The Forge is a copy of the Helix, without the cast end tanks and bull nosed bars.

 

I think all 3 that you mentioned are very close in performance. The weight difference is also minimal. It would just be a matter of personal preference on the cast or polished end tanks. I have the M7 grille so the FMIC real shows.

 

Regarding weight difference, come on, seriously? Your talking a couple pounds difference between intercoolers that are going onto a 2600+ lb vehicle. If a 2 lb weight difference is seriously a deciding factor between what intercooler to buy, your trying too hard.

 

i am going to use a tyrolsport on my cms all4

i used to manage a land-speed record team, turbo motorcycles

we ran 55 lbs of boost on one and 75 lbs of boost on the other

given a well designed intercooler, we found the most significant factor was frontal area ... ie a 1" deep ic with a frontal area of 2 square feet will cool more than a 2" deep ic with a frontal area of 1 square foot even though they both have the same volumn

we monitored/recorded charge temps at the intercooler intake and exit

scott

 

Just for those wondering, the Alta I/C is really not that hard to install. With a dremel tool(I also used a sawzall to clean it nicely afterwards), I think it took 10-15 minutes to modify the area around the intercooler(and when I say modify, I mean trim the OEM plastic piece). I didn't need to modify my front bumper as there were no clearance issues. I think people make it out to be more than it is. If price was exactly the same for all of them(I got the Alta cheapest after stacking discount codes :X), I would blindfold myself and throw a dart at one to choose :P

 

If I decide to go with an m7 grille, do you guys think the offset would be noticeable? That's pretty much the only reason why I'm leaning towards the Alta. I'm sure there's really not much in it performance wise.

 

With or without the brake duct kit it is still noticable. The M7 grille is really open. I would suggest that while you have the front bumper cover off you clean everything up good and do any touch up painting behind the grille.

 

So would you recommend I go with the Alta if I want it to look good with the M7 grille?

 

I would NOT go with the Alta. It doesn't fit near as well as the Forge or the Helix.
As for the weight differences the Forge is the lightest, the Helix weights 7lbs more, and the Alta weight 8lbs more. The concern is not really about adding weight to the MINI overall, its really about that weight hanging off the hoses. And 8lbs is alot when your talking about hanging it from two rubber hoses as the Alta has NO mounting tabs, just hangs on the hoses. Now if you have the newer 2012+ car with the extra bumper crash bar you may also not be able to get it to fit as the bar will be in the way.

 

Just to clarify, the Helix sits on the radiator support, it doesn't hang on the hoses. It also fits with the supplemental crash bar on later model cars without any cutting or modifications.

 

+1

 

The helix is heavier in part because it has a taller core, a thicker lower section and a denser fin pack. In a front mount scenario a heavier core(all else being equal)increases the intercoolers thermal reserve. Generally intercoolers with larger thermal reserves hold off heat soak longer ie a lighter intercooler will heatsoak more quickly than a heavier intercooler. The only intercooling scenario where you don't want a heavier core is a top mount that is subjected to engine heat.

 

Simply stating frontal area is the most important factor is a 2 dimensional comment in a 3 dimensional scenario. While frontal area is important, other aspects are equally as important such as core type, fin density, end tank design and shape as well as the core and end tanks effect on the radiator(coolant system)behind it. Utilizing all of the above aspects as a whole and applying it properly to the vehicle, balancing AIT vs Pressure Drop and how they relate to the specific vehicles engine management system is where the real science of intercooling exists.

Our cores are all built custom to each application. we test different cores in regards to stack heights and fin densities and find out what works best.

 

I've been trying to find some more specific information on this topic. I've been guided towards the Forge FMIC and I wasn't sure why besides from the "it's what we recommend" type answer...

In my mind they are VERY similar and I'm leaning towards the helix for the same reason I drove from New Orleans to Atlanta to see Way for my 60K service... I want to support a small American business over an international corporation.

 

The Helix intercooler does not hang off the hoses. It sits on the radiator support and is held flush by the bumper cover.

 

I have the 2011 and the Helix fits perfectly. +1 for Helix.

 

Helix is the one I went for. Quality piece if kit. If you are running a more open grill and want to have it not show like the bright aluminum one you can always get it thermal coated. I got mine as NOS from a group buyer who got cold feet. Took the money saved and got TLTD (it looks gloss black after the coating).

 

Forge on mine because of Way Motor Works recommendation. The real performance becomes apparent at high outside road / track temps. I wasn't disappointed.

I haven't used the others, so can't comment on how they compare or perform.