TyrolSport is running a group buy for 10% off their intercooler provided we get at least three (3) buyers.

Here is a link to their intercooler:

http://www.tyrolsport.com/intercoole...t-intercooler/

TyrolSport recently test fit their FMIC on a Countryman (see photos) and it fit just fine. The only issue is they needed to create a pair of brackets so the intercooler could bolt on at the top of the grill like it goes with the R56. TyrolSport has made the brackets and is ready to roll.

For reference, here are some figures regarding core volume and frontal area:

Stock FMIC: 22" wide x 3.37" tall x and 2.5" deep.

Core Volume = 185.35 in³
Frontal Area = 77.14 sq. in.

Forge R56 FMIC*: 20.8" wide x 3" tall x 3" deep [lower step]; 20.8" wide x 5" tall x 1.5" deep [upper step]

Core Volume = 343.2 in³
Frontal Area = 104 sq. in.

Forge R60 FMIC**: 20.5" wide x 5" tall x 6" deep

Core Volume = 615 in³
Frontal Area = 102.5 sq. in.

TyrolSport FMIC: 12” wide x 17.5” tall x 1.25” deep

Core Volume = 262.5 in³
Frontal Area = 210 sq. in.

* I don't have the dimensions for Helix's intercooler but it is roughly the same size/dimensions as the Forge R56 intercooler, perhaps a bit bigger.

** Note that the Forge R60 FMIC does not fit US Countrymen without extensive modifications to the crash bumper. Forge is supposedly working on a redesign for US cars, but a call to Forge yesterday confirmed that they have no ETA for when the intercooler will be on the market and advised to "check back periodically."

Core Volume

1. Forge R60 FMIC (615 in³)
2. Forge R56 FMIC (343.2 in³)
3. TyrolSport FMIC (262.5 in³)
4. Stock FMIC (185.35 in³)

Frontal Area

1. TyrolSport FMIC (210 sq. in.)
2. Forge R56 FMIC (104 sq. in.)
3. Forge R60 FMIC (102.5 sq. in)
4. Stock FMIC (77.14 sq. in)

As you can see from the above, the TyrolSport has the second lowest core volume behind the two Forge intercoolers, but the most frontal area, with more than double the biggest intercooler.

What does this mean? A very efficient intercooler! Larger core volume often means pressure drop and thus less boost on the back end. And, generally speaking, the larger frontal area the better the intercooler can cool the charge area. So by keeping the core volume relatively low yet having a huge frontal area, the TyrolSport intercooler offers huge cooling ability (frontal area) with minimal pressure drop (core volume). From TyrolSport's website:

Bottom line is that, yes, Tyrol's FMIC is pricey, but it is a nice piece with lots of smart engineering behind it.

I will update this post with a running list of whose interested in the group buy. TyrolSport didn't specify an end date, but unless I'm told otherwise, I'll be happy to keep the group buy open for at least a week before I report back to TyrolSport.

Buyers

1. Hujan
2. bmwr606
3. MikeHancho

 

This looks like the solution I'm needing for my intercooler. Just one question, due to its height, do you foresee any cooling issues with the radiator?
Let me know about the group buy option since I am needing an intercollegiate ASAP and Forge is dragging their feet getting one available.

 

Lol I'm guessing you typed that up on your smartphone?

 

Yup, damn auto correct

 

Good question; that was my concern as well. TyrolSport anticipated that concern. Here is what they had to say on their website:

The unit is only 1.25" thick. That is very thin as intercooler cores go. It does make sense that if part of the intercooler's appeal is that it allows a lot of air to get through it, that air would go on to get to the radiator.

I can shoot TyrolSport an e-mail and see what they have to say about it. They may be able to elaborate on the issue. Also, I know that a couple of R60 owners -- Sapps, kconner, and at least one other owner -- have the TyrolSport intercooler on their R60s. Sapps got his car tuned at RennTech. If the FMIC blocking the radiator would have presented a problem I would have expected the RennTech tuner to say something. I'll try to ask Sapps if he's noticed significantly higher engine/water temps with the TyrolSport on there. (Hopefully he's been keeping an eye on his temps with a gauge.)

On that note, I showed the intercooler to a RennTech distributor at a shop here in San Diego. He said it looks like a great setup and did not express any concern about blocking the radiator.

 

Awesome! Thanks for getting back to me. I am sure that if there were any problems with cooling they would be addressed by now. I live in South Florida so cooling is a big concern of mine.
Let me know what the manufacturer says if they get back to you.
You can count me in for the group buy. Needing intercooler really bad, considering a turbo upgrade so timing would be perfect.
Thanks
Bart

 

My pleasure, Bart. I sent an e-mail off to TyrolSport and will report back what they say. I'm in SoCal and heat is a big issue for me, too.

You've got a really nice spec on your Countryman. An FMIC is the only thing missing. Let me know what you end up doing with your turbo if you end up upgrading it.

 

I'm interested too but.... Will they give us more of a discount if there are more people buying?

 

I just talked to TyrolSport and they had this to say about the fact that the FMIC blocks the radiator:

Like I said before, I am convinced that the design is not an issue and that sufficient air will get through the intercooler into the radiator. If air did not get through the FMIC, it would not even cool the intake charge, which we know it most certainly does.

Not sure. I imagine it would take a significant number of us before they would be willing to drop the price further. If we get, say, 6 or more of us who are interested, it might be worth asking them.

Also, don't hesitate to call or e-mail TyrolSport directly if you have more questions. I have no magic connection to them. I'm just a guy who e-mailed to ask a question about the intercooler, told them there were a couple guys on NAM who might be interested, and asked if there was any group-buy potential. Of course, anyone is free to reach out to them directly.

 

Alright, gents. Got some nibblers but no one else has bitten yet. I'd like to get back to TyrolSport in the near future.

bmwr606 and I are still onboard. Mike? CMFFMET? Can I could either of you guys in?

I'm inclined to notify TyrolSport as soon as I get a firm third, so don't hesitate if you want to be included in this.

Something I forgot to mention in my original post is that TyrolSport indicated they might be willing to get the intercoolers coated by SwainTech's BBE coating. If you don't know what BBE is, it actually helps the part radiate heat more efficiency that a bare part would. (http://swaintech.com/race-coatings/r...tting-coating/) Plus, as an added bonus, it gives the intercooler a semi-matte black color.

Since both SwainTech and TyrolSport are in New York and work with each other on stuff, they indicated they can get the intercoolers coated for us before sending them out. Of course, the coating would be a little extra. If you are interested, I can get an exact price for the coating for you.

 

You can put me in as a firm third. Think I'll pass on the coating though. Let me know what details you need from me.
Bart

 

ok Hujan ... here is the third

what now?

i am going to pass on the coating also

scott

 

Awesome guys!

Good question, Scott. I'll shoot TyrolSport and e-mail and tell them we have our three and ask what's next. Stay tuned and watch this space.

To anyone else who might be interested: Jump on quick!

 

i just spoke to the tyrolsport guys

for a nominal fee, they will put bungs on the inlet/outlet for temp probes

i am looking at a dual 2" gauge from west tach that uses 1/8" npt probes

not sure i am going to get the gauge, but i think i will have tyrol install the bungs

they assured me they know where to install them for no interference

scott

 

I was just about to post up to say I sent an e-mail to Mike @ TyrolSport on Monday and then called and left a message yesterday morning. I still haven't heard back yet. I know they have been running a little shorthanded lately.

When did you talk to them, Scott? Any word on when/how they'll get this rolling for us? I'm thinking the easiest thing would be for them to setup a temporary discount code for those of us on the group buy (or anyone else who orders in, say, the next couple of days).

 

i talked to them this morning ... i offered a credit card for the group buy, but he said "next week" ... i assumed he was wanting to talk to you

when you do talk to them, ask for a price on the bungs

scott

 

Will do. Hope they call back soon.

 

Any word?

 

Unfortunately, no. I shot them another e-mail but have not yet heard back. I'm going to try and give them another call here in a bit. It makes it tough because of the time change, I usually don't get a break in the action at work to call until after 5:00 p.m. on the East Coast. Not sure what's up over there; I think they must just be short staffed at the moment . . . ?

 

Good news!

I talked to Greg from TyrolSport this morning and we are all set to go. The group buy price is $975 plus shipping.

One thing to note: He said they can do the SwainTech coating, but it will delay the intercooler(s). SwainTech is a very busy company with long lead times, meaning you are looking at 3-4 weeks for them to do their thing. Since it already takes TyrolSport 3 weeks to fabricate and ship the intercoolers you're potentially looking at a two-month wait. That's probably too long for my blood, but it can be done if you want. (Scott, I know you do not want it done; MikeHancho you seemed like you might be going that way.)

Anyway, Greg is going to send me the coupon code which I will post/send to group buy participants. At the same time, I am supposed to send him the names and contact information of the group buy participants. MikeHancho, I have yours. Scott, PM or e-mail yours and I'll send it over. Anyone else, get onboard now while you can.

 

Will there be an option for new charge piping with the intercooler? If not I am assuming that all the stock plastic charge pipe connects right up?

Jason

 

The intercooler does not come with new charge piping. It will connect right up to the OEM charge pipes as well as aftermarket pipes. I'd recommend grabbing an NM charge pipe and swapping that out when you swap out the intercooler. (Whatever intercooler you buy.)

 

Right on, I appreciate that. Let me look into that charge pipe kit from them.

Jason

 

You bet! Here's a link:

http://www.nm-eng.com/nm488856-nm-en...arge-pipe.html

They call it the "discharge" pipe, but I assume this is what you and I both meant. Maybe easier to call it the "hot side" pipe. I have both NM pipes (hot and cold side), but the hot side pipe is the only one you really need. It's pretty easy to swap out. The cold side pipe is a little trickier.

 

Okay, guys if you haven't already received an e-mail from Mike at TyrolSport, you will very shortly. They are going to contact us directly to give us the instructions for the deposit, etc. If you don't hear from today or tomorrow at the latest, let me know and I'll find out what's up.

Anyone else interested should jump on board now.