Bern seeing intercoolers pop up on ebay for the r56. Anyone try one? For $250 it looks like it might be worth a shot. The forge and helix etc are mighty pricey.

 

Good luck.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-problem.html

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...nese-fmic.html

 

I've read those threads and every one else of them on here. I realize I may be beating a dead horse. But I have never found dyno numbers.

 

I would never be cheap towards an I/C or suspension. But if you want a cheap I/C I would just contacting those few through a PM to ask them questions you may have.

 

To be honest I'd recommend going name brand simply for knowing it'll work, I say this and I have a fleabay intercooler. Now i really haven't noticed problems and it seems my temps are lower then stock, I didn't have a gauge then but reading online numbers. It installed easy but needs little inner bumper trimming. I did notice my track times at the local 1/8 stayed much more consistent, not getting heat soaked. Times never fell off were they did stock. But I'd say the upgrade is very minimal if any, day temp could've made te difference. Only reason I have one is I told my fiancé I want an intercooler for my birthday, lol she didn't know better =\

 

I actually purchase the ebay intercooler. Installed it on my mini last week, its a good design works as a intercooler should.

 

Jesus fawk here we go again... I've been running eBay intercoolers for a long time with 0, none, nada, zip issues. You have to try to mess up an intercooler, like make an effort to be that inept. And for one second if you think all these other companies don't make their sh*t in china you are dead wrong. I'm ordering one prob next month when I get around to it.

 

I just put 1 on from EBAY and LOVE it! Install took 10 minutes, fit without any trimming. I did have to push the bumper back about 1/16th" to install the clips on the bottom. And make sure you tighten the hoses very well! As I did have a little leak at first. But that was my fault not theirs. So it's up to you. But I say go for it,

 

Ok. So some Chinese knockoffs are available on eBay from china. So the thing fits the car and connects perfectly to the tubes. Does that mean that your new eBay intecooler is an upgrade? Unless there is some kind of proof, only a fool would go solely on the fact that the thing fits fine. For all you know it can be the same or worse than oem.

On the other hand, if you're happy, then I guess that's what matters. However, a word of advice - don't be foolish and say "it must lower IATs because it's bigger and fits perfectly".

 

The one I bought fits perfect. The company selling them is from us. I order got it within the week. So far no problems with mine and I can feel the increase air going in the engine since I took muffler del out. They have 10 day return policy. Royert442, thats the same intercooler I have.

 

Yeah that's the same one. I think for argument sakes, I'm going to do a comparison of the Ebay FMIC and the stock FMIC this weekend. Yes i have a lot of time on my hands hehehe. I will use the Accessport Tuner to collect some real time data. I will log IAT Temps, Oil Temp, Coolant Temp, and Ambient Temp. I don't think we need any other data than this, but if someone can think of something else, let me know. I will keep you all posted.

Cheers

 

I would carefully go through the location and post count of any positive reviewers on these things, plus scan the syntactical content of their posts to check not only native level grammar competence but ommission of common word choice conventions as well...

 

Now that I think about it is there any way to tell a Helix IC from one of these ebay IC's? I don't think I remember an imprint of any special kind on the intercooler. Bisimoto racing out of California was accuused of something similar recently of outsourcing all his custom exhaust manifolds from China and it created a huge internet debate of bashing.

Edit:Nevermind went to http://www.helix13.com/2nd-gen-mini/engine-exhaust/#go and this is a clear difference between helix and ebay.

 

you get what you pay for.. that's how I stand with buying parts off Ebay

 

If it's the one from "Iron Horse", and you should follow the links in the ebay advertisement to see if it is, it is real problematic to install one on the new JCW model. I have all my photographs and notes assembled and plan on posting in the forum soon.

Note: It may be a common problem with all large, aftermarket intercoolers, that the manufacturers don't realize Mini added a 1" square tube arched support across the front lower side of the JCW (just in front of the stock intercooler) as additional rigidity and support of the bumper. These taller intercoolers require extensive "clearance cutting" of the structural crash bar in order to get the new intercooler into place.

 

Purchased a forge FMIC...no cutting of any kind required....I too have the secondary small bar that sits infront of the intercooler.

I think all N18's have that crash bar there actually.

 

How do you like it?

 

It works great, it serves it's purpose...lower intake temps. And it's the cheapest of the big four. It literally bolts on, one tab on each side to hold it nice and snug, then boost tubes on, bumper back on, done.

I have nothing against eBay stuff...but people have to also realize, the extra cost of the Helix, Forge, Alta, and Tyrolsport...compared to eBay intercoolers....is the R&D and easy of installation for those items. I can't imagine the extent of modifications the guy above had to do to make the intercooler fit his JCW. I would personally be upset if I bought something that was design for my car, only to have to do some serious trimming to get it to fit.

 

I must say nothing had to be modified to get my helix to fit. I was worried since I have a 2013 and many parts I have purchased "should" fit and so far havent run into any problems.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-MINI-COOPER-S-R56-R57-FRONT-MOUNT-INTERCOOLER-FOR-BMW-MINI-COOPER-S-R56-R57-/190879056784?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c71474390&vxp=mtr
If I get an intercooler I think I'm cheaping out and going with this.

same one some of you guys have?

 

Not allowed! If you ever want to meet up somewhere in South Florida to rice out on the streets that IC isn't allowed. Sell you Miata and dump money into the Mini!

 

That bad?

I guess I'll wait till I can find a used Alta or something.

Only reason I want to sell Miata is to get Julio's 02 converted to 06 MM RSX-S

 

Continuing.....on subject but ahead of my own post.....the "variables" that you should look out for, which came to my attention when installing my aftermarket IC, are:

1) spacing of inlet and outlet pipes (mine where 5/8" closer than stock - required extra clearance cutting of fan shroud),
2) mounting bracket location/spacing (mine where 3/8" closer than stock - requiring modifications), and
3) ID of inlet and outlet pipes (mine where 1/8" smaller than stock - required me to NOT go with Alta delete down pipe but rather a straight piece of pipe instead. Alta's delete pipe actually has a slightly larger ID than the stock OEM IC. This compounded the problem of tight fit of inlet pipe).

 

Wait, smaller ID of inlet and outlet pipes? I don't like the sound of that.

Do you remember the exact measurement?

Here's the measurements of the one I posted

Overall size: 25.20" X 7.50" X 6.30"

Core size: 21.25" X 7.85" X 3.15"

Inlet: 2.0"

Outlet: 2.0"