[hybridel]

Are most of the intercoolers out there created equal?


I've looked at a few different coolers, dinan, cobb, active auto.... but they all look the same to me?

other then pricing, is there any big difference between those coolers??

[135Pats]

Originally Posted by hybridel

Are most of the intercoolers out there created equal?


I've looked at a few different coolers, dinan, cobb, active auto.... but they all look the same to me?

other then pricing, is there any big difference between those coolers??

Search around; there are umpteen intercooler threads that will provide you with baseline data and a better understanding of what matters in an efficient air to air intercooler.

Sparknotes: you want the largest, most efficient core as is possible with the greatest amount of frontal surface area. You want smooth end tanks that do not have abrupt or sharp angles. You want to minimize pressure drop across the system, though with stock frame turbos IMO it’s not a serious issue.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by 135Pats

Sparknotes: you want the largest, most efficient core as is possible with the greatest amount of frontal surface area. You want smooth end tanks that do not have abrupt or sharp angles. You want to minimize pressure drop across the system, though with stock frame turbos IMO it’s not a serious issue.

That pretty much sums it up..

Look at ER, AMS, VRSF and ETS as those are the top brands. Great time to be in the market for an FMIC due to all the Black Friday promos.

Mike

[BD_F22]

Helix ftw!

[Tiago@VRSF]

Fin density, fin pack design, core size and end tank design are what allows an intercooler to flow well while reducing intake temps. Cast end tanks allow for smoother flow and less back pressure vs sheet metal end tanks. A high flowing but effective (see fin pack/fin density) internal fin pack will produce the best cooling while effectively reducing intake temps.

We offer a 5" & 7" core for those who aren't interested and trimming and for those looking to max out their setups. Both include our fully cast end tanks as well as our proven fin pack

[hoonywise]

Originally Posted by #teambimmer

Helix ftw!

+1

[jayzF30]

Cobb fmic

[silver07335i]

I'd recommend ETS or Helix.

[BQTuning]

oh boy, lets see how far this goes

[mave198]

BTIC

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

I'd get one of the intercoolers for sale on are pre black friday sale. Which happens to be the majority mentioned here LOL

[BEAR-AvHistory]

I have an ETS. About the only way to get a definitive test is to get a group of similar cars together with different FMIC's. Run them through the gears & drop a log. Log & run them until cars start to heat soak with a king of the hill last man standing getting bragging rights in the advertising.

Will never happen but would be a very interesting experiment.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by hybridel

Are most of the intercoolers out there created equal?


I've looked at a few different coolers, dinan, cobb, active auto.... but they all look the same to me?

other then pricing, is there any big difference between those coolers??

No they are not equal, pm me for more details i cannot compare on a public forum since i'm a vendor.
But quick summary:
VRSF offer a quality product for a very very cheap price
AA,ER and ETS FMICs are very popular, and we they are on sale this month

[buylongterm]

I just installed a Helix on my car. Extremely happy and one of the best FMIC's out there.

[stashtrey]

I have an AMS. Super solid.

[Jnat]

Any thoughts on Mechtuning or Wagner? Both are stepped. To me, Cobb, Wagner and Mech all look the same!

[Bme30]

just installed a Helix on my 2007 335i and so far extremely happy.

If i had to do it over I would go with the wagner.....factory couplings FTW! The install wasn't difficult per say.....just a pain removing the factory couplings! If you are not going with upgraded turbos I would say the wagner would be perfect!

Edit: On a second note my dad has a 1M with the wagner and he is extremely happy!

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Factory couplings are not all it's cracked up to be. The stock size is a restriction for flow as well as the dimpled coupler.

You want a high efficiency core. Staggered fin pack. Bar and plate. High flowing smooth end tanks. Cast are preferable. Unrestricted piping. Large *usable* frontal surface area.

[Give_Em_The_DD]

I went dinan, overall extremely happy. Got a really nice deal on it w. Install.

Can't go wrong with a lot of the options mentioned thus far.

[Condor3]

CXRacing has a great intercooler as well.

[WesleyC]

VRSF is hard to beat for the money. I have the 7" and have been pleased with it. The build quality is really good.

There are better options, of course, but it will come at a price. Does tge law of deminishing returns apply in this situation? I think so.

.02

[DesertBMW]

Originally Posted by hybridel

Are most of the intercoolers out there created equal?


I've looked at a few different coolers, dinan, cobb, active auto.... but they all look the same to me?

other then pricing, is there any big difference between those coolers??

They look the same because they are made to fit in stock location. If you live in cold climate, I doubt that you will benefit from spending that kind of money on the intercooler that is just slightly bigger than stock.