Trying to figure out which intercooler would be the best for a B5 that is about to be modified eventually into a stage 3. The fmic seems like it takes up way to much room in the front when you have a gigantic fan and radiator competing for space/air. It seems maybe the SMIC's might be the way to go? Can anyone shed some light on the subject? Any experience anyone??

 

Well I have IPP SMIC for the s4 and never have heat soak, also dont have to cut anything to make them fit. the rs4 smic are really nice and you wont have any problems with heat soak jsut have to cut your bumper some. The apr smic fit and mount really easy but as on the high side for price. If you want the best get the ER smic lots of money but HUGH intercooler. if you do also go with fmic jhm's new kit is nice plus 600 dollars you cant beat it. Only down side I hear is sitting in traffic there is not alot of air flow with stock fans.

 

Go with the ER SMICs. They are huge and won't require you to remove your fog lights

 

cool thanks for the tips!!!!

 

Theres alot of paths to take as far as intercoolers. A FMIC is by far the cheapest option, and will give you great IAT's especially when drag racing. You can either pick up a CXracing one on ebay and piece it together your self, or JHM sells a pretty nice one with instructions, i believe he keeps the stock grills in but you do lose your fog lights with an FMIC. Also for best results people hack apart their bumpers, but i prefer more of a sleeper look, no huge FMIC showing.

Smic's are great for road racing and not butchering your bumper. There are lots of them out there but most people would agree Stock <CXracing smic < IPP < RS4/ APR (same core) < AWE < Evolution Racewerks. Prices also roughly follow that curve too.

For a k04 stage 3 i would get AWE, Evolution Racewerks, or an FMIC. I wouldnt buy RS4, IPP, or CXr while they are certainly better than stock they arent quite as good as AWE or ER IMO. If you wanna save money go with the FMIC and paint it black to keep a semi original look. If you have Rs6's, hybrids, tials,or GT's get ER.

You can also make your own air/water intercooler which would pretty much be better than all of these.

 

yeah second the w/m kit, i love my IPP smic and have never had a prob with my stage 3, granted ER smic would be better but, i cant spend all my money on my car with a kid in the house lol, the wife would kill me