FMIC or METH kit?

Perostahov · 03-17-2011, 12:39 PM

Hey guys, I have a quick question. I am debating weither to get an FMIC or METH kit, Im just not sure which one would benefit me more, I dont track the car and I use the car as a daily driver. I already have a jb4, zhift bov, raceland catless dps and rpi quad exhaust, so which one would benefit me more? Thank you!

miro2296 · 03-17-2011, 12:54 PM

FMIC would be my vote!

vwrefugee · 03-17-2011, 01:22 PM

From Snow Performance FAQ:

Do I need an intercooler with Water/Methanol Injection?

Up to approximately 30 psig of boost, water/methanol injection (using 50% methanol) will provide all the density increase/detonation control needed in most applications. Of course, intercooling and water/methanol injection would provide even greater benefits, especially beyond 30 psig of boost. Most air-to-air intercoolers are only 50-65% efficient. For example, with 11 psi of boost and the resulting 120°f air charge temperature increase, an intercooler reduces the air charge temperature only 60 degrees. Also, an intercooler will reduce boost 2 - 4 psig. on average.

Your stock IC in combination with a meth set-up will be way more effective than just replacing your existing IC with a bigger one (and costs about the same). You'll have better cooling AND higher effective octane levels.

BerkTechnology · 03-17-2011, 02:13 PM

Like Maxnix said.

Meth if you are a guy who likes to tinker and check and refill your meth tank every week.

Intercooler if you are a "set it and forget it" type of person.

Both are good, but what is best for you?

infinitekidM2C · 03-17-2011, 02:18 PM

FMIC kind of completes it unless you really need more power (and i doubt u do)

vwrefugee · 03-17-2011, 02:22 PM

You're right, it's a bit much to ask the average driver to keep their meth topped-up when most drivers don't even notice the drop in power when the weather gets hot. But if the question is which brings more to the table, a slightly larger FMIC to replace the one you already have or a secondary system to address the problem (IATs) from another angle, the answer is easy. And the cooling benefits have little to do with the state of tune. The octane benefits, however, are only realized to the extent your tune supports it.

Perostahov · 03-17-2011, 02:58 PM

Well right now Im leaning more on the fmic, just because it would a hassle to have to fill up every week, plus Im really on a tight budget, and im the type of person who is more of set it and forget it. Thank you all for your help

BerkTechnology · 03-17-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perostahov

Well right now Im leaning more on the fmic, just because it would a hassle to have to fill up every week, plus Im really on a tight budget, and im the type of person who is more of set it and forget it. Thank you all for your help

I think you're on the right track.

ScarecrowBoat · 03-17-2011, 03:51 PM

Meth!!

JHOOPS2 · 03-17-2011, 03:58 PM

I'll most likely never run meth, so the FMIC is the direction I am going. And before anyone says anything, I've had an extremely wild track car that was driven on the street before. I am at the point where a mild car suits me just fine, and can still get off the line well.

My135 · 03-17-2011, 04:19 PM

If I were you, I would spend the money on suspension first before moving on to add FMIC and Meth.

ScarecrowBoat · 03-17-2011, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My135

If I were you, I would spend the money on suspension first before moving on to add FMIC and Meth.

I kind of agree...I got addicted to power and now my car is going to be way too fast for its suspension at the track! lol

BMW86 · 03-17-2011, 11:29 PM

I haven't got either but I will be doing FMIC first but meth is on the cards. From what I understand the meth will help keep the car cool but also give you huge power gains which you will really notice. However, the downside is that you have to know what you're doing and what to look for. The FMIC will help keep the car cool too but the gains won't be as noticeable especially in gears 1-3. The advantage is you can install it and leave it. Both mods are completely different, I suggest doing some thorough research first.

Vtec Abuser · 03-18-2011, 05:03 AM

I never track my car and only do 1/4 mile runs now and again. Here in the UK the summer temps rarely get above 25oC/80F and that's only over a few months each year. So question is, would my N55 with flash and cat-less DP's (when I get it done) need a FMIC for day to day use, considering I do mainly motorway/highway driving?

RimasRS · 03-18-2011, 05:41 AM

Intercooler it's the first thing which you must have after tune, because of increased boost. And it's more like OEM upgrade.
Same as you would consider how to add 80hp with tune or with nos

BMW86 · 03-18-2011, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vtec Abuser

I never track my car and only do 1/4 mile runs now and again. Here in the UK the summer temps rarely get above 25oC/80F and that's only over a few months each year. So question is, would my N55 with flash and cat-less DP's (when I get it done) need a FMIC for day to day use, considering I do mainly motorway/highway driving?

Sure, why not. I plan on getting a FMIC as well too. The FMIC will help drop your temps and since you drive mostly on the highway you will be able to really utilises the extra power in 4th-6th. I'd go for it, there are plenty of good options available. Not sure if it the N55 is the same as N54 though.

Vtec Abuser · 03-18-2011, 07:11 AM

Thing is I would rather not have to go down the FMIC route if I can help it.. But will if it needs it.. Did I read somewhere that the N55 runs cooler than the N54 for some reason..?

RimasRS · 03-18-2011, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vtec Abuser

Thing is I would rather not have to go down the FMIC route if I can help it.. But will if it needs it.. Did I read somewhere that the N55 runs cooler than the N54 for some reason..?

Could be just because of one turbo heat instead of two... But that's nothing

vwrefugee · 03-18-2011, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Thing is I would rather not have to go down the FMIC route if I can help it.. But will if it needs it..

The upgraded FMIC is not required, it's a "nice to have" and will allow you to maintain more power as things heat-up, but it's not like its going to keep your engine running much cooler (that's more a function of your radiator and oil cooler if you have one). The reason you want to keep your air intake temps lower is primarily because hotter air isn't as oxygen-rich, and with less oxygen your car injects less fuel = less power.

nimrod107 · 03-20-2011, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwrefugee

The upgraded FMIC is not required, it's a "nice to have" and will allow you to maintain more power as things heat-up, but it's not like its going to keep your engine running much cooler (that's more a function of your radiator and oil cooler if you have one). The reason you want to keep your air intake temps lower is primarily because hotter air isn't as oxygen-rich, and with less oxygen your car injects less fuel = less power.

+1 here...

If it's not too hot where you live you won't see much of a difference with a FMIC as opposed to Meth where you will see a way bigger hp/tq diff.... I'll let you know how my setup runs this summer. I live in GA and will have the DP, DCI, Meth and no FMIC.

rajuncajun · 03-20-2011, 02:11 AM

Meth is like a swimming pool...great to have. wonderful times, but constant maintenance. FMIC is like a nice patio....always there, same wonderful times, but no maintenance.....The beautiful thing is, once you have the patio, you can always build the pool for added pleasure.........

1SerieStud · 03-20-2011, 08:22 AM

FMIC - out of the two this is the one that is permanent and you cannot "run out of". Also, it's a safer choice.

03-17-2011, 12:39 PM	#1
Perostahov Banned 20 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 09 BMW 135i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Edmonton Alberta Canada iTrader: (2)	FMIC or METH kit? Hey guys, I have a quick question. I am debating weither to get an FMIC or METH kit, Im just not sure which one would benefit me more, I dont track the car and I use the car as a daily driver. I already have a jb4, zhift bov, raceland catless dps and rpi quad exhaust, so which one would benefit me more? Thank you!
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03-17-2011, 12:54 PM	#2
miro2296 Colonel 57 Rep 2,251 Posts Drives: '08 Montego Blue BMW 135i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Round Rock, TX iTrader: (1)	FMIC would be my vote! __________________ ------------------------------------- BMW 135i/6 Speed/Montego Blue/Formula One Ceramic Tint/JB4 G4/AA Sport Intercooler/19 inch Iconz 880Z(19X8.5 & 19X10)/PSS 225/35 & 265/30/E93 M3 front sway bar/TRW front and rear Control Arms/BMS Drop In Filter/Dinan Exhaust/BlackLines/Upgraded \\\M RSFB
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03-17-2011, 01:22 PM	#3
vwrefugee Private First Class 17 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 135i 6MT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	From Snow Performance FAQ: Do I need an intercooler with Water/Methanol Injection? Up to approximately 30 psig of boost, water/methanol injection (using 50% methanol) will provide all the density increase/detonation control needed in most applications. Of course, intercooling and water/methanol injection would provide even greater benefits, especially beyond 30 psig of boost. Most air-to-air intercoolers are only 50-65% efficient. For example, with 11 psi of boost and the resulting 120°f air charge temperature increase, an intercooler reduces the air charge temperature only 60 degrees. Also, an intercooler will reduce boost 2 - 4 psig. on average. Your stock IC in combination with a meth set-up will be way more effective than just replacing your existing IC with a bigger one (and costs about the same). You'll have better cooling AND higher effective octane levels.
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03-17-2011, 02:13 PM	#4
BerkTechnology Lieutenant Colonel 223 Rep 1,565 Posts Drives: Fast Join Date: May 2008 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (1)	Like Maxnix said. Meth if you are a guy who likes to tinker and check and refill your meth tank every week. Intercooler if you are a "set it and forget it" type of person. Both are good, but what is best for you?
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03-17-2011, 02:18 PM	#5
infinitekidM2C Major General 4206 Rep 5,728 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Competition Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2019 M2 COMPETITION [9.50] 2008 135i (my old car) [7.39]	FMIC kind of completes it unless you really need more power (and i doubt u do)
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03-17-2011, 02:22 PM	#6
vwrefugee Private First Class 17 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 135i 6MT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	You're right, it's a bit much to ask the average driver to keep their meth topped-up when most drivers don't even notice the drop in power when the weather gets hot. But if the question is which brings more to the table, a slightly larger FMIC to replace the one you already have or a secondary system to address the problem (IATs) from another angle, the answer is easy. And the cooling benefits have little to do with the state of tune. The octane benefits, however, are only realized to the extent your tune supports it.
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03-17-2011, 02:58 PM	#7
Perostahov Banned 20 Rep 203 Posts Drives: 09 BMW 135i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Edmonton Alberta Canada iTrader: (2)	Well right now Im leaning more on the fmic, just because it would a hassle to have to fill up every week, plus Im really on a tight budget, and im the type of person who is more of set it and forget it. Thank you all for your help
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03-17-2011, 03:51 PM	#9
ScarecrowBoat Zooombie attaaack!! 136 Rep 1,179 Posts Drives: 328 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Santa Monica iTrader: (2)	Meth!!
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03-17-2011, 03:58 PM	#10
JHOOPS2 AKA HISSMAN 34 Rep 888 Posts Drives: 2009 SG 135i Coupe' Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: USA iTrader: (5)	I'll most likely never run meth, so the FMIC is the direction I am going. And before anyone says anything, I've had an extremely wild track car that was driven on the street before. I am at the point where a mild car suits me just fine, and can still get off the line well. __________________ (FBO) Cobb Stage 2+, AR Downpipes, Injen DCI, AA (Sport) FMIC, ER Chargepipe/Synapse BOV, Carbon fiber bits and Breyton GTS-R Wheels.
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03-17-2011, 04:19 PM	#11
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	If I were you, I would spend the money on suspension first before moving on to add FMIC and Meth. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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03-17-2011, 11:29 PM	#13
BMW86 Major General 398 Rep 9,156 Posts Drives: RS3 Sedan / Macan S Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	I haven't got either but I will be doing FMIC first but meth is on the cards. From what I understand the meth will help keep the car cool but also give you huge power gains which you will really notice. However, the downside is that you have to know what you're doing and what to look for. The FMIC will help keep the car cool too but the gains won't be as noticeable especially in gears 1-3. The advantage is you can install it and leave it. Both mods are completely different, I suggest doing some thorough research first.
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03-18-2011, 05:03 AM	#14
Vtec Abuser First Lieutenant 35 Rep 367 Posts Drives: 2012 135i DCT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Every-bloody-where.. iTrader: (0)	I never track my car and only do 1/4 mile runs now and again. Here in the UK the summer temps rarely get above 25oC/80F and that's only over a few months each year. So question is, would my N55 with flash and cat-less DP's (when I get it done) need a FMIC for day to day use, considering I do mainly motorway/highway driving?
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03-18-2011, 05:41 AM	#15
RimasRS Colonel 85 Rep 2,438 Posts Drives: BMW X3 SD Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	Intercooler it's the first thing which you must have after tune, because of increased boost. And it's more like OEM upgrade. Same as you would consider how to add 80hp with tune or with nos
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03-18-2011, 07:11 AM	#17
Vtec Abuser First Lieutenant 35 Rep 367 Posts Drives: 2012 135i DCT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Every-bloody-where.. iTrader: (0)	Thing is I would rather not have to go down the FMIC route if I can help it.. But will if it needs it.. Did I read somewhere that the N55 runs cooler than the N54 for some reason..?
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03-20-2011, 02:11 AM	#21
rajuncajun Private First Class 10 Rep 112 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Meth is like a swimming pool...great to have. wonderful times, but constant maintenance. FMIC is like a nice patio....always there, same wonderful times, but no maintenance.....The beautiful thing is, once you have the patio, you can always build the pool for added pleasure.........
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03-20-2011, 08:22 AM	#22
1SerieStud Brigadier General 183 Rep 3,939 Posts Drives: '11 VO 1M (498 of 740) Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Jacksonville, FL iTrader: (11)	FMIC - out of the two this is the one that is permanent and you cannot "run out of". Also, it's a safer choice.
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