The Forge is a cheap copy of the Helix, which has many unique features including bull-nosed bars (for greater flow across the face as well as through the core), greater fin density and cast end tanks for better laminar flow. Check independent datalogs for each, paying attention to pressure drop, efficiency, and repeatable cooling. That's where your extra $50 goes.

 

Thank you CoinMC
It's good to hear some real world feed back on this unit.

 

a group of mini owners here in singapore went for forge intercoolers and results were good, coming from a country where see have annual temperatures from 30-35 degree celcius.
the it can run without tune but best results is with cai,exhaust, charge/dis charge pipes.

 

Nothing cheap about the Forge intercooler at all. I guess Helix has a patent on intercoolers? My Forge intercooler mounted very easily and has mounting tabs at the factory locations to make it a very secure install. Does Helix have these? No. But... you stay classy Helix!

 

But the mounting tab doesn't work on 2011+ cars...
Like I've said, they ALL work.

 

I can say this, I don't care much for one company bashing another's product. If you want to list your attributes, list them but don't condemn another.
I've got other Forge products and they are top notch quality in my book.
Soon to add: Forge Step Intercooler, NM Engineering torque arm mount insert, h-sport rear camber links, NM discharge pipe, and Megan Racing Coilovers.

 

I believe you are thinking about the top (third) tab. Yes, that tab will not be functional. However, the two (right and left) stock mounting tabs are still used.

 

As an outsider, here is how I read this:

Helix is stating that they have some engineering features (tube shape and fin density) that the others.

Richard has stated twice that any of them will work, which makes sense

IMO, the black option is a pretty good one, I am not a big fan of seeing things through the grille.

I also smile that the OP has increased the number of his planned mods in the week that this post has been active. Sounds like he got the bug as well.....

Man, this if fun having a car that we are passionate about. Just a bit of rambling...

Mike

 

mbwicz..........This is what you call mid-life crisis.

 

I dont' mean to hijack the thread, but is it worth it to add a larger FMIC if I don't track the car?

 

I don't track my car, but I bought the Helix intercooler. It helps maintain peak horse power when the outside temperature is high.

Dave

 

Can I just upgrade the FMIC without the tubes?

 

What's better on the mini? Bar and plate or tube and fin?
Have on of this turbulators (Helix, Forge, Alta)?

 

Why can't someone come up with a cheaper alternative? The BMW 335 guys have been able to make a FMIC affordable with an Inexpensive core.

 

It was suggested to me to replace the discharge tube when replacing the intercooler with a larger one. I think that's what is called the hot side. The cold side isn't as big a deal apparently.
Finally got all my stuff over the past couple of days, now to install it all.
I talked with Way at waymotorworks and between him and my Mini mechanic they both agreed with the discharge pipe. The NM Engineering pipe is about $239. High for a tude but????

 

Depends where you live? If you live in a place thats very hot in the summer, MAYBE yes.

I got my from Helix groupbuy and I think it was worth it. The MSRP is kinda high compare to other FMIC for other cars like STI, EVO and BMW. If you can wait for 2-3 months then I think it's worth it. My came in 2 and a half month.

 

A patent on intercooling? NO but I “invented” the Stepped core Intercooler concept and currently have a USA provisional patent pending on the concept of multi dimensional heat exchangers which is being pursued. With the passing of many of the new Global IP protection acts that are being passed it may finally be possible to protect ones IP from FORGEry dated back to my original engineering drawings in the letter I sent to myself through US Postal in early 2007 and never opened

Heres some History:

Forge Directly copied my design(Helix Motorsport) of the R56 Mini Stepped Core Intercooler, which I based off our 335i and 135i Design.

-Posted first prototype pics of the Helix 335i/135i intercooler dated 9/21/2007 on E90post.

-Posted Early solid works renderings of the Helix FMIC for the Mini dated 11/29/07 on NAM and actual pic of intercooler dated 1/08/08.

-Prior to this Forge nor any other company had EVER produced a stepped core intercooler!

-Forge released pics of their knockoff stepped core intercooler in February 2008.

To further reinforce this position, heres a quoted post from Pentagon dated June 18, 2007 on the Mini2 Forums(actually a very good read and speaks volumes on Forges level of R&D):
http://www.mini2.com/forum/2nd-gen-engine-drivetrain-tuning/142211-new-items-r56.html

"I had Forge try and build an intercooler for my R56 MCS, they had the car for two weeks and made many tests concluding that there wasnt room for a worthwhile intercooler and the one on it was efficient. Forge did build me a blow off valve tho'. "

Yeah not until they saw pics of my design and had an epiphany! At any rate, the Helix has many advantages over the forge intercooler:

-One piece custom designed bar and plate core not 2 tube and fin cores welded together.

-Rounded Ambient and Charge row tubes to direct airflow and lessen pressure drop through both sides of the core.

-Rounded cast endtanks with factory correct connection geometries.

-Dense staggered offset fin bar and plate core. We tested several cores in our prototype process(we actually did R&D to deliver the best product-it’s so much easier to COPY) and sell what works best in regards to AIT temp drop, heatsoak suppression and pressure drop.

-as far as mounting tabs are concerned they are unneeded in the Mini and with several hundred intercoolers in use no one has had any issues!

All one has to look at is end user(not manufacturer) datalogs and you will see that the Helix has better AIT control, heat soak suppression and pressure drop!

 

^^^^

And that sir is the reason I got a Helix, thanks Mark, .

 

Helix