Braineack

iTrader: (62)

He built my DP for me when I was in a bind.

jayc72

iTrader: (14)

I don't know how much the metal pipes will cool the charge when there is very little airflow over them and a high ambient temperature in the engine bay. I think any difference either way would be very difficult to measure.

Ike

I have seen some compelling data and the heat transfer capacity of the metal pipes is quite suprising. True there is some heat from the engine, but not as much as you would think (because of air flow). If I had to use one of these silicone tubes, I would only use one on the intake manifold side of the intercooler. That way the air would be insulated from post-intercooler, engine heat.

jayc72

iTrader: (14)

Care to share the data and the source?

Ike

You have a PM

bripab007

Bummer. Is that all of Texas?

timk

No one has mentioned the GT3071R option yet, I'm suprised! Wonder how much power that thing makes and how much lag goes with it?

fmowry

iTrader: (8)

It's a moot point if you have a good intercooler. Now if the test is done with one of the smallish ICs Bell previously used, then it might make a difference.

I could bring up the smoother flow of the silicone vs the turbulence of the hard pipes/junctions, but in the grand scheme of making power, I think neither of these make a **** of a difference.

Frank

bripab007

I think they might make a **** of difference, but neither is enough to show a clear advantage/difference when comparing these two kits (BEGi and FM).

fmowry

iTrader: (8)

I did mean a **** of difference on these two setups. IMHO, between the two kits, the better one is the one with the better tuner.

Frank

bripab007

True that.

I think one big difference is the Hydra ECU that FM tunes/sells. It's a pretty effing powerful ECU...one on which I would be more comfortable spending upwards of $1G, in contrast to the Xede.

y8s

iTrader: (8)

I should mention here that saying "BEGi's is better because Corky Bell says it is" is not really convicing compared to, say, an independent third party's evaluation of both setups.

Whoever wants to can: take an FM intercooler with the rubber piping and make an identical steel compressor outlet. Throw the car on the dyno and measure intercooler outlet temps in both cases.

I mean it probably is releasing heat but then the IC is less efficient (efficiency is proportional to temperature drop ratio).

Ike

I call bullshit, unless you are shipping your car to FM to have the work done. Having a proficent tuner is great, if they can tune every car that has their kit. (Otherwise one base map is as good as another - think ballpark tune).

I'm not saying that FM's kit on a whole is better or worse, but hard parts to hard parts I'll take BEGi. Personally, I don't think I'm going to use either the Xede or Hydra, as my car is a 92 and has fewer emission restrictions. If I still had my 2000 I would choose the Xede (having OBDII compatibility is important to me). And I certainly wouldn't just slap it in there and call it a day...I would have it tuned on a dyno.

brgracer

iTrader: (14)

More competition = better prices/more innovation/more testing/etc... = GOOD. Nuff' said.

I like Pepsi, you like Coke....

Kelly

iTrader: (6)

I am sure the 3071 spools just fine. That the turbo to go with if you want over 300 whp. Having a full 3" downpipe and exhaust behind it will help alot though as will having a properly dialed in EBC.

AbeFM

iTrader: (3)

I'd probably take Corky's judgement over FM's if they both rated two 3rd party vendors - obviously everyone will like their own stuff better. Both companies would rather see you spend your money with them - but in truth, both of them will help you with the other guy's products.

I've had some helpful advice from Corky, and TONS from both Bill and Keith. So much so that there's thousands I haven't spent with FM on account of it. They've eaten the cost on stuff when it was as much my fault as theirs (like when they sent me +1mm rings, but like a buttmonkey I didn't measure them and forced them into my block, destroying them). In short, I'd say the biggest problem with FM is their prices - and that's from a customer's point of view - from a neutral point of view they are doing just fine.

I'd love to see testing with the silicone hoses - they are NOT cheap to make, and perhaps the heat retention is offset by the smoother flow. Anything is better than the IC set up from their old kit.

We'll see if Corky helps me out with a EO plate. Apparently he and Bill don't agree on if my car is legal. :-)

Stephanie Turner

I know of several instances in which FM has refused to help a customer with any part we sell or support on it.

I have a copy of the EO papers, and I believe they could be looked up online too. If you'd like to send me a photo of your car, I would happy to be the 3rd interpretation.
Stephanie

cueball1

iTrader: (13)

Tsk Tsk Stephanie! Leave the FM bashing to us the consumers. Don't stoop to our level. Your company is well loved, respected and appreciated on this forum.

Stephanie Turner

I was not FM bashing, I promise! I apologize if it sounded like I meant something else. That was not the message I was trying to convey. On the flip side, I have referred a person w/ a link to someone else who would do a much better job at tuning than I.
Stephanie

magnamx-5

iTrader: (7)

no cueball is wrong you might have a vested interest in the debate but, you and the rest of begi have a ton more experience in dealing with FM. So i apreciate your opinion Stephanie. That is the whole point of us comming here to voice our opinions, and help others find the best solution. 35