[Ghost_G80]

Looking to run cobb stage 1+Fmic and need a new intercooler. Which one should should I get in terms of performance and better IAT's?

[BD_F22]

If your going to spend the money on the ETS, I'd highly recommend the Helix fmic. I have it and it has been great since installing. My iat hasn't gone above 120 even after repeated runs in 90 degree weather in the summer.. My stock would hit like 175 after repeated runs.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

It's a wash but I like ETS more.

[Ghost_G80]

Reasoning? Is it just a preference or is it because of better performance/numbers

[halcyon026]

After lots of researching & comparison I went with Helix.

[Mit_Boost]

Helix.... Stepped 5" FMIC FTW. There's plenty of older data that's been posted, just gotta search a little.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Both are good but i have ETS on my car and i love it

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

I'll throw my hat in for AMS and ER and VRSF

Mike

[AWCR1MC]

Even though its not listed as an option I vote for ER? I've had mine for a long time and love it! http://evolutionracewerks.com/node/50

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by DV135i

Even though its not listed as an option I vote for ER? I've had mine for a long time and love it! http://evolutionracewerks.com/node/50

+++++ for ER

[silver07335i]

+1 for ETS FMICs.

[Stucks]

ets has better finpacks to my knowledge, but ams has better looking endtanks.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by Stucks

ets has better finpacks to my knowledge, but ams has better looking endtanks.

We have both those combined

[SSW]

FWIW, I don't think it matters. Pick whichever one you like best for whatever reasons that move you.

Most of us, except for the really hard core drag or track racers only need a 5" FMIC and all 5" aftermarket FMICs have the same engineering (size/flow) limitations and will all be about the same.

It's just physics.

If it's a stepped design you "should" get more cooling out of it BUT it's a compromise (mainly to avoid bumper cutting) and, if you are building an engine and doing the type of driving that requires more cooling than a 5" FMIC will provide, going w/a 7" FMIC simply would be the better choice than a stepped FMIC like the Helix. That doesn't mean the Helix and other stepped FMICs aren't any good, just that you'll get more cooling out of a 7" FMIC than you will with a stepped 5" FMIC.

Again, it's just physics.

[tphss]

I'm really happy with my ETS intercooler.

[Randomaccess335]

My ets 5" works great, but vrsf is the way I'd go if it was out at the time of my purchase...... Save your $$ for other mods
R

[Ghost_G80]

I'm set on getting the vrsf because it has gotten good performance reviews and you just can't beat that price...only question Is if I need that charge pipe upgrade it comes with for my 09 e90 or is that option for n55's?

[Tiago@VRSF]

You do.

[AW M4]

I have the ER fmic and it's made a huge difference in terms of reducing IAT. Car is consistent pull after pull without much heat soak. It was developed for their race car 135 and the build quality is exceptional.

[Wifeys335i]

I went AA sport. 6" and a great deal. No cutting required.

[Bimmerprid3]

!!!!ETS FTW !!!!!

[Brule]

Originally Posted by swingshiftworker

FWIW, I don't think it matters. Pick whichever one you like best for whatever reasons that move you.

Most of us, except for the really hard core drag or track racers only need a 5" FMIC and all 5" aftermarket FMICs have the same engineering (size/flow) limitations and will all be about the same.

It's just physics.

If it's a stepped design you "should" get more cooling out of it BUT it's a compromise (mainly to avoid bumper cutting) and, if you are building an engine and doing the type of driving that requires more cooling than a 5" FMIC will provide, going w/a 7" FMIC simply would be the better choice than a stepped FMIC like the Helix. That doesn't mean the Helix and other stepped FMICs aren't any good, just that you'll get more cooling out of a 7" FMIC than you will with a stepped 5" FMIC.

Again, it's just physics.

Any truth to this?
I have looked a long time and data and logs believing helix would be best for my application of RB's and high ambient temps all year round.

Is the size of ETS, 7" going to do any more cooling then helix?