[pw0n]

I know y'all been dying for another FMIC question, so here it is

All jokes aside, I couldn't find a thread on this specific comparison, so I wanted some input. I plan on making my purchase this week and just wanted to know if there were any significant differences between the two models. I've read that a lot of these aftermarket 5" bar and plate intercoolers are generally all the same, but was curious to know if the VRSF HD is an improvement/new design considering it's relatively much newer.

I'm very hesitant to buy VRSF just based off some of the fitment issues I've been reading. I know it's probably a small percentage, but I'd rather not take the risk if possible. However, if indeed the VRSF is a superior FMIC compared to the CTS Turbo, I'd be willing to take the gamble. I plan on grabbing a CTS Turbo charge pipe as well. If I decide to go with VRSF, should I anticipate any fitment issues? I've also read that VRSF doesn't mate well with ER CP, so I'd like to know if the same applies to CTS.

[TSA8151]

My ER charge pipe mated to my vrsf 5 hd just fine. The only knock I have about the VRSF 5 is I needed to bend the radiator tabs to make it fit.

[pw0n]

Originally Posted by TSA8151

My ER charge pipe mated to my vrsf 5 hd just fine. The only knock I have about the VRSF 5 is I needed to bend the radiator tabs to make it fit.

Interesting... their description does indicate it should be full PnP without any modifications/accommodations necessary. Is the radiator tab located on the body of the car or some shroud? If you have any pictures, that'd be very helpful!

[Alpine-F80]

Originally Posted by pw0n

Interesting... their description does indicate it should be full PnP without any modifications/accommodations necessary. Is the radiator tab located on the body of the car or some shroud? If you have any pictures, that'd be very helpful!

I'd be curious to see exactly what he means by bending the tabs too. The tabs are on the radiator itself though, the OEM intercooler kinda 'clips' into them.

[Logicoeur]

Originally Posted by Alpine_F30

I'd be curious to see exactly what he means by bending the tabs too. The tabs are on the radiator itself though, the OEM intercooler kinda 'clips' into them.

He's talking about the tabs on the IC that should fit into the "channel" made by tabs on the radiator.

[ali820]

Sounds like you're leaning towards CTS.

I was in the same boat and went ahead and got CTS CP and intercooler. Great quality and fitment. No regrets.

The intercooler is a substantial piece of kit! Not having to worry about fitment, leaks, etc won it for me.

[pw0n]

Originally Posted by ali820

Sounds like you're leaning towards CTS.

I was in the same boat and went ahead and got CTS CP and intercooler. Great quality and fitment. No regrets.

The intercooler is a substantial piece of kit! Not having to worry about fitment, leaks, etc won it for me.

Yeah, I definitely was. However, after reading the CTS Turbo has 10fins per ~2", I decided to go w/ VRSF HD. There's an image on x-ph's website that shows 16 fins per ~2", which sounds like it's a complete redesign (hopefully for the better). I figured, worst case, I'll sell the VRSF and go w/ the CTS Turbo FMIC.

As for my other parts, I went w/ CTS Turbo's CP and catless DP. Stoked to go FBO!

[TSA8151]

These tabs needed to be bent out to fit on the radiator. Other than that install was easy (didn't have to remove the bumper), it keeps IATS in check, and it doesn't weigh to much.

View post on imgur.com

[Sad N26]

Originally Posted by pw0n

Yeah, I definitely was. However, after reading the CTS Turbo has 10fins per ~2", I decided to go w/ VRSF HD. There's an image on x-ph's website that shows 16 fins per ~2", which sounds like it's a complete redesign (hopefully for the better). I figured, worst case, I'll sell the VRSF and go w/ the CTS Turbo FMIC.

As for my other parts, I went w/ CTS Turbo's CP and catless DP. Stoked to go FBO!

Howdy - any updates? I'm interested in how this turned out for you in terms of installation and performance. Thanks.

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by Sad N26

Howdy - any updates? I'm interested in how this turned out for you in terms of installation and performance. Thanks.

I am also interested to hear if he had any issues since i ordered my VRSF IC and CP at the same time (ordered 9/1) when the VRSF IC was out of stock so i think we got the same batch. I had nightmare fitment issues, as you can read about in this thread: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...=o-ring&page=3

Last post i saw from him in early November he hadn't installed the IC yet.

[Tpriest7893]

I installed my VRSF 5"HD myself. Did it very quick and no issues. Just got it November 2019. No issues here. Used BMS charge pipe

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by Tpriest7893

I installed my VRSF 5"HD myself. Did it very quick and no issues. Just got it November 2019. No issues here. Used BMS charge pipe

Yeah i installed mine myself too... 3 or 4 times. Was curious as to his experience specifically because he ordered at the same time as me when they were temporarily out of stock.

[mike@x-ph.com]

VRSF intercooler will outperform the CTS. It also has better fin density for more cooling