Can't Decide... ETS TMIC or COBB FMIC?

[speed3driver]

I'm looking into getting an upgraded intercooler but don't know if i should go Top or Front. I live in Michigan and am plowing snow half the year.. could that damage a FMIC?

Let me know what you guys would do if you had my car. My mods or listed below(add turbo inlet, engine mount, and boost tubes to the list) It would be amazing to see some number differences between the two intercoolers as well.. maybe HP gains

Thanks!

 

[Circle9]

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123731875

You should find most of the info you seek in this thread

 

[coyfish]

At peak performance the gains of a FMIC will be minimal over a TMIC.

the main issue that disuades most people from FMIC is warranty / installation/ and of course price. I decided against a FMIC because I didn't want to have to worry about anything if I needed to visit the dealer.

FMIC is better no doubt so if you have the money / time to install or remove than I say go for it. You live in michigan which as you said is cold 1/2 the year. Heat soak wont be a huge deal like it would be for me in florida. Thats another plus for the TMIC.

hope that helps

 

[UHATEIT]

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123731875

You should find most of the info you seek in this thread

beat me to it, i was going to post the same thread. It's recent. OP needs to do a search

 

[Speed3Rookie]

Go FMIC...**** warranty...you only have it until you need to use it.

 

[SwampAss]

I've done FMICs on cars that didn't originally have them. After my fun of doing those, I opted for a TMIC.

FMICs are sometimes a pain. Getting a perfect seal isn't nearly as easy as it is with a TMIC. While I haven't driven an MS3 with an FMIC, in previous cars, I noticed a small amount of boost loss with the additional plumbing. When I installed my TMIC from ETS on the MS3, I actually saw a slight increase in boost pressure. I suspect that is from a better flowing design. I have no regrets with my TMIC. In fact, I bought one, sold it, missed it, and bought a second.

 

[SubieKiller3]

I've done FMICs on cars that didn't originally have them. After my fun of doing those, I opted for a TMIC.

FMICs are sometimes a pain. Getting a perfect seal isn't nearly as easy as it is with a TMIC. While I haven't driven an MS3 with an FMIC, in previous cars, I noticed a small amount of boost loss with the additional plumbing. When I installed my TMIC from ETS on the MS3, I actually saw a slight increase in boost pressure. I suspect that is from a better flowing design. I have no regrets with my TMIC. In fact, I bought one, sold it, missed it, and bought a second.

damn, you got me sold on one!

 

[steven88]

I'm looking into getting an upgraded intercooler but don't know if i should go Top or Front. I live in Michigan and am plowing snow half the year.. could that damage a FMIC?

Let me know what you guys would do if you had my car. My mods or listed below(add turbo inlet, engine mount, and boost tubes to the list) It would be amazing to see some number differences between the two intercoolers as well.. maybe HP gains

Thanks!

what are your goals? if you plan to run at the drag strip or auto cross/circuit....go FMIC...waiting in line will definitely take a toll on performance with the TMIC....

if you just want to have fun, go TMIC...yes you will lose hp once you are stopped for a good period of time...but the price to hp ratio is incredible....installation is much easier as well

 

[SwampAss]

The TMIC on this car doesn't heat soak badly at all. Once up to about 30-35mph, it's pretty much recouped from any additional heat from being on top of the engine. Heat soak = 1.8t VW with stock SMIC. You don't know heat soak til you've driven one of those in traffic.

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

Where in Michigan are you? Check out the Michigan section, we are pretty active.

 

[ymic]

+3 for FMIC. My friends and I have decided that DISI actually stands for Direct Injection Shitty Intercooler

 

[wisniaPl]

i was going with tmic but got good deal on txs fmic and could be more satisfied i dont spike to 21 psi like with stock tmic just spike 19 and stay at 17,5-18 psi...for dd its easier to stay out of boost and forge bpv sound so much nicer no more mario coin sound....however instalation was a pian in the ass...

 

[DaleNixon]

Yo swamps, what TMIC are you running? ETS? What tubing size? And would I need a tune if I got one? Thanks broham!

 

[Abilor]

I would very much like to know about the ETS as well. Whatever DaleNixon gets, I'll get the other one...

 

[Abilor]

And what about the TMIC from those other guys? What's the difference bw that and the ETS? The cobb?

 

[coyfish]

I havent seen a COBB TMIC. The only brands are SU and ETS. Well and autoexe but those are crazy expensive.

I got the SU because I know the guys personally and I got it for the same price as the ETS. Honestly though both the ETS and SU will perform the same. The SU just has "cleaner" welds.

No you dont need a tune for an intercooler. Look at the mods in my sig . . . I have no tune and my car runs fine. Like wisnia pointed out I am occasionally spiking a bit high though so as long as your paying attention to ur boost gauge you will be fine.

Seems like everyone has their mind set on the TMIC. ITs really a simple decision. If you have the money and the time to spend making sure everything seals up and installing / removing it than go for it. The first time you install it it may take you 5 hours but you get better at it. Friend of mine can install his in 1 hour !.

 

[speed3driver]

My main goals with this car are basically driving it for fun and picking up street races here and there. I might take it to the track once or twice a year.

I think i'm defiantly going with the ETS 3.5 TMIC. Thanks everyone for you input

 

[MM BOOST]

All of you guys have helped me with my decision as well, thanks guys. Gonna pick up ETS 3.5 TMIC in mirror polished too! Oh and the polished/stainless cold pipe from Street Unit. Bling Blang mofuckas.

 

[speed3driver]

Where in Michigan are you? Check out the Michigan section, we are pretty active.

Im near Grand Rapids..

 

[SwampAss]

I have the ETS TMIC 3.25. I don't know the tube size. I'll lie and say 8 inches knowing full well it's more like 3.