[eclipsor]

Hey folks,

There's a wealth of information available on these forums regarding mods, but some searching has shown me that most people tend to give opinions rather than facts when asked which product to purchase.

I'm looking for a quick answer to the following question: which exhaust/DP/FMIC combo will give me the biggest gains in HP/tq? These mods will be installed on my 2008 335xi with PROcede v4. I'm much less concerned about the sound of the exhaust than I am with its weight and power benefits. Accordingly, I'm also much more concerned about the efficiency of a FMIC than the looks. Price is no object, but I cringe at the thought of paying a lot for a name. Function over form... that's IT!

Thanks in advance!

[jpsimon]

you'll get lots of different responses.

exhaust: AE Catless Exhaust
downpipes: AR makes the only 3" XI downpipes (i'm switching to them in the summer)
fmic: there are a number of good options, I personally love my AMS unit

combined with v4, you're gonna love it!

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by jpsimon

you'll get lots of different responses.

exhaust: AE Catless Exhaust
downpipes: AR makes the only 3" XI downpipes (i'm switching to them in the summer)
fmic: there are a number of good options, I personally love my AMS unit

combined with v4, you're gonna love it!

+1 on those suggestions.. I would add the HELIX to the FMIC choices as well.

Mike

[Donald-335i]

ARDesign DP's
AE Exhaust
Helix/Evolution Racewerks FMIC
jb3 2.0 / PROcede V4

[Zeph]

Well most people are just going to list what they have. I think the only proven fact is that DP's which are mostly 3" in diameter have shown better dyno gains than the 2.5" DP's. I don't think there is much difference in power for exhausts, but I know some are lighter than others. Actually I think the Vanguard might be one of the lighter dual exhausts out there and it seems to do fine with power and sound. I believe HKS still claims the most power on a dyno (on a stock car). AMS has a single midpipe on their exhaust so I would assume it is pretty light as well but I don't know for sure. Some of the smaller FMIC's might be what you need if you want to stay efficient and lightweight.

I personally chose the AMS FMIC because it has cast end tanks (lighter design) which flow smoothly without any "corners or edges" and it is very light/efficient for it's size. I believe AMS said it is good for 550 RWHP which is more than you will ever get on stock turbo's/housings.

If I had to make a list, I personally would get:

AMS FMIC
AE/HKS/Vanguard Exhaust
Macht Snell or AR 3" DP's coated

-no cats anywhere on car

[jpsimon]

macht snell doesn't make XI downpipes

Originally Posted by Zeph

AMS FMIC
AE/HKS/Vanguard Exhaust
Macht Snell or AR 3" DP's coated

-no cats anywhere on car

[MrWhite1015]

what about the stett FMCI ? i think that ones good for 600+ hp ?

[Zeph]

Originally Posted by MrWhite1015

what about the stett FMCI ? i think that ones good for 600+ hp ?

He said lightweight and lowest pressure drop. I know it isn't as light as the smaller ones. Dunno about the efficiency or pressure drop. He won't be running anywhere near 600 RWHP unless he upgrades the turbo/s.

Oh and I didn't realize it was xi so ya I guess AR might be the only good choice for catless DP's. Thx JP

[eclipsor]

Thanks for all the quick responses guys.

Originally Posted by Zeph

He said lightweight and lowest pressure drop. I know it isn't as light as the smaller ones. Dunno about the efficiency or pressure drop. He won't be running anywhere near 600 RWHP unless he upgrades the turbo/s.

Ideally, I want to be putting down 400+ ft lbs of torque at the wheels. I know that's stretching it just a bit with the stock turbos, but I figure I should get the most out of them before the inevitable turbo upgrade.

I was already leaning towards the AE exhaust, so that decision is pretty much locked-in now that I've read the advice in this thread. The 3" AR downpipes seem like a lock, as well, so now it's just down to the FMIC...

Are there any dynos floating around that compare the same (or very similar) setups with different FMICs?

[HPFREAK]

For the cost you will get the most power gains from a piggy back tune like a JB3 or Procede plus they are easy to remove for warranty work. DP's and exhaust will get you into trouble at the dealer for sure. I know people on here have had their warranties yanked because of them. You need to have a dealer that is mod friendly if you do DP's and intakes.

[eclipsor]

Originally Posted by Brad@PSI MOTORS

For the cost you will get the most power gains from a piggy back tune like a JB3 or Procede plus they are easy to remove for warranty work.

As I mentioned in my original post, I already have a PROcede.

[NM_BMW]

Originally Posted by jpsimon

you'll get lots of different responses.

exhaust: AE Catless Exhaust
downpipes: AR makes the only 3" XI downpipes (i'm switching to them in the summer)
fmic: there are a number of good options, I personally love my AMS unit

combined with v4, you're gonna love it!

+1

Would of gotten the AE if it was out before I chose the Vishnu Exhaust.

AR makes some of the best dp's around and are the only ones that make a non-rusting dp for the XI.

FMIC I'm going to have to choose the Helix. They have crazy deals on them right now with the current group buys. If I wouldn't of gotten the Helix I would of gone the AMS route.

JP, I thought you had the VK FMIC?

[Willizm]

I've heard great things about the Code3/Spearco FMIC and will be getting mine in a couple weeks. They are a bit harder to find though. I also just bout BMS DCI and AR 3" catless DP's for my 09 335xi. I was after the same thing you are. Decided to go with the Code3/Spearco as it seems to be well respected.

[ar design]

Originally Posted by eclipsor

Hey folks,

There's a wealth of information available on these forums regarding mods, but some searching has shown me that most people tend to give opinions rather than facts when asked which product to purchase.

I'm looking for a quick answer to the following question: which exhaust/DP/FMIC combo will give me the biggest gains in HP/tq? These mods will be installed on my 2008 335xi with PROcede v4. I'm much less concerned about the sound of the exhaust than I am with its weight and power benefits. Accordingly, I'm also much more concerned about the efficiency of a FMIC than the looks. Price is no object, but I cringe at the thought of paying a lot for a name. Function over form... that's IT!

Thanks in advance!

FWIW we have some sick combo deals going on DPs + FMIC, and we can do something if you order the AE exhaust as well....

[huyner328]

I'd wait and see what kind of data is generated from the CP-E FMIC however, the Helix one priced great atm and there's been plenty of data on that.

[NM_BMW]

Originally Posted by Willizm

I've heard great things about the Code3/Spearco FMIC and will be getting mine in a couple weeks. They are a bit harder to find though. I also just bout BMS DCI and AR 3" catless DP's for my 09 335xi. I was after the same thing you are. Decided to go with the Code3/Spearco as it seems to be well respected.

The spearco's are so hard to find because the design was bought by Dinan.

[LostMarine]

Originally Posted by eclipsor

Hey folks,

There's a wealth of information available on these forums regarding mods, but some searching has shown me that most people tend to give opinions rather than facts when asked which product to purchase.

I'm looking for a quick answer to the following question: which exhaust/DP/FMIC combo will give me the biggest gains in HP/tq? These mods will be installed on my 2008 335xi with PROcede v4. I'm much less concerned about the sound of the exhaust than I am with its weight and power benefits. Accordingly, I'm also much more concerned about the efficiency of a FMIC than the looks. Price is no object, but I cringe at the thought of paying a lot for a name. Function over form... that's IT!

Thanks in advance!

Then you may want to change your order to JB3..

and then Helix FMIC- Miltek exhaust- AR DP's

[TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management]

Originally Posted by Zeph

Well most people are just going to list what they have. I think the only proven fact is that DP's which are mostly 3" in diameter have shown better dyno gains than the 2.5" DP's. I don't think there is much difference in power for exhausts, but I know some are lighter than others. Actually I think the Vanguard might be one of the lighter dual exhausts out there and it seems to do fine with power and sound. I believe HKS still claims the most power on a dyno (on a stock car). AMS has a single midpipe on their exhaust so I would assume it is pretty light as well but I don't know for sure. Some of the smaller FMIC's might be what you need if you want to stay efficient and lightweight.

I personally chose the AMS FMIC because it has cast end tanks (lighter design) which flow smoothly without any "corners or edges" and it is very light/efficient for it's size. I believe AMS said it is good for 550 RWHP which is more than you will ever get on stock turbo's/housings.

If I had to make a list, I personally would get:

AMS FMIC
AE/HKS/Vanguard Exhaust
Macht Snell or AR 3" DP's coated

-no cats anywhere on car

FYI cast endtanks are heavier than sheet metal endtanks BUT in a fmic you want mass(WEIGHT) this mass is what absorbs the heat and the more mass the longer heatsoak is prolonged.

Heres a very simple example, what takes longer to boil(with the same starting temps(ambients) and same heat source temps(charge air) a quart of water or a gallon?
the only time you want a light intercooler is a top mount intercooler that is prone to absorbing engine heat... Lots of misinformation in many of these intercooler threads

if you want a light intercooler you honestly cant beat stock albeit it doesnt work worth a damn!

[jpsimon]

Originally Posted by LostMarine

Then you may want to change your order to JB3..

lol... or not. The OP couldn't have made a better decision on that front.

[LostMarine]

Originally Posted by jpsimon

lol... or not. The OP couldn't have made a better decision on that front.

you mis-spelled "worse"



j/k ladies..



(or am I..?....you'll see...)

[Willizm]

Originally Posted by Humtek

The spearco's are so hard to find because the design was bought by Dinan.

Got one of the last ones from Harold at hpautowerks. Not sure how true the dinan thing is. Is there anything to support that?

[cn555ic]

Ar dpS!!!!!!