Hey Mike,

That does sound like a great alternative to powder coating. The powder coating we've proposed is only temporary as it is for those who want a black FMIC for the GB and want it sooner than later.

Our black FMICs are normally coated in a liquid bath and then "baked." A realy nice finish is achieved by this processed.

 

thanks for the update, just placed an order

 

We looked at anodizing, but decided against it. When anodized aluminum is exposed to sun, rain, road salt and chemicals, it fades pretty fast (those of you with anodized aluminum brake calipers can attest to this). It ends up looking worse than un-treated. Even some hard coating and ceramic coating can fade over time. I'm going to try a crinkle finish like the coating that we put on our rear adjustable control arms to see if that has a measurable effect on the cooling. If it doesn't we'll consider that--it's super durable.

 

I was planning on waiting until Spring before putting my FMIC on, since my car is a daily driver in Buffalo. If it helps you guys out, I would be happy to install it and do some durability testing on Black for you.

Mike

 

Buffalo would be the place to test the durability of a coating. We have a week left on this GB, so I won't be able to get anything coated before the delivery of these units. We will send off a couple more coolers for coating, and get a concrete price for the process. If anyone wants to wait for the delivery of their cooler until I know what that price will be, that's fine. Just let me know and I'll make a note of it on your GB file.

 

Mike:

As I said above, we have ruled out anodizing because of durability issues. It is the cleanest way to color coat metal and looks just beautiful from factory, so I understand why you would want it, but it fades over time and looks worse than un-coated metal.

 

Last day to get in on the GB!

 

Let's start shipping !!!!!

 

Now that the GB has ended (3rd), does that mean we will see our FMIC's 3 weeks after that date? So approximately End of Nov beginning of Dec we should have the FMIC?

 

Nope. We're polishing, boxing and shipping starting today. Expect a call from us shortly.

 

Yeeaayaa! That's what I like to hear. Awesome Helix - thank you!

 

Quick update: If we called you today and you received an invoice, your intercooler will ship this evening. Those who did not receive a call will receive one tomorrow. Our mission is to get all intercoolers shipped by tomorrow.

Thanks guys!

Feel free to post or PM me with any questions.

 

I did not get a call today or yesterday. Can you make sure I'm on your list. I paid the deposit. Order is under Geoff Darst. Thanks!

 

I'll check the list tomorrow Geoff and contact you.

 

No problem! Thank you.

 

Just arrived.. Nice and shiny.. Let the install begin !!!!

Thanks Helix !!!!!


image-980415007.jpg

 

Just finished the install. Changed my mapping on my AP to stage 1 fmic 91 and took it for a spin... WOW !!!!

 

Had mine installed. Installer said fitment was perfect.
I can't wait for my tune and downpipe to go along with this FMIC.
Thanks again Rob, this is a beautiful product you have here.

 

Glad the install went well!

I can't take credit for it though. Eric and the R&D team at Helix are the ones to thank.

Hope you enjoy your new upgraded MINI. Have fun!

 

Damn, how did I miss this one!!??

Hope there's another one some day. I could use a black one.

 

any new group buy? i want one

 

Ready for a GB as well....

 

Same here, Didn't even have my MINI yet when this group buy was going on. Hear Helix is the way to go and at that group buy price, I would definitely be in. Will have to also order a chromeline lower grille to really finish off all that shiny polished metal behind the bumper, lol....

 

I concur. Lets get this rolling.

 

Yeah, let's get this party started! I'm anxious to try Stage 1 FMIC on my AP.