the intercooler.
There are a number of other brands that I haven't included in the list.

I also had an ordered list with Helix at the top but not sure why - probably because it was the one that was recommended the most
1 Helix
2 HPF
3 ETS
4 Wagner
5 ER
6 Forge

If you spoke to Peter, I'm surprised that he didn't suggest PWR as used in Advan's one-off custom cooling solution a year ago, especially if you want the best available, which means price isn't an issue - unless you're going for the stepped design so you can avoid cutting, although, that seems counter-productive if RBs are a possibility down the track.

Here are a couple other threads regarding intercoolers recommendations.

[135]

Originally Posted by Ian///M

Your list with Forge last? IMO should be 1st

Re stepped-design: Check each manufacturer's data for stepped. IIRC Wagner is one which suffers pressure loss, but many will not give data on pressure drops, only cooling, which indicates they haven't addressed it. Excessive pressure drops will cause lag/bad throttle response.

IMO for stage 1/2 cars ETS & Forge are about the best with test data to back them. Helix & HPF meant to be good, but were overkill for my needs and required cutting, so I never researched them.

There is also Evolve which uses a hybrid core (Hydro flow), but when I asked for data they replied that their laptop with the data had crashed . Selling a $1500 FMIC with no supporting data

Also consider weight. OE IC is about 3.5kgs, while aftermarkets can go up to 11kg. The lower nose is not an ideal spot to be adding weight.

Take Pete's advice. Find the best at: Cooling, weight & minimal pressure drop

Honestly, it was a year ago, so now I really don't know why they're in that order. Now I see more notes would have been useful Since I was after an intercooler that didn't require trimming, I would have thought the ETS, Forge and Wagner would have appeared in the top three.

Good point about the weight too - that's probably the only thing the OE unit has in its favour!

What do you class as a stage 1/2 car?

[martymil]

Peter recommended the helix stepped but none available, so I'm looking for a
second hand one preferably or a new one someone hasn't fitted yet.

ETS would be nice too for now in a 5 inch until helix becomes available.

Any thing better than stock for now would be good without any pressure drop.

Let me know what you have or willing to part with for the right price.

[ATTN]

Originally Posted by martymil

Peter recommended the helix stepped but none available, so I'm looking for a
second hand one preferably or a new one someone hasn't fitted yet.

ETS would be nice too for now in a 5 inch until helix becomes available.

Any thing better than stock for now would be good without any pressure drop.

Let me know what you have or willing to part with for the right price.

Hey mate have you found anything decent? keep us updated as I'm also in the market for one as well

[martymil]

If I can't get a helix before summer ets will have to do.

see what happens

[ATTN]

Originally Posted by martymil

If I can't get a helix before summer ets will have to do.

see what happens

Where are you getting ETS from? I've been waiting as well for quite a while?I want to run meth soon but this FMIC is holding me back.

I wish Helix would make there new FM sooner than later.

[martymil]

Have to get it from the states, I have family there which are coming over soon, get them to throw it their luggage.

[UR25IO]

What is the estimate of freight from the States for one of these things (FMIC)
Is there any reason why no one going for HPF FMIC?

Ive been looking at one that is all

[martymil]

HPF is out of business as far as I know.

Shipping should not be over 100 USD

[martymil]

Just waiting on advan as there might have something for us very soon.

[martymil]

HPF one would be nice too if someone has one they would like to part with.

[martymil]

Got one today

[UR25IO]

hey Marty

how did you manage to get the HPF FMIC?

I see HORSE POWER FREAKS still have thier online store running.
also red that the shop front is closed but still operating.. so confused!!

WSID tonighth mate?? lol

[martymil]

Yep will be there tonight, I managed to get a second hand one and I paid top dollar for it, wasn't cheap I tell ya.

HPF is out of business sad to say.