Some questions: IC/Meth/e85

[Thirdkelley]

Kinda new here, got my 08 alpine white 135i a couple months ago...Trying to decide the route I'm going to take with my next mods. At the moment I'm running JB4 ISO, Alpina Flash, DCI, Custom Non-resonated Berk mids, VRSF Catless downpipes, and ER Chargepipe w/HKS BOV.

I was planning on going intercooler and then meth next (VRSF 7" & aquamist), however I've been thinking about going for the walbro LPFP and wedge flash because I have access to e85. Wondering how intercooler+meth would compare to higher mix e85+wedge flash. I'm not asking for someone to go back to high school Chemistry class here haha I'm just looking for some advice and input from more experienced people.

Any input is appreciated! Thanks!

[135Pats]

I'd just say regardless of your eventual end goal (be it E85, meth, or both) you NEED a decent front mount on this platform. Yes, meth and ethanol will both help cool the charge and lower EGTs, but even with all that the OE intercooler is entirely insufficient. At the type of power levels you are going to be shooting for, I think you'd be doing a real dis-service to not have a proper FBO car from a hardware standpoint.

[Rowdy]

I went the Water meth route. E85 isn't' super available here and it's a bit of fiddling around and constantly logging pulls and adjusting for mixes. Not my cup of tea to be worrying about what the ethanol mix is and of course you're going top see mpg drop significantly with it.

With the water meth kit, I burn through a 2 Gal tank every 5 or 6 fill ups. I still am getting 32-34mpg on the freeway and there has been very little messing around. Car pulls insanely strong and I'm never worried about a bad batch of gas. I did have to give up a bit of trunk space though.

To each their own though, both means are good ways to make loads of power with these motors.

The aqua mist setup is fantastic. I had the HFS4 from Howerton with the special tank in my cooper and it was rock solid and super straightforward. WAY nicer and way more advanced than the AEM kit in my GLH. Although I do like the FSB and the way I've set up my BMS kit.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Agree with @135pats you need a good intercooler no matter what your goals are.
I say you start with that and then figure out the next step

[Thirdkelley]

Probably going to purchase an intercooler ASAP, been trying to research for a while on which ones are the best bang for the buck, in terms of airflow/surface area I like the VRSF 7". Do y'all think that is a good contender? I read somewhere that the VRSF FMIC is made at the same factory as the HPF FMIC and the only real difference is the HPF brand name. Anyone hear this?

[Thirdkelley]

And I really appreciate the input guys, I've been looking at the newer Aquamist kit for a while. But recently got caught up in the e85 movement because I have easy access. Also is there any point to running meth w/e85 mix? Would that be running too rich or would it simply be a waste of meth?

[GR1P]

I'm also in the market for a good fmic. Let us know what you go with.

I had great luck with ETS on my evo. It's down to ETS or the local boys (ER).



As far as the meth kit goes, I'm just going to pair the BMS kit with the JB4. I like the matched FSB.

[Thirdkelley]

I ordered my VRSF 7" yesterday! Heard it's the best for the value

[Rowdy]

The stepped VRSF is what I've got in mine. It seems to work well and was low in cost. Temps look good. Seems to flow well enough and it fit without cutting.

My meth kit is based on the BMS FSB coupled to the JB4.. but I have a Howerton twin tank and ran different fittings. Works super well. Although I do miss the perfection that was my Aquamist… but I'm on a budget these days. Weddin's are expensive dontcha know haha