Then 4" FTW

 

You are fine to run a 3.0" intercooler on the stock intercooler. If you plan on maxing the stock turbo I would go with the 3.5" thick. 4.0" thick for the average street car pushing 350-400hp is going to be overkill.

If you have any questions let me know!

Thanks,

Michael

 

I'm on a stock turbo and run a 3.5. I've experienced no increase in spool time or psi drop.
And just to be an off topic tool, BUY BRAND X! BUY BRAND X!

 

Thanks for checking my math Douscke. You were right, I mixed up lb/min and CFM. I meant to say it can flow about 40lb/min. At standard atmospheric conditions, that equates out to about 534 cubic feet per minute of air flow.

OK, more voodoo math that you don't understand and the numbers get BETTER!!

We are now down to 0.05 seconds (yes, 0.05) to fill the additional volume of the intercooler. I thought 0.6 seconds was way high but didn't have time at work to really confirm my answer.

If you're not a douche bag and would like to know what the voodoo math is, PM me and I'll tell you along with citing resources.

 

A 3.5" will be plenty for a stock turbo Evo. If you aren't trying to squeeze every last horsepower out of the stock turbo and want to save a few bucks then a 3" would be worth looking at. I personally chose to go with a 3.5" thick FMIC though since I am attempting to max out the stock turbo and might possibly go slightly larger with a CBRD BBK.

The less volume of core/endtanks you have the quicker your spool and throttle response will be. Also, the less weight you'll have hanging over the front wheels. Its probably not going to be a huge difference, but every little bit helps in my mind.

 

I think I might go with the 3.5" because I plan on cams and meth.

 

I'm not trying to pick fights or anything so please don't take it as that. I merely want to point out the fact that sometimes this .05 seconds can be the difference between 1st or 2nd place at the dragstrip, auto-x event, etc. (I have personally seen it come down to such small intervals at my local auto-x competitions).

 

I hope it works out for you, do your research and make a good decision you won't regret

 

I agree with you on that. But the additional lag due to volume is only one part of the equation. The other is the efficiency of aftermarket intercoolers is better than the stock intercooler and will easily make up for the lag due to pressure drop and temperature differences. Most aftermarket intercoolers that are GOOD will spool up better than the stock intercooler.

 

I can't believe you guys are arguing over .06 or w/e it is of a second . Like ^ stated if it is more efficient, then that extra lag can easily be made up for through the driver and a more aggressive tune. That a smaller core wouldn't have been able to handle. It's not like we are consistent drivers down to the .01 seconds where that much more lag would make a difference. Especially on a street car. I can spool .06 faster, but now I'm hitting knock. I wonder which makes more of a difference. Just my opinion.

 

I say buy whichever one you get the best deal on. AMS, ETS, Buschur ones are all good and 3in or 3.5in will be fine (I would buy the 3.5in being more future proof) You will NOT notice the difference from 3in or 3.5in spool wise. Anyone that tells you otherwise is full of bs. Buy what you like or find the best deal on...

 

^ what he said.
I have a 3.5" fmic and spool on my stock turbo is 20+psi @ 3200rpms

 

How about increasing FMIC height & width to maximum you can fit? That makes more area to get cold air. Thinner is does not heat soak so easily.
You cannot say 3.5" is always better than 3", there is many other things that have to think.

But anyway it is best to buy IC that has been proven, and there is measurement data available.

 

If I were you, I would go with a ETS or AMS 3.5". You would be fine with a 3" but if later you might want to go bigger, you will not have to spend even more for another FMIC that you already bought once.

And why ETS or AMS? Simple.. there is no one else.

Good-luck!

 

what's everyone's beef with Buschur? They've always helped me when I needed it. I would definitely go with ETS or Buschur.

BTW, Jake my intake is holding up real nice THX!