I narrowed it down to 2 different FMIC's. Exhaust depot direct fit and AGP direct fit. For what my goal is I really don't need a huge one. So any input would be appreciated. Goal by the way is a DD with 400hp which s3 should take care of nicely.
Why direct fit? If you're going to the trouble just get a large fmic, if you want 400hp it would be better suited with a larger fmic. As for ED vs. AGP, I don't think you'll find that great a difference, although I believe ED has cast end tanks designed after the stockers, for a smoother air path.
Truthfully I don't want to remove the crash bar and wad the car if I get in a collision. Besides for what the extra cost of the bfmic compared to the gains I would be better off taking the same amout of money and getting a direct fit and water/meth injection.
You can stealth any intercooler if you get the right type of paint. It has to be a type that won't insulate the intercooler though...
don't waste your money on a direct fit. if you're going to upgrade the ic then get a big one, otherwise the stocker will do you just fine. people forget that our stock ic's are actually a really good unit. and btw, 400 with s3 isn't all that easy and does require quite a few modifications to get there. belive me, i did it.
If you do decide against a direct fit, don't put a big FMIC on without a replacement crash bar. Even though it won't do as much as the original in case of a big collision, at least it's keeping the front end tied together, and it WILL help in case of a low speed collision. I was involved in a VERY low speed front ender, and I have no doubt an aftermarket crash bar would have helped me a bunch.
I am actually following a friend of mine's modding scheme (different parts but the theory remains the same) and he was right where I wanted to be at 413hp/450 tq on HOM. I should have specified 400 hp on HOM. like I said I am not going bfmic. Its a waste of money in my eyes. I would be better off with a direct fit (for better flow and better cooling than stock) and W/I.
theres a big difference in body play without the front crash bar. corners felt iffy and uncomfortable. a couple of months later thew the crashbar and stock IC back on and cornering was noticeable better Id keep the crash bar or if you get a Big FMIC buy the after market crash bar.
direct fit fmic's don't actually flow THAT much better than stock though, that's what i'm trying to get at. they really are a waste of money. for $350 or whatever they cost now you can get other, more beneficial mods. the stock ic is better than people give it credit for.
Yeah, if you're going to spend the money on an upgraded FMIC, get a large FMIC and either a Bwoody crash bar ($100), or if you want something seriously robust, go with the Slowboy Racing crash bar ($200). The Slowboy bar is pretty serious, it looks like it would provide ample crash protection like the stocker or better.
i have the slowboy, it's no where near what the stocker is. better than nothing i will definetly agree, but it's not going to give the protection that the stock crash bar does.
Yah Nate dont be stupid and mod the car the way you want to. Duh listening to people online is totally the way to go!
Ah, I've actually never seen the stocker =]. My car came with NO crash bar, still doesn't have one, but I am looking at the slowboy because it appears to be the most robust of all the aftermarket bars.
Well from the data I have seen there is about a 2.5psi drop on the stocker and about .5 to 1 on the agp/ed. Not to mention the cooler post IC temps and the inability to heat soak the direct fit.
I had the ED direct fit and loved it but I switch to an ED Beast now. I say go with the AGP although I find it a bit odd on how pressed up against the bumper it is. Atleast the one I saw was.
