Hey guys,

I was just wondering which FMIC is better to put on my R56? I plan to start buying one within a few weeks and need to know what numbers these babies will be able to punch out.


So let the comments begin

 

Oh boy, here we go

 

I've got the Forge IC and installed the most of them as it is my favorite. Fits great and makes great power.

I do not recommend the Alta as it fits the worse and is heavy.

 

Way, would I have to make any additional trimming for the Forge? I heard from a few members they did, mind you I have the 2011.

 

Intercoolers don't make power, they prevent you from loosing it.

 

With a tune? I thought that was a good purpose is to buy a IC so when you tune the car it'll create some amount of power based on the IC itself. Unless I probably didn't do my homework. But I know if I don't tune the car then it will lose a bit of power which I won't really have to deal with.

 

With a tune it will help.

 

I have a 2012, no trimming at all, just bolts right on.

 

crazy phone...double post

 

delete

 

Sweet, I am leaning towards the Forge. I just had to make sure it fits perfectly without the trimming. I appreciate it!

 

How about for the JCW? Would there be trimming if Forge IC is installed?

 

Its the same external motor.

 

No problem.

I got the forge because I think it's the lightest of the bunch...bolts on with 2 of the 3 tabs (the top one isn't needed, but doesn't interfere with installation) and is the cheapest price!

Tri-winning lol

 

Both forge and helix are great. Even better with a good tune. I have had my helix for over 4 1/2 years and it has been absolutely great.

Alta produces just too much junk through the years and many of their products have been withdrawn from the market due to problems.

 

I have the Helix IC. It fits perfectly on my 2009 MCS. A tune is definitely warranted.

 

You can't go wrong with Forge, Helix, or Evolve intercoolers. They all practically have the same stepped design.

 

Forge is doing well here in hot, humid Taiwan! Recommended.

 

With the 2011+ you don't even need to use the grill that comes with the kit, you can just keep your stock grill. That is when sometimes you have to sand off the little sticking off the backside of the grill but not always.

And yes the Forge fits the JCW just fine.

 

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all the answers and opinions. I think I'm solid on this one with going the Forge route! Thanks again

 

I have a Helix intercooler, that thing is a polished aluminum piece of art!

Dave

 

The ALTA intercooler weighs 11 lbs. Not sure why you would call it heavy?

This seems to be a huge misconception about our intercooler. They are simple to install, with included instructions.


The ALTA intercooler also sits centered in the front bumper, and is a bar and plate design to have the best airflow, cooling efficiency and resistance to road debris.

What other company has done as extensive research as us? Here are some results from our testing.






For more info, look here: http://blog.perrinperformance.com/ev...6-intercooler/

 

(deleted post)

 

There have been dozens of posts over the years. My take is that there is similar performance among the major names (helix, forge, alta, evolve), tyrolsport has a different concept that sounds good, but is very expensive. Alta is unique because they are the only ones that offer black as an option.

There are also dozens of people that have successfully installed each of these brands. Many of these people have had a significant performance boost, whether real or perceived. It is the habit for people to justify their expense by feeling good about it.

Helix traditionally runs a group buy, which can result in the lowest price of the above brands, if you are willing to wait a few weeks. There are also generally used items on the Marketplace, priced cheaper than new.

Helix seems to have a great reputation, and Way is highly respected on this forum (he reccomends the forge). Alta seems to have damaged their reputation years ago, but I have had great customer service from them in my experience.

Bottom line: You probably can't go wrong with a name brand unit. The jury is still out whether the ebay/chineese units are worth saving $$.

Have fun.

Mike

PS. I have a Helix in black from the last group buy sitting in my garage. As an engineer I appreciate the development that Helix says they have done. And I got a great price with the GB.

 

Yeah I wanted the I/C in black but everyone I've talked to here in Michigan is for Forge, so Forge it will be because its supposedly a tiny little bitty weightless against the Helix. But those were my top two choices because I only only wanted to see what others said about Alta's pros and cons. Thanks again for your input too.