[BoostinBimmer]

As the title says, I want to know which intercooler is better in terms of installation and removal, efficiency and overall quality. I have heard great things about the Helix intercooler but i know the HPF utilizes the factory quick connects which would probably make the removal and replacement of it easier.

However, I also know that the HPF requires cutting during the install but I wouldn't mind a little cutting if the HPF is really a more efficient design. I would really appreciate some advice because I want to go stage 2 when the cobb tune is released. Thanks in advance.

[PlutoniumTans]

hpf no questions asked, had one amazing quality and easy install , nice brackets and it's huge

[BMWsky]

Typically, comparing the top brand FMIC's is like asking GT2 or Ferrari. You won't go wrong with either. I have an ER and love it but would've bought the Helix if it was in stock as I needed one immediately.

[tscdennab]

I would choose the Helix. It has more frontal area which is the most important thing. The latest versions do not require cutting which is also important. There are many reviews and logs from which you can see it is very efficient.

[roadkillrob]

One nice thing about the HPF for installation is that you can get it with stock charge pipe connectors, so it wins on the ease of installation. A lot of people argue you need bigger piping, but it seems from any data I have seen that the stock piping is fine with the stock turbos even up to 15-16 psi. In terms of build quality they seem pretty similar, both nice quality units.

Not sure how much the extra frontal area helps as it doesn't get direct airflow - AA did the same thing, but provided a shroud to direct air into the portion that is behind the bumper.

I think you can't go wrong with either though!

[TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management]

Originally Posted by roadkillrob

One nice thing about the HPF for installation is that you can get it with stock charge pipe connectors, so it wins on the ease of installation. A lot of people argue you need bigger piping, but it seems from any data I have seen that the stock piping is fine with the stock turbos even up to 15-16 psi. In terms of build quality they seem pretty similar, both nice quality units.

Not sure how much the extra frontal area helps as it doesn't get direct airflow - AA did the same thing, but provided a shroud to direct air into the portion that is behind the bumper.

I think you can't go wrong with either though!

The entire helix is fully exposed above the plastic cowl to direct airflow! The helix comes to the top of the center grill below the bumper.

[Syndicategt]

Which ever you get the best deal on

[ECSTuning]

If I may suggest a 3rd alternative, we carry the Forge Front Mount Intercooler. With it the average inlet temperature was 15 degrees Celsius colder than that of a stock intercooler. This is larger than stock size and is an easy bolt on without any modification upgrade. The complete kit includes new silicone hoses and clamps with complete instructions.

James

[triggz]

what about AMS?

[135i]

I have HPF and it worked beautifully during the hot Texas summer this year

[vasillalov]

Waiting on my HPF unit to be shipped today...

[dzenno]

Helix...works as advertised

[Brey335i]

Originally Posted by 135i

I have HPF and it worked beautifully during the hot Texas summer this year

+ 1

And it was pretty easy to install. There's definitely a trick to locking in the oem clips but it works well.

[Big Tom]

Some comparisons:

[mithiral67]

everyone's going to chime in on what they use, so I will follow suit.

I am very happy with my helix.

Here is some hotter temp log I ran with my helix. Even after 4 zero to 110+mph runs in 3mins, the intake temp was only 70 degrees over ambient. As I have a DCI, its sucking hot air as is, so the fmic, really works to cool temps.

This was some extreme abuse compared to my normal driving habits, so generally, i never see intake temps more than 10-20 over ambient.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...09&postcount=5

If you are going to track your car and have sustained runs, then I dont think any FMIC will prevent you from heat soat. Only a meth kit will really protect you.

[Alex@Helix]

Our install is fairly easy, no trimming and we have a youtube install video if youd like to check it out:

Our intercooler has been chosen for the Burger and Vishnu shop cars in both the N54 and n55 platform. Shiv has said on countless occasions that he has tested the top intercoolers and ours came out on top. If you would like more information please PM me and I can answer any questions you may have.

[CPWINCH]

heard nothing but great things about helix, but to be honest a intercooler is an intercooler. I have a cxracing intercooler and its great in this 100 degree weather in cali. Or the big tom one is a nice set up. If the helix replaces piping with larger pipes and hpf doesnt than go with helix for more flow

[335iJWC]

What about CP-e is it a good cooler? does the oil cooler help at all?

[Alex@Helix]

Ive heard the oil cooler has no effect. I335, a friend of mine said that he didnt notice any difference after installation.

[Alex@Helix]

Another comparative picture for Tom:

AMS VS HELIX

[TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management]

Originally Posted by Alex@Helix

Another comparative picture for Tom:

AMS VS HELIX

Guys notice the area above the mounting brackets on each intercooler is the exposed ambient face, look at the size difference
For some reason some manufacturers chose to enlarge the core below the lower plastic cowl that is not exposed to oncoming air

heres a closeup pic of where the core ends just at the bumper fully exposed above the plastic cowl:


Here's a pic of my old 335 showing that the entire helix core above this cowl is exposed to the ambient air source

[Big Tom]

And one more for Alex: