New APR fmic

[mahunik]

Saw just a few hours ago that APR just released the new fmic for the b8 platform. It's listed at 900 which seems not too steep. Is the fmic worth it? Increased reliability? And what stage ecu would this be recommended for?https://www.goapr.com/products/intercooler_ea888_mqb.html

[AllroadCorbin]

Stage 3 its a must. For stage 1/2 its a good idea to do a larger FMIC...especially if you live in a place like florida. I'm from Boston and on stage 2 and its only really warm 3 months a year so I don't really need one. But it would help you have consistent power when its warmer, not more power since FMIC's dont add HP. they only prevent you from loosing some during repeated pulls and high temps

[Arin@APR]

Is the fmic worth it?

If you want to keep power strong, all the time, then it's worth it.

If you want the best quality intercooler, then it's worth it.

If you want the hands down, easiest install on the market for an intercooler of this size, then it's worth it!

And what stage ecu would this be recommended for?https://www.goapr.com/products/inter...ea888_mqb.html

Heck, I'd recommend it even if you're stock, but most would wait till they are stage 1. The factory intercooler is too tiny and pretty terrible once you start tuning the engine. Our intercooler on the other hand, can take pull after pull after pull without heat soaking. At stage 2 power levels, we picked up 17 AWHP over the factory unit.

[zcspec]

APR is like Apple...they spend a fair amount of time and money on R&D to make beautiful looking and functioning products. If I didn't have my TR8 waiting to be installed, I'd love to try this IC!

[Arin@APR]

My treadstone IC keeps IATs low and the power all of the time. And I can't see how APRs looks much different than AWE or Wagner.

You're free to use whatever you want and you've already chosen the path you want. Kudos to you!

I'll admit, we're a little late to the game on this intercooler, but what that afforded us is the opportunity to make something that's truly top notch. Our goal was to improve upon everything currently available and I can confidently say we achieved that goal. We also had the unique opportunity of simultaneously making a big turbo kit for this platform, pushing power higher than anyone's seen before. In doing so, IAT's grow high. Keeping them in check was only made possible through development of this intercooler system.

We've tested other intercoolers on the market that were smaller and in the lower front part of the grill like the OEM unit. While better than stock, they simple did not match what we were able to achieve with our system. For that reason, we chose the most costly route on our end by using a larger unit with more frontal surface area and a high quality / highly effective bar and plate cooler core with staggered and louvered fins. It's been a winning combination for us and during long street pulls we typically see IAT's drop rather than creep higher and higher as we have with other coolers.

Compared to several other units we've tried, possibly even some mentioned in this thread, fitment simply didn't compare. Our bolts on and goes with no real effort. There's no bending, no trimming, no drilling. It just works as it's specific to this application. We're also using 1 piece cast end tanks that are specific to this application. Others aren't. Lastly, as mentioned before, we're using a large bar and plate intercooler core with staggered and louvered fins. Others are using tube and fin coolers and charging roughly same price for a less effective setup.

All in all, the choice is yours. You're happy, so stay happy. For others looking for the best option today, we have a killer solution.

[mahunik]

My car is currently stock but I was going to upgrade to Stage 1 APR once I get tax return. But would Stage 2 APR software run with a full decat downpipe instead of the APR downpipe?

[AWDLover]

And people are free to pay 3X what is necessary.

I'm sure plenty of people say the same thing about you owning an audi. Why pay more when you could have had a nice AWD subaru....

[blbroo]

I'm sure plenty of people say the same thing about you owning an audi. Why pay more when you could have had a nice AWD subaru....

Well, the Audi actually IS better than a Subaru for more than just the name on the car. The interior is nicer, it's sportier and/or more refined. I drove a few Subarus before buying my Audi. The Sedans were too sloppy and not as nice on the inside as the A4 and a WRX was too immature. Plus, I bought my car used for $28,000 because I don't care to say I have a NEW car.

Not the same thing. If the Subaru did everything the A4 does, and cost 1/3 as much, the analogy would work.

[integroid]

My car is currently stock but I was going to upgrade to Stage 1 APR once I get tax return. But would Stage 2 APR software run with a full decat downpipe instead of the APR downpipe?

Yes

[integroid]

Well, the Audi actually IS better than a Subaru for more than just the name on the car. The interior is nicer, it's sportier and/or more refined. I drove a few Subarus before buying my Audi. The Sedans were too sloppy and not as nice on the inside as the A4 and a WRX was too immature. Plus, I bought my car used for $28,000 because I don't care to say I have a NEW car.

Not the same thing. If the Subaru did everything the A4 does, and cost 1/3 as much, the analogy would work.

You pretty much just agreed with AWDlover. The fit and finish is better on an Audi than it is on a Subaru. Same between your IC vs APR's offering. I mean my Subaru was faster than my Audi, handled better than my Audi, got me to work and back just like my Audi.....but I sold the Subaru to buy the Audi because it looked nicer and everything was more refined. I have gone the treadstone IC route on my Subaru and they make a great product but I know the fit and refinement will be not like the APR IC. You are taking universal parts and making it work for the car. The APR unit is made for the car. Is it worth 3X the amount? I guess that all in the eyes of the person buying it. Just like buying any other name brand vs generic brand....

[Arin@APR]

My car is currently stock but I was going to upgrade to Stage 1 APR once I get tax return. But would Stage 2 APR software run with a full decat downpipe instead of the APR downpipe?

You may want to wait for our offering... It's pretty incredible. Our system will be a full downpipe, that replaces the mid resonator section. Resonators usually aren't very restrictive, but this unit was as it's an offset chamber design that literally turned bright blue after a few dyno pulls from getting so hot. We tune stage 2 without it and I'd suggest you do too.

I hate to tease, but here's 25% of our upcoming downpipe system. Notice the cast inlet? It port matches the turbo and gradually necks down to the 76mm piping. That's just one of many features not seen on any other system.

[blbroo]

You pretty much just agreed with AWDlover. The fit and finish is better on an Audi than it is on a Subaru. Same between your IC vs APR's offering. I mean my Subaru was faster than my Audi, handled better than my Audi, got me to work and back just like my Audi.....but I sold the Subaru to buy the Audi because it looked nicer and everything was more refined. I have gone the treadstone IC route on my Subaru and they make a great product but I know the fit and refinement will be not like the APR IC. You are taking universal parts and making it work for the car. The APR unit is made for the car. Is it worth 3X the amount? I guess that all in the eyes of the person buying it. Just like buying any other name brand vs generic brand....

BUT, you don't see the fit and finish of the IC, nor do you touch it every day. From what you can see, neither option looks better than the other.

[jmeenach]

BUT, you don't see the fit and finish of the IC, nor do you touch it every day. From what you can see, neither option looks better than the other.

But for some people it's peace of mind. A lot of people will pay more to have a complete kit that doesn't include making your own pieces and would prefer paying extra to have a shop install it all. No harm in it if you don't mind paying extra.

[Arin@APR]

I guess at the end of the day we'll have to let the sales data do the talking. If the market only wants to spend $250 on an intercooler, we'll just stop making hardware.

[b6Hate4]

Man I've been waiting 7 years for this to come out! Finally an intercooler solution for our cars.

[wyld]

I guess at the end of the day we'll have to let the sales data do the talking. If the market only wants to spend $250 on an intercooler, we'll just stop making hardware.

I bought a Eurocode FMIC back in 2011. I have enjoyed it. The fit and finish is good and the performance is great. I also paid $1085 when it finally shipped after a $200 deposit to hold my spot and that was part of a group buy.

The market is full of those who will jump at the chance to own APR hardware as soon as it's available as well as others who want it but will need to wait for a sale price. Don't ever stop making hardware.

[lettuce]

[jmeenach]

[Arin@APR]

I bought a Eurocode FMIC back in 2011. I have enjoyed it. The fit and finish is good and the performance is great. I also paid $1085 when it finally shipped after a $200 deposit to hold my spot and that was part of a group buy.

The market is full of those who will jump at the chance to own APR hardware as soon as it's available as well as others who want it but will need to wait for a sale price. Don't ever stop making hardware.

Thanks man. I really hoped our customers like that $899.99 price point with the value we're delivering. Truth be told, I thought we were on the low end with the price point. ;)

[wyld]

Thanks man. I really hoped our customers like that $899.99 price point with the value we're delivering. Truth be told, I thought we were on the low end with the price point. ;)

You're welcome. Now, speaking of people who will buy APR hardware as soon as it's available, where my STGIII at?

[lettuce]

Seriously though I just hope I never get to a point in my life where I'd choose to pay 3x the cost of something to avoid having to use a power drill.

Although come to think of it I do see more middle-aged women driving A4s than men. Someone's gotta lock that market down.

[Arin@APR]

At the end of the day, discussing s $250 intercooler vs ours is comical. Even if we retailed our masterpiece for $300 bucks, taking a loss on every sale, we'd still be here discussing how suckers are buying it and not making their own with a cooler a 3rd the size. So, this discussion is rediculous and impossible to win. Logic doesn't matter. Design advantages don't matter. Data and testing results don't matter either. I guess, to each their own, or rather to each their own with tons of criticism for wanting the best.

Sheesh!

[tenbosch]

Arin - Any idea as to the HP gains for a K04 setup? Also do you know of a way to capture IAT without a Dyno? I'd be curious to see what my IAT is. Would be great is the APR mobile dongle and app provided that...

[Arin@APR]

IAT (intake air temperature) data can be collected via mobile. The sensor is located in the intake manifold, after the intercooler.

I don't have any dyno data prepared at k04 power levels. I chose stage 2 for the website as it was more representative of our largest customer base.

[4ringnut]

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[blbroo]

My IATs run close to ambient and maybe 10f over, and then drop when I give it the beans and WM sprays.


Stay classy.

[lettuce]

At the end of the day, discussing s $250 intercooler vs ours is comical. Even if we retailed our masterpiece for $300 bucks, taking a loss on every sale, we'd still be here discussing how suckers are buying it and not making their own with a cooler a 3rd the size. So, this discussion is rediculous and impossible to win. Logic doesn't matter. Design advantages don't matter. Data and testing results don't matter either. I guess, to each their own, or rather to each their own with tons of criticism for wanting the best.

Sheesh!

What's so comical about it? My $300 Treadstone keeps my IATs about as cool as physically possible. You wanna talk about results, got any time slips from a K04/APR B8 that'll beat the ones I've got from my Frankenturbo/Eurodyne/Treadstone B8? I'll even let you gut your interior and run slicks.

[Arin@APR]

Line em up. My confidence level is at 100%.

Btw, the quickest and fastest A4 in the world uses this intercooler. :)

[b6Hate4]

Shots fired!

[b6Hate4]

Line em up. My confidence level is at 100%.

Btw, the quickest and fastest A4 in the world uses this intercooler. :)

Toss any other half decent intercooler on there and results will be the same lol. Treadstone...Forge...Eurocode..all would work fine.

[smitty2480_09]

Line em up. My confidence level is at 100%.

Btw, the quickest and fastest A4 in the world uses this intercooler. :)

Shots fired haha love it!

Btw, you get what you pay for. We aren't driving 99 civics anymore. We don't just throw Chinese eBay parts on these quality cars, at least I don't. I've learned my lesson. Buy something because it's $100 cheaper but the fit isn't perfect or the weld is half ass. I'll pay extra every single time to know 100% it's quality.


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[b6Hate4]

Shots fired haha love it!

Btw, you get what you pay for. We aren't driving 99 civics anymore. We don't just throw Chinese eBay parts on these quality cars, at least I don't. I've learned my lesson. Buy something because it's $100 cheaper but the fit isn't perfect or the weld is half ass. I'll pay extra every single time to know 100% it's quality.


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Read our signitures home boy. None of us rock ebay parts.


Sent from toilet stall #4

[Arin@APR]

Toss any other half decent intercooler on there and results will be the same lol. Treadstone...Forge...Eurocode..all would work fine.

We've tested several others. The results necessitated the creation and release of this system. :)

[Arin@APR]

One interesting bit most probably don't know is that we test every single Intercooler before it leaves APR. It's shocking, but even high quality cores and good looking welds, with beautiful end tanks, leak. When we spot them, they are either fixed (if possible) or rejected.

I'm sure everyone else is testing too.

[2010b8a4apr2]

got to admit, $900 is cheap for this car. anyone can do a custom setup for this car way cheaper, but its not designed for this setup like APR did. This intercooler is setup specifically for this platform and stage 3 and beyond. Im sure spending more is well worth it. I bought eurocode a long time ago, while im very pleased with it and its tubing, it was also more expensive but includes metal tubing not silicone hoses. I don't plan on buying APR since it would be pointless compared to eurocodes, but for anyone who doesn't have an intercooler, this is a great deal. they obviously have countless hours behind this and have plenty of data, compared to a $250 intercooler for this car.

Good Job APR, now come out with Stage 3 PLEASE

[b6Hate4]

We've tested several others. The results necessitated the creation and release of this system. :)

Something smells fishy about this statement. Untill you produce a graph of APR vs. competetor IAT I'll assume you didnt test a large treadstone unit. Those things cool MASSIVE turbo setups with ease, and would not nessesitste APR engineering their own solution due to it not being up to par.

I'll hold my breath on the graph.

[lettuce]

Something smells fishy about this statement. Untill you produce a graph of APR vs. competetor IAT I'll assume you didnt test a large treadstone unit. Those things cool MASSIVE turbo setups with ease, and would not nessesitste APR engineering their own solution due to it not being up to par.

I'll hold my breath on the graph.

No way man, there are literally zero other intercoolers on the market which have the ability to cool a 400hp turbo setup. That shit is way beyond the realm of what has been possible up till now. This has been the one thing holding all of our turbo cars back from breaking that elusive 12.6 barrier that has plagued us all for generations upon generations.

I am so thankful for APR for not only finally breaking through this seemingly-impenetrable barrier with their groundbreaking feats of engineering, but also for generously making it available for the low, low price of only 4 and a half 500HP-rated Treadstone intercoolers. Oh APR, what would we do without you.

[2010b8a4apr2]

No way man, there are literally zero other intercoolers on the market which have the ability to cool a 400hp turbo setup. That shit is way beyond the realm of what has been possible up till now. This has been the one thing holding all of our turbo cars back from breaking that elusive 12.6 barrier that has plagued us all for generations upon generations.

I am so thankful for APR for not only finally breaking through this seemingly-impenetrable barrier with their groundbreaking feats of engineering, but also for generously making it available for the low, low price of only 4 and a half 500HP-rated Treadstone intercoolers. Oh APR, what would we do without you.

I would def trust ecodes for 400 hp, but I agree theres not much else on the market. thought aprs intercooler looks exactly like awe tunings, but slightly better.

[Arin@APR]

The shape is similar, due to the location, but if you compare them side by side, install both, and go over the specs and dimensions, you'll see they are very different. :)

[Lambda13]

My tr11 is the same size as eurocodes. Looks the same and cools exactly the same. For those that aren't familiar, Treadstone specializes in intercoolers and has been around for awhile. I'm not knocking APR at all. It looks awesome and I'm sure it does a great job cooling the air. I'll also go so far as to say the price is competitive for other application specific FMIC setups.

With that being said an FMIC is not an application specific part. Any intercooler can be made to work in any application (depending on being able to actually fit it behind the bumper, even then modification can make it work). So it comes down to personal preference and willingness to turn a wrench or break out a drill. I personally am not made of money so I went with what fit my needs best. If money were no object then I'd buy this this second.

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