MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: bluo on August 11, 2014, 03:40:02 pm

Title: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 11, 2014, 03:40:02 pm
I've got a mk5 gti k03 going k04 among other upgrades and need some help with the intercooler.

I have been looking at the THS and S3 fmic and can't make up my mind which one to go with even after searching forums and reading reviews.

Anybody got any first hand experience with either or both who could give me some good advice on which one to go with?

THS volume: 14.43L
S3 Volume: 10.13L
GTi Volume: 8.63L

Appreciate your help guys!
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: MC71 on August 11, 2014, 06:19:59 pm
THS gets my vote.

Out of the 2 you mention the THS is better AFAIK but if cost comes into the consideration then you may find the S3 a very close second. Add a Tintercooler to that S3 in the future and your cooking (or cooling).

Se what I did there!  :grin:

Even during these nice hot summer days I've noticed NO drop off in power/performance no matter the amount i press on over a sustained period of time.


Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: vRSAlex on August 11, 2014, 07:32:50 pm
http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,87051.0.html  :happy2:
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 11, 2014, 09:21:21 pm
http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,87051.0.html  :happy2:

mmm... Got my eye on this one, thanks for giving me something else to consider! I'd be interested to know how it performs.
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 11, 2014, 09:22:42 pm
THS gets my vote.

Out of the 2 you mention the THS is better AFAIK but if cost comes into the consideration then you may find the S3 a very close second. Add a Tintercooler to that S3 in the future and your cooking (or cooling).

Se what I did there!  :grin:

Even during these nice hot summer days I've noticed NO drop off in power/performance no matter the amount i press on over a sustained period of time.

Lol, I see... I don't fancy the piggy back and price is not really a factor at this point, I just want the right solution first time round.
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: flashp on August 11, 2014, 09:51:32 pm
It's easy to be seduced by beautifully made parts, but find someone who can advise on issues such as volumetric efficiency 'vs' boost pressure and thermal performance. Consider your anticipated level of tune in the future also.
I don't believe biggest is always best in this case.
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 11, 2014, 09:54:47 pm
It's easy to seduced by beautifully made parts, but find someone who can advise on issues such as volumetric efficiency 'vs' boost pressure and thermal performance. Consider your anticipated level of tune in the future also.
I don't believe biggest is always best in this case.

I'm certainly looking at future proofing my mod so this type of advice is what I'm really after... I don't think I'll go bigger than a K04 but will definitely look at getting the most out of the car from there. Rods and pistons at a later date but that's where I'm heading.
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: flashp on August 11, 2014, 10:09:00 pm
It's easy to seduced by beautifully made parts, but find someone who can advise on issues such as volumetric efficiency 'vs' boost pressure and thermal performance. Consider your anticipated level of tune in the future also.
I don't believe biggest is always best in this case.

I'm certainly looking at future proofing my mod so this type of advice is what I'm really after... I don't think I'll go bigger than a K04 but will definitely look at getting the most out of the car from there. Rods and pistons at a later date but that's where I'm heading.
I have an S3 cooler at stage 2+ (330hp) and I've taken part in numerous track days and had no issues, one of those sessions lasted 30 minutes and I experienced no issues. I'm not qualified to tell you what to buy but I can tell you what I've experienced.  :drinking: And it was a reasonable £250 fitted.
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 11, 2014, 10:18:18 pm
It's easy to seduced by beautifully made parts, but find someone who can advise on issues such as volumetric efficiency 'vs' boost pressure and thermal performance. Consider your anticipated level of tune in the future also.
I don't believe biggest is always best in this case.

I'm certainly looking at future proofing my mod so this type of advice is what I'm really after... I don't think I'll go bigger than a K04 but will definitely look at getting the most out of the car from there. Rods and pistons at a later date but that's where I'm heading.
I have an S3 cooler at stage 2+ (330hp) and I've taken part in numerous track days and had no issues, one of those sessions lasted 30 minutes and I experienced no issues. I'm not qualified to tell you what to buy but I can tell you what I've experienced.  :drinking: And it was a reasonable £250 fitted.

I was going with the S3 cooler until my research lead me to the THS one and it left me a little unsure...
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: 56OctyVRS on August 11, 2014, 10:39:50 pm
Don't forget Airtec as there are some big power Focus RS using these with no issues.
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: berg on August 12, 2014, 05:12:11 pm
the s3 cooler is meant to be good for 500bhp. THS is a superior cooler though. Peron may be better again.

They all do their job so does depend on budget and pesoanl preference
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 12, 2014, 06:05:24 pm
the s3 cooler is meant to be good for 500bhp. THS is a superior cooler though. Peron may be better again.

They all do their job so does depend on budget and pesoanl preference

What cooler you running berg?
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: Hurdy on August 12, 2014, 06:55:01 pm
I have a Eurojet and am currently running around 500bhp. No issues at all on mine, but I run WMI too.

 :smiley:
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: berg on August 12, 2014, 10:24:54 pm
the s3 cooler is meant to be good for 500bhp. THS is a superior cooler though. Peron may be better again.

They all do their job so does depend on budget and pesoanl preference

What cooler you running berg?


S3 with twintercooler. Would just the THS be better? Possibly but I imagine any differences won't be felt behind the wheel. I get confused with airtec and eurojet they both different I take it
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 12, 2014, 11:56:35 pm
I have a Eurojet and am currently running around 500bhp. No issues at all on mine, but I run WMI too.

 :smiley:
the s3 cooler is meant to be good for 500bhp. THS is a superior cooler though. Peron may be better again.

They all do their job so does depend on budget and pesoanl preference

What cooler you running berg?


S3 with twintercooler. Would just the THS be better? Possibly but I imagine any differences won't be felt behind the wheel. I get confused with airtec and eurojet they both different I take it

I'm really stuck for a decision!!! Someone make my mind up for me please...

I started with S3 & THS now I've got about 5 to consider now, is there any was to future proof my decision or are they all much of a muchness?
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: berg on August 13, 2014, 09:09:24 am
If your going to go beyond Stg 2+ then I would speak to Alex and see whether he thinks the THS will suffice or whether giving this Peron(i) is worth a shot.
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 13, 2014, 03:10:25 pm
If your going to go beyond Stg 2+ then I would speak to Alex and see whether he thinks the THS will suffice or whether giving this Peron(i) is worth a shot.

Def going beyond stage 2+!!! I'll PM Alex
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: 56OctyVRS on August 14, 2014, 10:12:33 am
Id change the car if going beyond stage 2+. I looked at the cost involved for the setup and I could get an Evo 8 with more power as std for less money, including the sale of my car. I only mildly tune cars now and if I want a faster car.  I buy them already fast, as it works out cheaper in the long run.
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 14, 2014, 05:07:31 pm
Id change the car if going beyond stage 2+. I looked at the cost involved for the setup and I could get an Evo 8 with more power as std for less money, including the sale of my car. I only mildly tune cars now and if I want a faster car.  I buy them already fast, as it works out cheaper in the long run.

Yeah I hear you but not as much fun...
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 17, 2014, 10:28:15 pm
I have a Eurojet and am currently running around 500bhp. No issues at all on mine, but I run WMI too.

 :smiley:

Hurdy would you recommend the Eurojet over THS for the mk5?
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: edition30jmr on August 18, 2014, 06:11:10 pm
I've just brought a THS seems like a great bit of kit, good enough for me! Got it for a steal at just over £400 too brand new!
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 18, 2014, 08:20:52 pm
I've just brought a THS seems like a great bit of kit, good enough for me! Got it for a steal at just over £400 too brand new!

Where from bud?
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: wardy1311 on August 18, 2014, 08:50:03 pm
Have you considered a Wagner intercooler?
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 18, 2014, 09:12:11 pm
Have you considered a Wagner intercooler?
No I haven't, I'll go look it up now... What's your experience with them?
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 19, 2014, 08:16:22 am
Decision made.... THS
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: audiman on August 19, 2014, 08:30:13 am
If you want direct fit, then it doesn't get much better than the Wagner or THS cooler. Infact the THS is possibly THE best direct fit. However if you are handy with tools etc. how about fitting an upgraded TTRS in front with a modified x member?
It will require some bumper cuts etc and custom pipe work but would work the best being a true FMIC. I went for the THS cooler as I wanted OEM looking car. But it is a slight compromise if your are trying to get the maximum cooling effect (if you retain the AC)
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: wardy1311 on August 21, 2014, 08:50:49 pm
Have you considered a Wagner intercooler?
No I haven't, I'll go look it up now... What's your experience with them?
They are the number one selling intercooler at my place of work. They look very OEM and fit fantastic, providing 50% more volume than the original one. Wouldn't recommend anything else bud
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: bluo on August 22, 2014, 08:34:08 am
Have you considered a Wagner intercooler?
No I haven't, I'll go look it up now... What's your experience with them?
They are the number one selling intercooler at my place of work. They look very OEM and fit fantastic, providing 50% more volume than the original one. Wouldn't recommend anything else bud

Already pulled the plug on the THS one, I got a really good deal, 400 notes new.
Title: Re: FMIC - help with decision please
Post by: rich83 on August 22, 2014, 08:49:28 am
Have you considered a Wagner intercooler?
No I haven't, I'll go look it up now... What's your experience with them?
They are the number one selling intercooler at my place of work. They look very OEM and fit fantastic, providing 50% more volume than the original one. Wouldn't recommend anything else bud

They seem incredibly expensive.