3.5" or 4.0" FMIC?
3.5" or 4.0" FMIC?
Hey everyone, I've been torturing myself this weekend on what size intercooler to get. Doing the bolt-on path right now, and plan on getting a FMIC, CBE, HFC, UICP, and intake installed before getting a custom tune. I think I will eventually get an upgraded turbo (not sure if FP red, green, or dom) but not right now.
I'm planning on getting an FMIC from ETS, and I spoke to someone at ETS on Friday, and he recommended a 3.5" core my goals. Seemed like a straight forward thing, but then I read around the forums here, and I see several posts including a few from Mike at ETS that recommend the 4.0" as the best way to go, even with a stock turbo. So I'm getting two opinions from the same company, which is just making my decision tough.
Any input?
Thanks everyone
I'm planning on getting an FMIC from ETS, and I spoke to someone at ETS on Friday, and he recommended a 3.5" core my goals. Seemed like a straight forward thing, but then I read around the forums here, and I see several posts including a few from Mike at ETS that recommend the 4.0" as the best way to go, even with a stock turbo. So I'm getting two opinions from the same company, which is just making my decision tough.
Any input?
Thanks everyone
Account Disabled
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: non of your business
Hey everyone, I've been torturing myself this weekend on what size intercooler to get. Doing the bolt-on path right now, and plan on getting a FMIC, CBE, HFC, UICP, and intake installed before getting a custom tune. I think I will eventually get an upgraded turbo (not sure if FP red, green, or dom) but not right now.
I'm planning on getting an FMIC from ETS, and I spoke to someone at ETS on Friday, and he recommended a 3.5" core my goals. Seemed like a straight forward thing, but then I read around the forums here, and I see several posts including a few from Mike at ETS that recommend the 4.0" as the best way to go, even with a stock turbo. So I'm getting two opinions from the same company, which is just making my decision tough.
Any input?#.5
Thanks everyone
I'm planning on getting an FMIC from ETS, and I spoke to someone at ETS on Friday, and he recommended a 3.5" core my goals. Seemed like a straight forward thing, but then I read around the forums here, and I see several posts including a few from Mike at ETS that recommend the 4.0" as the best way to go, even with a stock turbo. So I'm getting two opinions from the same company, which is just making my decision tough.
Any input?#.5
Thanks everyone
If you are getting an upgraded turbo you may as well just get the 4" as the spool difference is likely under 100 rpm spool tops. I have yet to see any hard data on someone upgrading from stock to a 4" where they documented any loss of spool/response. Everything I've read and personally experienced is that when both FMIC's are cool you are still gaining about 15-20 whp from the flow differences and once a stock FMIC heat soaks it's quite a bit more. Would it be the first mod on an otherwise stock car? Probably not, but when you are at full bolt-ons or upgrading the turbo it's a perfect time to replace that stock FMIC. I would say the 3.5" will work fine but you will have better future potential with a 4" especially if you upgrade the turbo over stock.
There are always a few people that claim a FMIC is zero gains over stock and that you will add 300 RPM's of lag, but those are typically people with window tint and maybe an airfilter listed on their mods list.
There are always a few people that claim a FMIC is zero gains over stock and that you will add 300 RPM's of lag, but those are typically people with window tint and maybe an airfilter listed on their mods list.
I have the AMS which at 3.5" fits well in the available space. I imagine the 4" ETS must be really tight. One thing that concerns me somewhat is that in Texas it can get hot in summer. The air must go through the IC before it gets to the coolant radiator. I have not been through a full summer with the new IC to see how this affects coolant temps.
I have the ETS 4.0 the fit was tight but there is still a bit of space left between the A/C condenser. I am holding off to see what CBRD comes up with their piping/intercooler kit. Dunno if it will be worth the upgrade from the ETS core.
Trending Topics
I have the 4.0 inch ETS and I agree with what others said here - I cannot at all tell a difference in spool up. If there is one, it is small. Also, when it spools the thing feels like a kick in the ***, so I'm not worrying about it.
For what it is worth, the ETS kit was fantastic. They included all parts I needed, and the fit was perfect. I've had other experiences with other parts (and I acknowledge it's hard to do fitment when designing a part, so I don't blame them really), so the fact that ETS said the 4.0" would fit, and that was exactly what I found, I say
Also, note I picked up the 4.0" on a deal so that caused me to pull the trigger. MAybe just see which one you can get the best deal on.
For what it is worth, the ETS kit was fantastic. They included all parts I needed, and the fit was perfect. I've had other experiences with other parts (and I acknowledge it's hard to do fitment when designing a part, so I don't blame them really), so the fact that ETS said the 4.0" would fit, and that was exactly what I found, I say
Also, note I picked up the 4.0" on a deal so that caused me to pull the trigger. MAybe just see which one you can get the best deal on.
I have the 4.0 inch ETS and I agree with what others said here - I cannot at all tell a difference in spool up. If there is one, it is small. Also, when it spools the thing feels like a kick in the ***, so I'm not worrying about it.
For what it is worth, the ETS kit was fantastic. They included all parts I needed, and the fit was perfect. I've had other experiences with other parts (and I acknowledge it's hard to do fitment when designing a part, so I don't blame them really), so the fact that ETS said the 4.0" would fit, and that was exactly what I found, I say
Also, note I picked up the 4.0" on a deal so that caused me to pull the trigger. MAybe just see which one you can get the best deal on.
For what it is worth, the ETS kit was fantastic. They included all parts I needed, and the fit was perfect. I've had other experiences with other parts (and I acknowledge it's hard to do fitment when designing a part, so I don't blame them really), so the fact that ETS said the 4.0" would fit, and that was exactly what I found, I say
Also, note I picked up the 4.0" on a deal so that caused me to pull the trigger. MAybe just see which one you can get the best deal on.
It might, but I could say "might" about a lot of things. I'm all for seeing some evidence, but from what I have read there is none right now, so all we can do is guess.
Regardless, it seems myself and other members don't feel there is any noticeable issues with the performance, than I would say go for the bigger one.
Regardless, it seems myself and other members don't feel there is any noticeable issues with the performance, than I would say go for the bigger one.
I would definitely going for the 4". I am assuming that u had full bolt on already (without the IC of course) and from full bolt on to turbo upgrade is like a sec to nothing. ETS intercooler is one of the best in that market right now, i would buy one when i upgrade the turbo back for 4"ETS IC
for 4"ETS IC