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Drivetrain Intercoolers: Helix or TyrolSport or Alta?

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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 01:17 PM
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MINI4LYF's Avatar
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Intercoolers: Helix or TyrolSport or Alta?

Can't decide. Data seems to be the same. I'm getting an intercooler so that I can get a stage 2 tune by NM Eng. Not considering Forge because they basically have the same design that Helix has and I consider the Helix one superior. Also wondering why no one really mentions the TyrolSport intercooler...seems like a unique design although it costs almost double but other than that can't figure out why it's so uncommon. The ALTA one looks ok but don't like the idea of trimming but if its a quality intercooler, then why not? Wondering about the quality of the ALTA as opposed to the Helix.

In other words, help me pick one. I just want feedback negative or positive. I will probably buy the one that's most recommended. Btw I've done research and what seems more realistic is the Helix or Alta. i still want feedback on the TyrolSport. Quality wise what am I looking at?
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 01:21 PM
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Helix.
The gains are all very similar... I just trust the company more.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 01:48 PM
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How much are you willing to spend? If you're considering dropping the money for a TyrolSport, then maybe you are in the market for the Defenders Of Speed water-to-air intercooler. Water-to-air is worth the price. Cooler temps than your normal FMIC and less tubing equals less turbo lag.

http://www.defendersofspeed.com/mcs-...r-intercooler/
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 01:55 PM
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I like it, do you have it? Only issue is that this will probably force me to buy their intake...if only I was made of money *sigh*. Also thanks for the suggestion, hadn't heard of it before
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 02:17 PM
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Anything Alta is junk! The Helix is a quality and proven IC.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 02:34 PM
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Helix. Great proven results.

Please skip on the Alta stuff.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 02:44 PM
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i'll be going with the tyrolsport

i used to manage a land-speed record team and we found that given equal or near equal volumn, frontal area was the most important consideration in an fmic

scott
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 03:42 PM
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I have Forge, no issues with it at all. Does what it's intended to do.

Not an option for you as you mentioned that,
just thought I'd chime in.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by NewCooperFanatic
I have Forge, no issues with it at all. Does what it's intended to do.
+1

Similar design yes, but has the added center support mount so it isn't just "suspended" by the two boost tubes. Extremely high quality as most all Forge products are.
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by malcon
helix.
The gains are all very similar... I just trust the company more.
+1 for Helix
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 09:45 PM
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Helix!
 
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Old Mar 15, 2013 | 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by MINI4LYF
I like it, do you have it? Only issue is that this will probably force me to buy their intake...if only I was made of money *sigh*. Also thanks for the suggestion, hadn't heard of it before
I don't have it yet. I'm saving for it since I'm not made of money either. I did have a buddy that ran a water to air on his Saab and they do what is said they do and are worth the premium. But as you said, it looks like their intake is needed first. I am going to go with their intake and sell my stock intake.

I will say though, that I know a few Mini owners local to me and they have the Helix FMIC and they love it. No cutting and it's less expensive than the Alta. If I wasn't going with the DOS intake I would be doing a Helix (for what it's worth).
 
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Old Mar 16, 2013 | 12:48 AM
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Helix FTW!
 
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Old Mar 17, 2013 | 01:11 PM
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I love Tyrolsports design but went with a Helix on a group buy ($$). Tyrol should work good for you

Originally Posted by bmwr606
i'll be going with the tyrolsport

i used to manage a land-speed record team and we found that given equal or near equal volumn, frontal area was the most important consideration in an fmic

scott
 
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Old Mar 17, 2013 | 06:07 PM
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Way sells Helix and Forge and constantly recommends Forge. "Nuff said.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2013 | 07:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Melangell
Way sells Helix and Forge and constantly recommends Forge. "Nuff said.
Your such a homer;-) but glad you love your products!
 
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Old Mar 17, 2013 | 07:28 PM
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Had the Helix. Had the Forge. I'd go with Forge again.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2013 | 11:43 PM
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Originally Posted by RobMuntean
...but glad you love your products!
I've got enough of 'em!
 
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Old Mar 18, 2013 | 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Melangell
Way sells Helix and Forge and constantly recommends Forge. "Nuff said.
Maybe Forge maximize their profit margin. "Nuff said."
 
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by CHKMINI
Anything Alta is junk! The Helix is a quality and proven IC.
The intercooler is fine.
 
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 06:05 PM
  #21  
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I've been wondering about Alta's recirculating valve. A couple of years ago I tried the Forge and didn't like it. Too much surge-y "da da da da" noises. I DO like the idea that Alta's is mechanically actuated.
 
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Ch28Kid
Maybe Forge maximize their profit margin. "Nuff said."
Seriously, this makes no sense.
 
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 06:16 PM
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I have had a Alta stealth inter cooler for awhile moved from R56 to my R58 no issue's works well and does its job!

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring
 
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 06:37 PM
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Helix and Tyrolsport are good. I refuse to buy anything Alta.
 
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Old Mar 20, 2013 | 06:39 PM
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Got mine for a deal from a friend selling his mini and at the time I didn't have a lot of extra cash, if I may ask what's the reason behind not wanting anything Alta?

Sent from my iPhone using NAMotoring
 
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