I'm thinking about purchasing one but concerned about the blockage that a stepped FMIC does.

For those of you that have installed the Helix FMIC..or any stepped FMIC. How did it affect your coolant temps? Any experience is appreciated.


UPDATE: 5/13/13
Scored a great deal on a used Helix FMIC off ebay and finally got it installed over the weekend. I have about 300 miles on it so far and have done some data logging with my Accessport. I've noticed the coolant temps never go over 230F. This was the same before the install as well. Ambient here is in the 80s. So far the FMIC is doing a great job of keeping intake temps down. What I've noticed in the data logs is that before the install when under peak boost the intake temps would climb to +20 over ambient. With the Helix the temps actually drop and are usually about +5 over ambient.

Here's a pic post install.

 

I haven't noted any change and I have an OBDC gauge. It will be interesting if there is any difference in coolant temp in the Texas summer, but I doubt it. The fan will come on earlier and run more from ambient temperature but I doubt that the minor obstruction an FMIC represents is significant, guessing.... And how could you tell?

 

I just installed mine from the last group buy and did notice an immediate affect on the fan running more. It doesn't run that long after turning off engine and I'm not too worried about it yet. Of course, it's only in the 90's so far and will be interesting to see how it goes during the 110deg months. I haven't monitored coolant temps though I do have an AP.

 

I run a ALTA FMIC and I have seen no issues. This will be my second summer with it and if there is any change the fan might run a little longer.

 

Installed the Helix over the weekend and have edited first post with my findings...

 

Do you have an open cone intake? I wonder how the numbers will change with an open air intake

 

I have the stock intake.

 

I wonder if installing it without a tune would be okay? other than needing a little more wastegate duty cycle, the charge temps will be lower so it will stave off detonation more than oem....nor would the car run leaner with a bigger fmic.

 

Install without tune is absolutely ok. I installed it when I had my JCW Tuning Kit map and definitely notice huge difference.

As for water temp, it's exactly the same according to my scangauge. It tops at 105 C (221 F) with and without FMIC.