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FMIC AMS v. ETS v. Perrin (Discussion)

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Old May 4, 2009 | 07:17 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by KPerez
The issue of the "best FMIC" has been discussed extensively here: https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...rcooler-3.html and elsewhere. To me there are some critical variables that should be considered:
(1) pressure drop (as mentioned by Clipse3GT) but at a specified airflow
(2) temperature drop also at a specified flow rate
(3) frontal area relative to same for vehicle (there is only so much area available for direct exchange on any vehicle)
(4) ease of installation (do you have to hack into the the bumper assembly to install; 4" will be more difficult than a 3" wide)
(5) size of FMIC and its influence on engine's radiator efficiency
(6) cost.
The second item is especially important since the X has high temperature inputs as discusssed by Perrin earlier (see their website) due to proximity of the X's exhaust manifold. In an experimental world, it would be really informative to have temp sensors in and out of FMIC for various loads UNDER ROAD CONDITIONS for each vendors core. By so doing, in conjunction with the other items/variables listed above, our decision making would be rather trivial. Unfortunately such testing is unlikely so we will continue to be confused and uncertain when it comes to choosing a FMIC.
I know this little discourse solves nothing but it clearly shows the direction we need to go in: relevant testing under real world conditions.

Later, Ken
So basically, we have to guesstimate which one will be good and by going in that direction, basically almost all the intercoolers look like they are identical in the specs with very small differences between them.
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Old May 4, 2009 | 08:30 AM
  #17  
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Clipse, I painted an ideal world of desired data; we do not have that but we have more than just a guess. Some of the variables listed above are available such as frontal area (measure how much the X has then any larger than that is not going to contribute significantly to cooling, etc.), ease of install, cost, etc. so with these you can make an educated guess rather than a completely random one.

In my earlier post I was trying to make an appeal to the vendors to provide such relevant data for it is in their interest to do so. If they comply, then clearly those that present all their performance and structural data would be preferable to one that presented only the bare minimum, like dimensions, cost or whether the endtanks are cast or fabricated, etc.

Later, Ken
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Old May 4, 2009 | 09:45 AM
  #18  
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Or we can look at forum members who have had their car dyno'd before and after would be awesome.
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Old May 4, 2009 | 01:27 PM
  #19  
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Because of all the variables both during the dyno run (temp, humidity, cooling fans, dyno brand,etc.) and individual mode variations(tuned vs untuned, MBC vs OEM, TBE vs OEM, etc), it is difficult, if not impossible, to obtain reliable comparo info. that will enable one to evaluate the FMIC alone.

Later, Ken
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Old May 4, 2009 | 01:32 PM
  #20  
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I contacted AGP to see if they will be willing to do a group buy or a discounted Memorial Day price on their intercoolers, we will see. I'll keep everyone informed.
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Old May 4, 2009 | 01:38 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by KPerez
Because of all the variables both during the dyno run (temp, humidity, cooling fans, dyno brand,etc.) and individual mode variations(tuned vs untuned, MBC vs OEM, TBE vs OEM, etc), it is difficult, if not impossible, to obtain reliable comparo info. that will enable one to evaluate the FMIC alone.

Later, Ken
I did it with 10 people before changing out like 7 different Intercoolers in one day dynoing it back to back on the same car, same temperature and boost levels. It can be done but its a PITA.


And thanks Clipse I loved those guys back with my old car - 50 trim 04 SRT-4
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Old May 4, 2009 | 01:55 PM
  #22  
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yea the AGP seems to be the one to go with if they lower it again to $500...but AMS, ETS, UR seems to be the best choices at $700/650...I'm not sure which one I'm getting yet either.
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Old May 4, 2009 | 01:59 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by Mj23foreva
yea the AGP seems to be the one to go with if they lower it again to $500...but AMS, ETS, UR seems to be the best choices at $700/650...I'm not sure which one I'm getting yet either.
I contacted Ben at AGP to see if we can have a special pricing deal or group buy on their intercoolers. I am waiting for a response. $700 is a lot of cash for intercooler for many people, especially in this economy, so maybe we can workout a deal with AGP to get some sort of break. Stay tuned.
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Old May 4, 2009 | 02:33 PM
  #24  
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The ETS intercooler is $599.00 shipped for the 3.5" and $699.00 shipped for the 4.0" If you have any questions regarding our intercooler, let me know!

Thanks,

Michael
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Old May 4, 2009 | 06:35 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by ETS Michael
The ETS intercooler is $599.00 shipped for the 3.5" and $699.00 shipped for the 4.0" If you have any questions regarding our intercooler, let me know!

Thanks,

Michael
Come on, thought this thread was to talk about the specs/gains? Not vendos trying to push their products...anyway i just picked up a intercooler from AGP for 550 shipped

I wanted the AMS one but i couldn't justify spending $250.00 more on the exact same intercooler...AGP IC is actually bigger.

AMS:
699.00 IC
50.00 Tax (required on their site)
50.00 Ship
______________________
800.00 Total


AGP:
550.00 Shipped


No Brainer

Last edited by NyRsNy; May 4, 2009 at 06:50 PM.
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Old May 4, 2009 | 07:18 PM
  #26  
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AMS is what I think I'll go with.
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Old May 5, 2009 | 08:18 AM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by NyRsNy
Come on, thought this thread was to talk about the specs/gains? Not vendos trying to push their products...anyway i just picked up a intercooler from AGP for 550 shipped

I wanted the AMS one but i couldn't justify spending $250.00 more on the exact same intercooler...AGP IC is actually bigger.

AMS:
699.00 IC
50.00 Tax (required on their site)
50.00 Ship
______________________
800.00 Total


AGP:
550.00 Shipped


No Brainer
I think price should be added to the post. It's a pretty big factor and judging by your post it was your main concern as well. One thing to take into note for anyone who uses cast end tanks is how thick the casting is on the inlet/outlet. The average casted end tank that has a 2.5" inlet/outlet only has a 2.0" to 2.25" opening due to the thickness of the casting. I'm not saying this is how AGP builds an intercooler since I have never seen one first hand just throwing that out for anyone interested.

EX: AMS has a good example of a cast end tank with hand build inlet/outlet. I personally prefer a hand build end tank, but it's very time consuming. The hand built end tank is much lighter then a cast unit and if built correctly welded inside and outside, can hold just as much.

Thanks,

Michael

Last edited by ETS Michael; May 5, 2009 at 08:24 AM.
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Old May 5, 2009 | 01:31 PM
  #28  
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AGP inlet and outlet are 3 inches in diameter.
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Old May 5, 2009 | 01:42 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by ETS Michael
I think price should be added to the post. It's a pretty big factor and judging by your post it was your main concern as well. One thing to take into note for anyone who uses cast end tanks is how thick the casting is on the inlet/outlet. The average casted end tank that has a 2.5" inlet/outlet only has a 2.0" to 2.25" opening due to the thickness of the casting. I'm not saying this is how AGP builds an intercooler since I have never seen one first hand just throwing that out for anyone interested.

EX: AMS has a good example of a cast end tank with hand build inlet/outlet. I personally prefer a hand build end tank, but it's very time consuming. The hand built end tank is much lighter then a cast unit and if built correctly welded inside and outside, can hold just as much.

Thanks,

Michael
We were asked not to come in here but just to clear the air our cast end tanks are VERY light. The cast version compared to the sheet metal is withing a pound of each other on a fully assembled FMIC. Weight is a non issue. Also there is no replacement for how smooth you can get a cast piece for airflow compared to a sheet metal version. There is a big reason we went to cast on the end tanks from our previous sheet metal version. Stronger and better design to optimize airflow. Its not going to translate into some massive difference in HP but every little bit helps.

Again sorry, I just wanted to make sure no misinformation was spread.

Eric

Last edited by AutoMotoSports; May 5, 2009 at 02:43 PM. Reason: typos
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Old May 5, 2009 | 01:44 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by NyRsNy
Come on, thought this thread was to talk about the specs/gains? Not vendos trying to push their products...anyway i just picked up a intercooler from AGP for 550 shipped

I wanted the AMS one but i couldn't justify spending $250.00 more on the exact same intercooler...AGP IC is actually bigger.

AMS:
699.00 IC
50.00 Tax (required on their site)
50.00 Ship
______________________
800.00 Total


AGP:
550.00 Shipped


No Brainer
Again this is not the exact same intercooler. I don't know of any other company that uses the cores we do. This is in no way saying an AGP unit is inferior. We have not done back to back testing to prove its performance. I am saying however your statement is not correct. They are not the same core of intercooler.

Eric
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