B8 A4 intercooler comparison thread

[Slave IV]

This thread is as it is stated..meant to list factual comparisons of the available options. Like the catback thread I posted.

Here's what I have found so far, please add to it:

Stock: 2” cast aluminum turbo outlet flange
AE: ???
AWE: 2.5 inch diameter mandrel bent aluminum tubing. AWE does not give any information regarding the core size but it looks significantly larger than the Eurocode product. (Maybe Alex can chime in like he did for the catback thread)
Eurocode: 22" x 11" x 3" high density bar and plate core, billet aluminum 2.5” turbo outlet adapter, Mandrel bent, 2.5” aluminum hard piping from turbo outlet, to core and from core to throttle body
Godspeed: ???

Any feedback or more info on any of these intercoolers, along with info on other available intercoolers would be appreciated. Also, Stock intercooler dimensions would be helpful for comparison if anyone has that info.

[cory_can]

This thread is as it is stated..meant to list factual comparisons of the available options. Like the catback thread I posted.

Here's what I have found so far, please add to it:


AWE: 2.5 inch diameter mandrel bent aluminum tubing.

The AWE is 2.5" just past the end-tanks and then down converts to the 2" factory sizing which chokes both the in/out paths....this is the most important benefit of the Eurocode unit which (as you pointed out) is 2.5" from Turbo to TB.

After I installed the EC FMIC I was quite amazed at the extra power that was also significantly more consistent.....and this was in cold weather. It was quite apparent that the stock unit is under-sized.

IMO, the AWE unit is much better than stock but the EC unit is a more complete solution.

[B8_Jim]

It was quite apparent that the stock unit is under-sized.

To be clear, that's with the Stg II+ tune, right? And when you say extra power - that's compared to the stock unit vs another afermarket FMIC?

Sorry - I don't recall the exact history all of your mods...

Thanks.

[cory_can]

To be clear, that's with the Stg II+ tune, right? And when you say extra power - that's compared to the stock unit vs another afermarket FMIC?
Sorry - I don't recall the exact history all of your mods...
Thanks.

Sorry, I should have been more clear. That comment is based on going from a stock FMIC running StgII to a Eurocode FMIC running StgII.

[Pip]

The AWE is 2.5" just past the end-tanks and then down converts to the 2" factory sizing which chokes both the in/out paths....this is the most important benefit of the Eurocode unit which (as you pointed out) is 2.5" from Turbo to TB.

After I installed the EC FMIC I was quite amazed at the extra power that was also significantly more consistent.....and this was in cold weather. It was quite apparent that the stock unit is under-sized.

IMO, the AWE unit is much better than stock but the EC unit is a more complete solution.

Hi,

Does increasing the pipe to 2.5" all the way through result in low end lag ?

I've got a buddy here in SG with the Eurocode FMIC on his A5, complaining of low end lag (mid to high end is good though).

I know it's counter intuitive coz the larger pipes suppose to reduce throttle response etc.

Anyone experience the same thing ?

Cheers :)

[Info@EuroCode]

Hi,

Does increasing the pipe to 2.5" all the way through result in low end lag ?

I've got a buddy here in SG with the Eurocode FMIC on his A5, complaining of low end lag (mid to high end is good though).

I know it's counter intuitive coz the larger pipes suppose to reduce throttle response etc.

Anyone experience the same thing ?

Cheers :)

Not to disrepect the words from your friend but there is no way possible that if installed properly, our intercooler would produce any lag.

We have tested our intercooler in computer modeling, real world road testing and dyno testing and every single case presented we found the turbo to reach peak boost more effeciently than the OEM core.

If you look at the torque outut (which is an indicator of boost threshold) you will see that there is over a 10% decrease in "lag"

[Pip]

Not to disrepect the words from your friend but there is no way possible that if installed properly, our intercooler would produce any lag.

We have tested our intercooler in computer modeling, real world road testing and dyno testing and every single case presented we found the turbo to reach peak boost more effeciently than the OEM core.

If you look at the torque outut (which is an indicator of boost threshold) you will see that there is over a 10% decrease in "lag"

Thanks for the comprehensive response :)

I'm gathering data for the FMIC groupbuy ... will interrogate that dude that complain of lag some more :)

[Speycaster]

I'm gathering data for the FMIC groupbuy ... will interrogate that dude that complain of lag some more :)

If you can save us a few hundred bucks for a group buy, I'm in!

[Slave IV]

Thanks for your input. I noticed the same thing you mentioned and it seems like AWE is trying to reduce the cost of their product by re-using stock components where they feel it doesn't hurt. I wonder if you can just buy some of those pipes separately to use with the AWE product? AWE is significantly cheaper than the Eurocode and AWE seems to use a significantly larger core as well so it could possibly be a better and cheaper option depending on how much it would cost to get the piping separately.

[cory_can]

Thanks for your input. I noticed the same thing you mentioned and it seems like AWE is trying to reduce the cost of their product by re-using stock components where they feel it doesn't hurt. I wonder if you can just buy some of those pipes separately to use with the AWE product? AWE is significantly cheaper than the Eurocode and AWE seems to use a significantly larger core as well so it could possibly be a better and cheaper option depending on how much it would cost to get the piping separately.

From what I've researched about FMIC's putting the largest IC that will fit in a space is NOT always the best approach. The different dimensions (width/height/depth) have different impacts on flow, cooling and pressure loss. Same goes with end-tank design, although EC and AWE are very similar in this respect.

There was an incredibly good article on a BMW forum that went through all the details that I'll see if I can dig up.

[Slave IV]

From what I've researched about FMIC's putting the largest IC that will fit in a space is NOT always the best approach. The different dimensions (width/height/depth) have different impacts on flow, cooling and pressure loss. Same goes with end-tank design, although EC and AWE are very similar in this respect.

There was an incredibly good article on a BMW forum that went through all the details that I'll see if I can dig up.

Agreed...and it seems like AWE does as well...they just don't think their intercooler is Too large:
Our end tank design is the key to why we can use such a large core without tremendous pressure restriction issues. Pressure drop is kept to a minimum...
And as you stated, AWE and EC both seem to use the same end tank design. The AWE product seems like a revamped version of their B7 intercooler and if they've kept the design this long with proven results, it is probably not too big. In similar cases in the past, the larger core has always been the overall performance winner (this has been an ongoing discussion on the B5 S4 forums and the largest core IC, from ER has been the clear winner over all competitors). Maybe AWE just doesn't want the same thing happening now that happened in the B5 S4 community when the ER's were released.

Thanks for any more info you can provide.

[David@EuroCode]

In similar cases in the past, the larger core has always been the overall performance winner (this has been an ongoing discussion on the B5 S4 forums and the largest core IC, from ER has been the clear winner over all competitors).

I own a B5 S4 and use those ER intercoolers on my car. They are not significantly larger in surfaces area, however they are much thicker, as is our B8 FMIC core. This is not a good example, as the intercooler you are trying to compare to has a much larger surface are but is thinner than our intercooler.

We found the turbo outlet adaptor and the sound box to be the biggest restrictions. The turbulence they both create, translate into lag and pressure drop. We logged both sides of the stock hoses with our own core, and saw 3 psi pressure drop by having two digital gauges on each end of the tank. Once our piping and aluminum turbo outlet adaptor was installed, the drop became nonexistent. It would fluctuate between 1psi and being exactly the same. Keep in mind that using a VCDS to check this is pointless, as the adaptive nature of the bosch ECU will increase waste gate duty and match the requested boost. The only way to do this is by having a gauge on the inlet side and one before the TB.

By the way have you seen the wheel horsepower results from our FMIC.




Temp changes

Run 1-4


Run 5

[MilesM]

I have the Eurocode FMIC on a Stage II tune. I'm extremely happy with it. I love the cosmetic appeal the EC FMIC has over the AWE when looking through the front grill, and the performance increase and like cory said, the consistency was improved. I looked at data from my car for ~6 runs from 0-100mph and the consistency of the heat and power was impressive to say the least.

In my opinion, a FMIC is a necessary mod if you are looking for true, consistent performance from your car, especially if you are doing any other performance related mods. And I definitely say the Eurocode FMIC has many pro's and no con's that I've been able to point out after much critiquing.

[A4 Centaur]

I have the Eurocode FMIC on a Stage II tune. I'm extremely happy with it. I love the cosmetic appeal the EC FMIC has over the AWE when looking through the front grill, and the performance increase and like cory said, the consistency was improved. I looked at data from my car for ~6 runs from 0-100mph and the consistency of the heat and power was impressive to say the least.

In my opinion, a FMIC is a necessary mod if you are looking for true, consistent performance from your car, especially if you are doing any other performance related mods. And I definitely say the Eurocode FMIC has many pro's and no con's that I've been able to point out after much critiquing.

Especially at higher elevations where heat soak can be an issue for smaller K03 turbos.

[ItsDubC]

Godspeed and AE Performance have B8 intercooler units.

[Slave IV]

Thanks...any details? AE seems completely unresponsive to calls or emails lately.

[autobahnaudi]

Has anyone hear anything about the FMIC's from AE & Godspeed?
They are way cheaper.
Godspeed 500
AE 1045

[Slave IV]

AWE is $995...but I'd like to hear more about the other options as well as the actual size of the AWE.

[Slave IV]

I checked Godspeed's website and didn't see anything for the B8. Here is their spec for their B7 FMIC that is $500:
core length: 24"
core height: 7.5"
core thickness: 3"
inlet / outlet size: 2.25"
end to end length: 30"

[SeaBlue]

I checked Godspeed's website and didn't see anything for the B8. Here is their spec for their B7 FMIC that is $500:
core length: 24"
core height: 7.5"
core thickness: 3"
inlet / outlet size: 2.25"
end to end length: 30"

Check here http://www.goodspeedperformance.com/...+Intercooler++

[SeaBlue]

I've been talking to Jon at Good Speed about a FMIC and the newer design is not as tall as the link I just posted shows.
http://www.goodspeedperformance.com/...+Intercooler++

He is sending me specs which I should have by tomorrow.

[degnan78]

I've been talking to Jon at Good Speed about a FMIC and the newer design is not as tall as the link I just posted shows.
http://www.goodspeedperformance.com/...+Intercooler++

He is sending me specs which I should have by tomorrow.

That link points to the AWE FMIC. Did GoodSpeed stop making their own FMIC? I searched their site but only found the one from AWE.

If so, I guess that leaves us with the following FMIC options (with list prices):

AWE - $995
AE Performance - $1045
Eurocode - $1495
CTS Turbo - $849

Any others?

[ItsDubC]

Godspeed FMIC details: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post6058034

Actually, just read the entire thread.

[Slave IV]

Thanks for the info David!

Also, good thread linked by ItsDubC

[k9lovr]

AE will not have any avail for a few months according to emails from them sent to me a while back. They sent their unit to another company who can produce them in a quicker fashion but still some time away....

[Info@EuroCode]

We have plenty of intercoolers in stock, all order ship the same day as placed.

[k9lovr]

No noticed low end lag from this on my car

[Highlander1010]

It does sound very strange. I wonder if something was done wrong during that install, or if something else is off elsewhere.

[David@EuroCode]

Would there be interest in a EuroCode FMIC Group Buy?

[Teamnct4]

Would there be interest in a EuroCode FMIC Group Buy?

I'd be down.

[Wah]

Would there be interest in a EuroCode FMIC Group Buy?

You guys are killing me
What kind of a discount are we talking here?

[Allan72]

Would there be interest in a EuroCode FMIC Group Buy?

Has a decision been made regarding The group buy yet??

[Bartlebum8]

Has a decision been made regarding The group buy yet??

Damn... that'd kill me.
I'd be down...

[s0dhi]

Would there be interest in a EuroCode FMIC Group Buy?

Yeah I would be in.

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

[ets141]

Anybody still interested in doing this?

[Limey]

I would be if the price is right

[NYSpeedRacer]

I'm definitely be down for GB, if the price is right.

Yes, I'm a B8 A4 Trolllllllllll

[Wah]

Anybody still interested in doing this?

I would be if the price is right

I'm definitely be down for GB, if the price is right.

Yes, I'm a B8 A4 Trolllllllllll

The GB is about 5 months old guys ....

[maga4]

I would be more interested in the group buy for when they bring out the 'basic' fmic to go along with the trufit hose kit...

[ModBargains II]

Both AWE and Eurocode are good units, can't go wrong with either.