THE ULTIMATE Intercooler Thread - What to Look For Before Buying an FMIC

mike@x-ph.com · 04-17-2020, 11:26 AM

VRSF 5" Intercooler HD

sirch · 04-17-2020, 05:54 PM

If we are going to be doing the ultimate intercooler thread, shouldn't we be discussing all the options on the market?

The option below is more suited for the 10% crowd. If this sounds like you I would forget the bar and plate or tube in fin options on the market and look for a charge cooler or water to air cooler which can be found on the M3. If you have time on to spend making a custom pipes to the charge cooler and money is no option(sarcasm), this is the choice for you.

Frozen Boost has a very good and low cost charge cooler with radiator, radiator fan, charge cooler and pump recommended for over 700 CFM with a pressure drop of less than 0.1 PSI. Charge coolers have incredibly low pressure drop which means you do not lose the the PSI that normally happens with a traditional intercooler. Frozen Boost has starter kits for up to 650hp that start at $300. Frozen boost does make a great kit, however, the the pump is the weakest link on the system which some people upgrade after running the system for sometime.

http://www.frozen**********/liquid-a...er-p-1006.html

Again, this is not what I would recommend for everyone, but, if you are upgrading your turbo, running your turbo outside its efficiency range, hard tracking your car, or live in really warm weather and have time on your hands for doing a custom install, this may be the option that is right for you for half the price of other options on the market with far superior results in terms of cooling compactly and pressure drop.

mike@x-ph.com · 04-20-2020, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirch

If we are going to be doing the ultimate intercooler thread, shouldn't we be discussing all the options on the market?

The option below is more suited for the 10% crowd. If this sounds like you I would forget the bar and plate or tube in fin options on the market and look for a charge cooler or water to air cooler which can be found on the M3. If you have time on to spend making a custom pipes to the charge cooler and money is no option(sarcasm), this is the choice for you.

Frozen Boost has a very good and low cost charge cooler with radiator, radiator fan, charge cooler and pump recommended for over 700 CFM with a pressure drop of less than 0.1 PSI. Charge coolers have incredibly low pressure drop which means you do not lose the the PSI that normally happens with a traditional intercooler. Frozen Boost has starter kits for up to 650hp that start at $300. Frozen boost does make a great kit, however, the the pump is the weakest link on the system which some people upgrade after running the system for sometime.

http://www.frozen**********/liquid-a...er-p-1006.html

Again, this is not what I would recommend for everyone, but, if you are upgrading your turbo, running your turbo outside its efficiency range, hard tracking your car, or live in really warm weather and have time on your hands for doing a custom install, this may be the option that is right for you for half the price of other options on the market with far superior results in terms of cooling compactly and pressure drop.

You are more than welcome to discuss any cooling option on this thread

kingalmir · 05-14-2020, 09:39 PM

Ive noticed VRSF offers a

5" stepped performance HD FMIC
&
6.5" stepped competition HD FMIC

Which would be better in these applications:

-Catless DP,BM3 stage 1 daily driving, with occasional stage 2 for track days
-Weather ranges from 10F to 110F (winter to summer)

Car is a F30 328i n26 running on 93 fuel

mike@x-ph.com · 05-14-2020, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingalmir

Ive noticed VRSF offers a

5" stepped performance HD FMIC
&
6.5" stepped competition HD FMIC

Which would be better in these applications:

-Catless DP,BM3 stage 1 daily driving, with occasional stage 2 for track days
-Weather ranges from 10F to 110F (winter to summer)

Car is a F30 328i n26 running on 93 fuel

6.5" is the better option on an FBO car

kingalmir · 05-20-2020, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

6.5" is the better option on an FBO car

awesome!

Is there a sale or will there be a sale for memorial day? I definitely wanna get the VRSF 6.5" intercooler

mike@x-ph.com · 05-20-2020, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingalmir

awesome!

Is there a sale or will there be a sale for memorial day? I definitely wanna get the VRSF 6.5" intercooler

Tylachniet · 05-24-2020, 08:45 PM

Alright I'm confused on which intercooler to get... chargepipe, afe catted DP, intake, and mhd tune. What IC would be best for stage 1, 2 or 2+? I haven't decided which stage to go yet

mike@x-ph.com · 05-24-2020, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tylachniet

Alright I'm confused on which intercooler to get... chargepipe, afe catted DP, intake, and mhd tune. What IC would be best for stage 1, 2 or 2+? I haven't decided which stage to go yet

6"+ would be best for stage 2

examples: Wagner EVO II, VRSF Competition, Evolution Racewerks

Tylachniet · 05-24-2020, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tylachniet

Alright I'm confused on which intercooler to get... chargepipe, afe catted DP, intake, and mhd tune. What IC would be best for stage 1, 2 or 2+? I haven't decided which stage to go yet

6"+ would be best for stage 2

examples: Wagner EVO II, VRSF Competition, Evolution Racewerks

Performance or competition? What's the difference?

alohasurftoad · 05-24-2020, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tylachniet

Performance or competition? What's the difference?

regarding wagner. performance=bar plate, competition=tube fin

mike@x-ph.com · 05-25-2020, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tylachniet

Performance or competition? What's the difference?

Quote:

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

regarding wagner. performance=bar plate, competition=tube fin

+1

Competition is lighter and recovers a lot faster

Spacefish · 05-26-2020, 11:04 AM

Any recommendations on which intercooler to purchase for my 2014 F31 with JB4, Injen SP intake (on the way), and VRSF charge pipe? I dont plan to swap turbos. I might modify my exhaust system within the next year, possibly a catted-dp.

I was thinking of going with VRSF's 5" HD cooler, looking at it compared to BMS's.

mike@x-ph.com · 07-15-2020, 11:44 AM

CSF F Chassis Intercooler

CHI3F · 07-15-2020, 12:19 PM

What are your thoughts on the CSF IC?

mike@x-ph.com · 07-15-2020, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHI3F

What are your thoughts on the CSF IC?

Its a quality intercooler, recommended for a stage 2 FBO application

mike@x-ph.com · 08-19-2020, 11:12 AM

CSF Intercoolers

skarimi · 08-19-2020, 07:36 PM

Mike,

You mention that 5" is better for stock/stage1 car and 6" is better for FBO stage2.

Can you please elaborate when you say 6" option better for stage 2, what you mean by "better".

Is it always better? will it not have a added lag? or does it perform better under higher boost and the gains are significant enough that you would pick it for the gains in spite of the added lag?

To make it more specific let's say we are comparing EVO I/II Comp on BM3 Stage 2 w/ Wagner Highflow Catted DP on Stock Turbo.

mike@x-ph.com · 08-20-2020, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skarimi

Mike,

You mention that 5" is better for stock/stage1 car and 6" is better for FBO stage2.

Can you please elaborate when you say 6" option better for stage 2, what you mean by "better".

Is it always better? will it not have a added lag? or does it perform better under higher boost and the gains are significant enough that you would pick it for the gains in spite of the added lag?

To make it more specific let's say we are comparing EVO I/II Comp on BM3 Stage 2 w/ Wagner Highflow Catted DP on Stock Turbo.

the larger intercooler will provide better cooling which is needed for all stage 2 applications.

I dont think you will notice any added turbo lag between the EVO I and EVO II

chris tarboton · 11-18-2020, 01:11 AM

Hi Guys

My intercooler got a piece of metal through it and I am trying to source a replacement, the agents are obviously pretty steep so am considering fitting an intercooler off of a wreck. My question is, are the intercoolers all the same across the engine ranges of the F30? So could I fit an intercooler from a 2.0l petrol motor without any issue?

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: my car is the 320D with the B47 140kw motor.

sqwinny · 11-21-2020, 12:26 AM

There are people running the n47 diesel with f30 petrol aftermarket intercoolers. I wouldn't see why not if that's the case.

conolulu · 05-13-2021, 12:05 AM

Hey Mike, would you be able to help me decide which size intercooler I should get?

I have a 2014 435i and I plan on going FBO with a vrsf downpipe, vrsf FMIC, and a vrsf charge pipe. I'm just unsure on whether I should get the 5" or 6.5" vrsf FMIC. I was going to get the 6.5" FMIC because I thought it would provide better cooling for my engine, but after reading this thread, I guess bigger isn't always better.

I don't plan on upgrading my turbos and just sticking with FBO. I also plan on running MHD stage 2+.

I also have a muffler delete and res delete.

Thank you for any insight!

04-17-2020, 11:26 AM	#67
mike@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 24186 Rep 190,777 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	VRSF 5" Intercooler HD __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
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04-17-2020, 05:54 PM	#68
sirch Private 27 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 2015 320i Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	If we are going to be doing the ultimate intercooler thread, shouldn't we be discussing all the options on the market? The option below is more suited for the 10% crowd. If this sounds like you I would forget the bar and plate or tube in fin options on the market and look for a charge cooler or water to air cooler which can be found on the M3. If you have time on to spend making a custom pipes to the charge cooler and money is no option(sarcasm), this is the choice for you. Frozen Boost has a very good and low cost charge cooler with radiator, radiator fan, charge cooler and pump recommended for over 700 CFM with a pressure drop of less than 0.1 PSI. Charge coolers have incredibly low pressure drop which means you do not lose the the PSI that normally happens with a traditional intercooler. Frozen Boost has starter kits for up to 650hp that start at $300. Frozen boost does make a great kit, however, the the pump is the weakest link on the system which some people upgrade after running the system for sometime. http://www.frozen**********/liquid-a...er-p-1006.html Again, this is not what I would recommend for everyone, but, if you are upgrading your turbo, running your turbo outside its efficiency range, hard tracking your car, or live in really warm weather and have time on your hands for doing a custom install, this may be the option that is right for you for half the price of other options on the market with far superior results in terms of cooling compactly and pressure drop. __________________ 2015 320i 2006 330i 2004 545i 2001 M Roadster
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05-14-2020, 09:39 PM	#70
kingalmir Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: bmw F30 328i Msport Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	VRSF 5" vs VRSF 6.5" Ive noticed VRSF offers a 5" stepped performance HD FMIC & 6.5" stepped competition HD FMIC Which would be better in these applications: -Catless DP,BM3 stage 1 daily driving, with occasional stage 2 for track days -Weather ranges from 10F to 110F (winter to summer) Car is a F30 328i n26 running on 93 fuel
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05-24-2020, 08:45 PM	#74
Tylachniet New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 335i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Atlanta Georgia iTrader: (0)	Alright I'm confused on which intercooler to get... chargepipe, afe catted DP, intake, and mhd tune. What IC would be best for stage 1, 2 or 2+? I haven't decided which stage to go yet __________________ 2013 M Sport 335i
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05-26-2020, 11:04 AM	#79
Spacefish Private First Class 72 Rep 130 Posts Drives: 2023 M340i xdrive Join Date: May 2020 Location: Ann Arbor, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M340i xDrive [0.00]	Any recommendations on which intercooler to purchase for my 2014 F31 with JB4, Injen SP intake (on the way), and VRSF charge pipe? I dont plan to swap turbos. I might modify my exhaust system within the next year, possibly a catted-dp. I was thinking of going with VRSF's 5" HD cooler, looking at it compared to BMS's.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2020, 11:44 AM	#80
mike@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 24186 Rep 190,777 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	CSF F Chassis Intercooler __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
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07-15-2020, 12:19 PM	#81
CHI3F Private First Class 84 Rep 124 Posts Drives: 2015 335i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: JBLM, Washington iTrader: (1)	What are your thoughts on the CSF IC?
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08-19-2020, 11:12 AM	#83
mike@x-ph.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 24186 Rep 190,777 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	CSF Intercoolers __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
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08-19-2020, 07:36 PM	#84
skarimi Enthusiast 6 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 435i M Performance Edition Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Edmonton, AB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 435i [0.00] 2019 BMW X3 [0.00]	Mike, You mention that 5" is better for stock/stage1 car and 6" is better for FBO stage2. Can you please elaborate when you say 6" option better for stage 2, what you mean by "better". Is it always better? will it not have a added lag? or does it perform better under higher boost and the gains are significant enough that you would pick it for the gains in spite of the added lag? To make it more specific let's say we are comparing EVO I/II Comp on BM3 Stage 2 w/ Wagner Highflow Catted DP on Stock Turbo. __________________ 2015 BMW 435i ///M Performance Edition - Black Sapphire Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Piano Black Trim w/ Satin Chrome Highlight Last edited by skarimi; 08-19-2020 at 08:33 PM..
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11-18-2020, 01:11 AM	#86
chris tarboton Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2018 F30 320D Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	Hi Guys My intercooler got a piece of metal through it and I am trying to source a replacement, the agents are obviously pretty steep so am considering fitting an intercooler off of a wreck. My question is, are the intercoolers all the same across the engine ranges of the F30? So could I fit an intercooler from a 2.0l petrol motor without any issue? Thanks in advance. EDIT: my car is the 320D with the B47 140kw motor.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-21-2020, 12:26 AM	#87
sqwinny Major 473 Rep 1,060 Posts Drives: 2013 6MT 328i M Sport Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Miami iTrader: (3)	There are people running the n47 diesel with f30 petrol aftermarket intercoolers. I wouldn't see why not if that's the case. __________________ MY13: TTE400 Stage 2 turbo. e80 tune by Navardi Tuned. 380 whp/360 wheel torque stock block Build Thread: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1742413 IG + YT: Sqwin_n20
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05-13-2021, 12:05 AM	#88
conolulu First Lieutenant 99 Rep 308 Posts Drives: 435i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Hey Mike, would you be able to help me decide which size intercooler I should get? I have a 2014 435i and I plan on going FBO with a vrsf downpipe, vrsf FMIC, and a vrsf charge pipe. I'm just unsure on whether I should get the 5" or 6.5" vrsf FMIC. I was going to get the 6.5" FMIC because I thought it would provide better cooling for my engine, but after reading this thread, I guess bigger isn't always better. I don't plan on upgrading my turbos and just sticking with FBO. I also plan on running MHD stage 2+. I also have a muffler delete and res delete. Thank you for any insight!
	Appreciate 0 Quote