3'' vs 3.5'' FMIC
3'' vs 3.5'' FMIC
Well my oem FMIC is busted up from all the rocks and what not from 4+ years of highway driving. It's time for a new FMIC but I'm not sure about the thinkness I should get. I know I want to go with ETS but do I get the 3'' or 3.5''?
I'm staying on the stock turbo and will never upgrade so you would think that a 3'' FMIC would be enough but everyone always suggests a 3.5''. Money is no issue and I don't mind spending the extra $100 for the 3.5'' but do I really need it for the stock turbo?
Current mods:
ECU flash
Catless 3'' TBE
ETS intake, licp, & uicp
walbro 255 fp
MBC
Plan on getting HKS cams, head studs, rod bolts, and FMIC next month
I'm staying on the stock turbo and will never upgrade so you would think that a 3'' FMIC would be enough but everyone always suggests a 3.5''. Money is no issue and I don't mind spending the extra $100 for the 3.5'' but do I really need it for the stock turbo?
Current mods:
ECU flash
Catless 3'' TBE
ETS intake, licp, & uicp
walbro 255 fp
MBC
Plan on getting HKS cams, head studs, rod bolts, and FMIC next month
The 3" will do the trick but since you live in a location that can get quite hot i would suggest 3.5". Also why are you changing the rod bolts? even some of the 500hp stock block cars don't change em.
There is no downside to going with the 3.5" FMIC. Odds are if you're doing all the stuff you plan to do you'll be upgrading snails as well. Best to have something better just in case. $100 is nothing in the big scheme of things.
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With your current mods I would say 3 inch would do fine, but since you have bigger plans go 3.5, I have the 3.5 myself and am planning to stay stock turbo/big cams and live in hot *** florida. Also, you said you want hks cams; I would suggest searching a bit more about cams for the IX. Kelford, Cosworth, FP, and others are making better numbers on IX's. Just something to think about.
3" would be perfect for your current setup, but if you plan to push the stock turbo to the max then go for a 3.5". Drop those rod bolts and head studs off your list, they are totally unnecessary and will do nothing but lead to more potential issues.
I would use a 3.5" FMIC.. There is always the chance of going to a red or e85 stock turbo where youll really wish you had a 3.5".. We keep them in stock if you decide you want the 3.5.. thanks!!
MIke
MIke
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
If your going to spent the $$$ you might as well "up" grade! If you decide to do more to the car later you will be happy you did!
$100 now beats $800 again later!
I only wanted to do mine ONCE! So I stuffed the biggest FMIC I could in there that didnt require any cutting/modding! (3.8")
$100 now beats $800 again later! I only wanted to do mine ONCE! So I stuffed the biggest FMIC I could in there that didnt require any cutting/modding! (3.8")
Evolving Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
From: Australia
If your going to spent the $$$ you might as well "up" grade! If you decide to do more to the car later you will be happy you did! $100 now beats $800 again later! I only wanted to do mine ONCE! So I stuffed the biggest FMIC I could in there that didnt require any cutting/modding! (3.8")
$100 now beats $800 again later! I only wanted to do mine ONCE! So I stuffed the biggest FMIC I could in there that didnt require any cutting/modding! (3.8")
Evolving Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: New Zealand
the "best" intercooler to go with from what i have seen is the 3.8" garret core CBRD intercooler which requires no cutting, the BR race is also as good but does require cutting.. these units constantly show the best results