VRSF FMIC Installed on 328i F30 Review

Alpine3s · 03-07-2018, 07:06 PM

Just wanted to share my experience on choosing to upgrade the factory unit with an aftermarket intercooler. As usual, I did all my research and landed on VRSF, Wagner, and some others. Naturally I went on a deep dive on each and decided to pull the trigger on the VRSF Street HD 5" core.

http://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-interco...i-n20-n55.html

I received the unit and was pleased with the quality. I didn’t expect PERFECTION, it obviously has its blemishes here and there, but nothing that would impede performance. I took some pictures as seen here and compared to the stock core while out.

IMG_1600 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr

IMG_1604 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr

IMG_1603 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr

IMG_1607 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr

IMG_1611 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr

IMG_1609 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr

Prior to getting down and dirty, I went ahead and logged a few runs with the JB4 on Map2. I did 0-80 MPH, dropping out at 4th gear (You can see in graphs).

Outside temp was about 78f (as per dash), felt in the high 80's given humidity here in Florida is about 100000%. The run with stock intercooler was about 5 runs in of 0-60 and 0-80 mix, meaning this is about the 6th run roughly.

Map2-SPORT-78f_Temp by Steven Garcia, on Flickr

I went ahead and decided to let the engine cool down, put it up on ramps, popped the hood and opened the bottom cover. After about an hour I went to work and got the stock core out (super easy) and got the new core in (super easy). There was NO need to remove the front bumper and the pesky clamps were not bad at all. I just used two flat head screw drivers, didn’t remove the black plastic retainer, and once you pull on each side it sits disengaged. You can literally slide the old core out and slide the new one in, take out the flat heads and snap into place... THAT easy.

I was able to wrap it up within an hour, which left me with plenty of time to test again for same day results. I went ahead and removed my Dexter gloves and dirty pants and hopped in.

Temp at this time of day was about 77f (from dashboard) felt like 80's still and humidity still 100000%. Either the butt dyno kicked in, or the car was actually faster. I am going with the car being faster...

The run here was map2, same as before, but much better results.

Map2-SPORT-77f_Temp-FMIC by Steven Garcia, on Flickr

It shows the IATs dropped drastically compared to the stock cores runs. You can tell by the graphs. In short, the more pedal I gave it, the better the IATs held. The original runs were literally climbing 20-25+ over ambient while with the VRSF HD core I was within 10-15 no matter how hard I pushed it, back to back to back. Pretty impressive given the FL weather and conditions.

All in all, I am extremely happy with the upgrade, it’s well worth it. Additionally, if your budget allows, go for the HD core. I plan to do a DP soon, should yield even better butt dyno or real dyno results.

Bonus, might just be me, but I do hear the turbo a bit more now. Could just be the crazy in my head or having the good flow and vibes of the new FMIC

blakep8 · 03-07-2018, 08:01 PM

How is the fitment with chargepipes? I was looking to get ER charge pipes but I heard they don't fit well...

Alpine3s · 03-07-2018, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakep8

How is the fitment with chargepipes? I was looking to get ER charge pipes but I heard they don't fit well...

I have the stock CP and it fit like a charm. I have heard of some fitment issues with ER CP's, but I dont have that upgrade. I have heard of other brand CPs, including VRSF CP's, fitting without issue.

Tiago@VRSF · 03-07-2018, 10:10 PM

Thanks for taking the time to review the intercooler! We've altered the clearances on these to fit the ER CP

blakep8 · 03-08-2018, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Thanks for taking the time to review the intercooler! We've altered the clearances on these to fit the ER CP

Couple questions
1.) what does the HD core do
2.) I can run this intercooler with ER chargepipes no issue?

BunkerJ · 03-08-2018, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakep8

Couple questions
1.) what does the HD core do
2.) I can run this intercooler with ER chargepipes no issue?

HD core is more dense, so you can recover more quickly. I'll let VRSF answer the CP, but it sounds like it!

vooonoo · 03-08-2018, 02:07 PM

None of the photobucket pictures work, says 3rd party hosting disabled

Alpine3s · 03-08-2018, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vooonoo

None of the photobucket pictures work, says 3rd party hosting disabled

Went the Flickr route. Hope it works now. Sorry guys!

edm0nd · 03-08-2018, 11:32 PM

That weld job looks like they hired someone with maybe 2 hours of training to do it. Does that bother anyone else lol. Those half circle welds look sloppy af. They should at least grind and smooth it out a bit!

But, yea, thanks for this thread. It looks like I'm going to be going the VRSF catless dp and fmic route myself soon.

lukeiswright · 03-09-2018, 04:10 AM

Just got the same exact intercooler and works like a charm. Thanks for writing this up!

Noelified · 03-09-2018, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Thanks for taking the time to review the intercooler! We've altered the clearances on these to fit the ER CP

Thanks Tiago -- How do we make certain we get the revised FMIC that will fit with ER? I'm planning on ordering together. 5" HD for N26.

Tiago@VRSF · 03-09-2018, 02:22 PM

The newer models have been revised to allow a bit of extra clearance for the ER CP.

Alpine3s · 03-09-2018, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lukeiswright

Just got the same exact intercooler and works like a charm. Thanks for writing this up!

Glad it helped! You wont be disappointed, this thing is beast. I constantly go and go, it just loves boost and just gets cooler as I give it more gas. You'll see it climb on idle and within traffic, but some spirited driving brings it right back down.

brandmaster · 03-11-2018, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

The newer models have been revised to allow a bit of extra clearance for the ER CP.

How long ago were they revised? Anyway to tell if you have an newer one?

Tiago@VRSF · 03-11-2018, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandmaster

How long ago were they revised? Anyway to tell if you have an newer one?

If it was ordered within the past 2 months it'll be the revised version.

Killakittie · 07-24-2018, 05:30 PM

Awesome thread man! I just ordered this same fmic along with their VRSF CP, and a BMS stage 1 tune. I'm excited to see how the car will perform afterwards.

mike@x-ph.com · 07-24-2018, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killakittie

Awesome thread man! I just ordered this same fmic along with their VRSF CP, and a BMS stage 1 tune. I'm excited to see how the car will perform afterwards.

Congrats

Killakittie · 07-24-2018, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Congrats

Hey your the guy i actually ordered it from lol I was doing some research and decided to go with someone known on the forum.

mike@x-ph.com · 07-24-2018, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killakittie

Hey your the guy i actually ordered it from lol I was doing some research and decided to go with someone known on the forum.

Thank you for the support

jflow72 · 07-24-2018, 11:34 PM

I bought one off x-ph. It has 16 fins per inch, but it has the tabs that don't match up on the fan. Purchased about a month ago after the announcement of HD for 379. Do I have the updated one?

SFV818 · 02-27-2021, 04:10 PM

How did the VRSF chargepipe and intercooler hold up? I want to go BM3 stage 2 91 oct here in CA and thinking about geting the VRSF fmic, chargepipe, and catless dp. Just worried cause VRSF seems too good to be true--their prices are a lot better than competitors. Currently getting ready to upgrade the exhaust with AWE midpipe and quad tips as well. VRSF FBO after.

03-07-2018, 07:06 PM	#1
Alpine3s Private 15 Rep 57 Posts Drives: F30 328i Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Florida iTrader: (1)	VRSF FMIC Installed on 328i F30 Review Just wanted to share my experience on choosing to upgrade the factory unit with an aftermarket intercooler. As usual, I did all my research and landed on VRSF, Wagner, and some others. Naturally I went on a deep dive on each and decided to pull the trigger on the VRSF Street HD 5" core. http://www.vr-speed.com/vrsf-interco...i-n20-n55.html I received the unit and was pleased with the quality. I didn’t expect PERFECTION, it obviously has its blemishes here and there, but nothing that would impede performance. I took some pictures as seen here and compared to the stock core while out. IMG_1600 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr IMG_1604 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr IMG_1603 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr IMG_1607 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr IMG_1611 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr IMG_1609 by Steven Garcia, on Flickr Prior to getting down and dirty, I went ahead and logged a few runs with the JB4 on Map2. I did 0-80 MPH, dropping out at 4th gear (You can see in graphs). Outside temp was about 78f (as per dash), felt in the high 80's given humidity here in Florida is about 100000%. The run with stock intercooler was about 5 runs in of 0-60 and 0-80 mix, meaning this is about the 6th run roughly. Map2-SPORT-78f_Temp by Steven Garcia, on Flickr I went ahead and decided to let the engine cool down, put it up on ramps, popped the hood and opened the bottom cover. After about an hour I went to work and got the stock core out (super easy) and got the new core in (super easy). There was NO need to remove the front bumper and the pesky clamps were not bad at all. I just used two flat head screw drivers, didn’t remove the black plastic retainer, and once you pull on each side it sits disengaged. You can literally slide the old core out and slide the new one in, take out the flat heads and snap into place... THAT easy. I was able to wrap it up within an hour, which left me with plenty of time to test again for same day results. I went ahead and removed my Dexter gloves and dirty pants and hopped in. Temp at this time of day was about 77f (from dashboard) felt like 80's still and humidity still 100000%. Either the butt dyno kicked in, or the car was actually faster. I am going with the car being faster... The run here was map2, same as before, but much better results. Map2-SPORT-77f_Temp-FMIC by Steven Garcia, on Flickr It shows the IATs dropped drastically compared to the stock cores runs. You can tell by the graphs. In short, the more pedal I gave it, the better the IATs held. The original runs were literally climbing 20-25+ over ambient while with the VRSF HD core I was within 10-15 no matter how hard I pushed it, back to back to back. Pretty impressive given the FL weather and conditions. All in all, I am extremely happy with the upgrade, it’s well worth it. Additionally, if your budget allows, go for the HD core. I plan to do a DP soon, should yield even better butt dyno or real dyno results. Bonus, might just be me, but I do hear the turbo a bit more now. Could just be the crazy in my head or having the good flow and vibes of the new FMIC __________________ Alpine White 328i F30 - JB4 STG2 / VRSF FMIC / CW DP Torque gets you going, HP keeps you going. Last edited by Alpine3s; 03-08-2018 at 07:58 PM..
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03-07-2018, 08:01 PM	#2
blakep8 Second Lieutenant 42 Rep 283 Posts Drives: 2014 Black F32 435i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Westlake Village, California iTrader: (0)	How is the fitment with chargepipes? I was looking to get ER charge pipes but I heard they don't fit well... __________________ 2014 F32 435i /// M Sport Brakes /// Vorsteiner VFF103 /// Resonator Delete /// MP Carbon Front Spoiler /// MP Carbon Mirror Caps /// MP Carbon Rear Spoiler @slowf32 on instagram
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03-07-2018, 10:10 PM	#4
Tiago@VRSF 2095 Rep 43,350 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Doral, FL iTrader: (99) Garage List 2014 F30 328xi [0.00] 2015 F82 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 Ducati 1199 Pa ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	Thanks for taking the time to review the intercooler! We've altered the clearances on these to fit the ER CP
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03-08-2018, 02:07 PM	#7
vooonoo ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 537 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: f30 328 Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: nj iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 f30 328i [0.00]	None of the photobucket pictures work, says 3rd party hosting disabled
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03-08-2018, 11:32 PM	#9
edm0nd Private 23 Rep 98 Posts Drives: 328i 2013 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	That weld job looks like they hired someone with maybe 2 hours of training to do it. Does that bother anyone else lol. Those half circle welds look sloppy af. They should at least grind and smooth it out a bit! But, yea, thanks for this thread. It looks like I'm going to be going the VRSF catless dp and fmic route myself soon.
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03-09-2018, 04:10 AM	#10
lukeiswright Luke Wright 166 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 2012 6mt 328i Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Tampa, Fl iTrader: (0)	Just got the same exact intercooler and works like a charm. Thanks for writing this up!
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03-09-2018, 02:22 PM	#12
Tiago@VRSF 2095 Rep 43,350 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Doral, FL iTrader: (99) Garage List 2014 F30 328xi [0.00] 2015 F82 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 Ducati 1199 Pa ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	The newer models have been revised to allow a bit of extra clearance for the ER CP.
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07-24-2018, 05:30 PM	#16
Killakittie Private 101 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 2023 M-Sport 330i Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Ca iTrader: (0)	Awesome thread man! I just ordered this same fmic along with their VRSF CP, and a BMS stage 1 tune. I'm excited to see how the car will perform afterwards.
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07-24-2018, 11:34 PM	#20
jflow72 New Member 5 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 2012 BWM 328i Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (1)	I bought one off x-ph. It has 16 fins per inch, but it has the tabs that don't match up on the fan. Purchased about a month ago after the announcement of HD for 379. Do I have the updated one?
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02-27-2021, 04:10 PM	#21
SFV818 Private 8 Rep 75 Posts Drives: 2016 328i - BM3 Stage 2 FBO Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	How did the VRSF chargepipe and intercooler hold up? I want to go BM3 stage 2 91 oct here in CA and thinking about geting the VRSF fmic, chargepipe, and catless dp. Just worried cause VRSF seems too good to be true--their prices are a lot better than competitors. Currently getting ready to upgrade the exhaust with AWE midpipe and quad tips as well. VRSF FBO after.
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