MAP (prototype) = 20 lbs.
AMS = 20 lbs.
ETS 3.5" = 21 lbs.
Perrin = 22 lbs.

 

Lighter isn't always better for a FMIC. Most of the time a lighter FMIC means the fin pack is not near as nice and loose. A heavy front mount usually means a tighter and denser fin pack.

If you take the casting tanks off, we probably have the heaviest core. We have track tested our core and it's proven to perform.

We run the exact same core we sell on our evolution x. Which currently holds the only 9-sec pass record.

which would you rather have?

The Generic lighter core



or

ETS Dense Core



Thanks!

Michael

 

the other thing you need to consider is that an intercooler is a heat sink... so mass dissipates heat.

I do agree with light parts...

What's funny is many of these companies will preach light weights from Intercoolers and such, but use Heavier Stainless Steel intercooler pipes etc...

It's all a fine balance!

if you want the lightest core possible? use the stocker

cb

 

Lighter is never better. That most likely means fin density is lower, which means potentially less cooling going on for both ambient and charge sides. But there is a balance game that stars to happen. Meaning you have a core that is say 5 fins per inch on the charge side, the temp coming out the other end is going be hotter than say a 20 fin per inch core. But that 20 FPI core is going to have far more pressure drop because its more restrictive. Then you also have different types of fins. The wavy fin shown above looks like a single louver type. The ETS type looks like a dual louvered fin which is good for cooling but more restrictive. Typically these core types are commonly found on cores that come from over seas. The quality of the searing done to create the louvers is not very clean and you can see how there are small variations in the edges of the fins. This also causes a restriction effecting pressure drop.

Here is a dense fin, but super light tube and fine OEM core


You can find a few aftermarket intercoolers that use Tube and Fin construction like this. None of the brands on this poll use Tube and fin as they typically are cheaper and not as effective at cooling.



In the end a restrictive core isn't bad as long as the pressure drop doesn't effect the efficiency of the turbo too much. Meaning 1-2psi is not a problem as the turbo can push this with little effect on compressor efficiency. But as you edge close to the 5psi mark, compressor efficiency will change. It could go from 70% to 60% (depending on the turbo) and then your turbo is pushing out much hotter air and overall going to loose HP. We gain HP over the stock core because its less restrictive.

Also the other thing to compare is the charge side tube size. Our core uses 3/8" on both ambient and charge side. The above pics (in other post) show both cores use 3/8" ambient fins and 1/4" for the charge side. In our early development, whenever we used the 1/4" charge tubes more pressure drop was found with very little change to cooling. So we went with 3/8" and 3/8". Again its common to find the 3/8" ambient side and 1/4" size charge tubes on less expensive overseas cores.


Here is a side shot of our core using the 3/8" bar and plate core. You can see the quality of the fins also. Our core is 100% made in the USA and the quality shows. Yes this does make our core more expensive, but it we feel it makes it a superior product! That and the super smooth cast endtanks! Sorry Chad still love ya, but no sheet metal here!

 

i do understand the neccesity of the FMIC after certain modifaction level. But the OEM is a great overall performance unit around the stock turbo. I also aware of the heatsink which is not really a big issue since 90% of this forum do drag mostly and if they lucky enough they racing less then 13 sec at the time. or auto X which is still runs under a 2 minutes ... LOL Also we are spraying water anyway in the summer
Back to topic:
If the weights are within 1 lbs really with all the neccesery parts ,then really is what left , which one has a good support. Now i think all three here certainly has that.
SO what is left is , which one you like most to look at it ... LOL

since i do rally racing for me the oem FMIC is a must. I got restricted turbo from the begin with, and the OEM FMIC is cheap to replace Sure some extra HP or TQ always welcome, but the stock as i mentioned is the cheapest way for me. Also the weight is great . So as you said Chad it is always about balance ...

Rob

 

You want to see quality....

ETS Fin Pack





**Custom Spec'd out for the application, not just an off the shelf core.

Thanks!

Michael

 

Forget that the lightest Intercooler is a straight pipe with water/methanol injection! Now we are talking!

 

thats right, but how long ? LOL
Seriusly , for me when i buy something there are the following steps i do importance wise vs the other choices i have :

- what is my goal with that product, i'm looking?
- The manufaturer has a good all around reputation
- compatibility with my other or close future modifications
- weight
- performance
- price
- look
- installation dificulty level
- how fast i can get it
- fits for the rules when i'll be in

SO if i have three product , i look all into this and somwhere on the line one has to win

 

So my straight pipe idea fits all but potentially 1 of your 10 things! Ill look for an order!! JK

Agreed for sure. Like every part, we know we can't suite everyone's needs, we just hope that we cover most of the needs of a larger % of potential customers. WE know our price is higher, but we have dyno numbers backing them up, we have been selling them for years, been improving them along the way, rarely out of stock, made 100% in the USA, and it fits the looks/cool factor. We hope these things win the customer over to our side.

 

also im sure you guys have a great customer service too. I know because we got something from you guys. And it was a pleasure to do buisness too.
I just put my independent opinion out there, so the guys pick what they want out of that. I hope it gives a wider view of buying stuff. Im no way to judge either FMIC of here.

Im sure all 3 of you have a great support and product. For me would hard to pick too .
But i got "lucky" since i have a limited budget , so i will stay stock... LOL

Rob

 

I will always love Perrin because that is all I ran on my Subie and 0 issues. It is not good when Chris knows my voice!!!

Perrin just needs to sponsor me and call it a day

I might make it 2 perrin fmic in 1 year

 

I spent quite a while deciding on which FMIC would be best for me, and taking cost, quality, and performance into consideration I determined the 4" ets would be the best option for me without any modifications needed. Then the ETS black friday sale came around I chose the 5" instead since the modifications are fairly simple and it leaves me all the room I need for some huge future upgrades.

ETS is great, although I'm sure the others are as well and personal taste ends up being the deciding factor for many of us.

 

Ams ftw

 

I like the AMS stuff....

 

I love my AMS FMIC, i even had the same FMIC on my previous Evo x. The performance is fantastic and really not that hard to install. I'm not bagging on any other product as i don't know any really. I do know that the AMS just works perfectly and they are very helpful with any questions you may have.