Intercooler and Downpipe?

[SomeAircraftMech]

The time is near for upgrading these so I'm stuck and was looking for opinions. First, the intercooler, the few that i have moved into final consideration are the ECS FMIC w/ charge pipes, CTS FMIC, APR, and IE, I'm NOT considering a twintercooler.. I'm sure you all have recommendations so i'd like to hear the pros and cons from those using any of these ( I am stationed in New Orleans, Louisiana so it HOT AF in the summer) looking to go stage 2+ shortly and want my ducks in a row especially the cooling. Second, the downpipes i'm considering are Catted APR, IE, CTS, and MAYBE COBB or UNITRONIC. Opinions or facts as far as fitment, power gain, problems, and product quality would be much appreciated. The car scene down here is pretty much non-existent unless you drive a charger or challenger so the forum and Youtube is my only reference haha.

 

[ZuMBLe]

If it's hot AF, a front mount is going to be best. The fitment of the IE and APR are excellent if you go with factory location. I have the IE DP and the quality and fitment are excellent.

 

[Diggs24]

ECS FMIC w/ charge pipes NO
CTS FMIC NO
APR YES
IE YES

Add Unitronic to your list. Good and cheaper than IE or APR.

DP? Jake's or IE. Jake's can come with a good resonated midpipe, which you'll want.

 

[ZuMBLe]

ECS FMIC w/ charge pipes NO
CTS FMIC NO
APR YES
IE YES

Add Unitronic to your list. Good and cheaper than IE or APR.

DP? Jake's or IE. Jake's can come with a good resonated midpipe, which you'll want.

Are there no good FMIC solutions for this platform?

 

[Diggs24]

Jakes
ebay one looks decent
If you want to give CTS your money go for it. I won't.

 

[mk7_bk]

lol I used jakes FMIC its one of the best out there. my logs show it keeps car within 4-6 of ambient temp, it also comes with metal pipes, none of the plastic crap. It looks cool and its easier to install then stock location and its less $ then most of the top name brands. Yes it has less core cubic inches, any fmic will have less cubic in then stock location as they are bigger but it still works wonders compared to stock and its better than most out there.

 

[ZuMBLe]

Sounds like jakes FMIC and DP are the way to go then. Thread closed.

 

[ChrisMk77]

lol I used jakes FMIC its one of the best out there. my logs show it keeps car within 4-6 of ambient temp, it also comes with metal pipes, none of the plastic crap. It looks cool and its easier to install then stock location and its less $ then most of the top name brands. Yes it has less core cubic inches, any fmic will have less cubic in then stock location as they are bigger but it still works wonders compared to stock and its better than most out there.

Just linking to Jake(trusted forum member and good fabricator) since OP is a new member and might not know of him and that he is not allowed to advertise.

https://www.facebook.com/gtijake/

 

[Diggs24]

-FMIC kit Gti $725
-V2 GTI Catted 3” Downpipe $825 (300 cell non EPA GESI cat)
-Vibrant adjustable J style o2 spacer $36
-OEM fitment resonated midpipe $310

There, that's all you need. Just spent $2k for you. You're welcome.

 

[mk7_bk]

I do suggest all of jakes stuff but if you dont have a lot of money there are cheaper options, ebay intercooler direct fit is good, you just need to alter it a bit
I have a cts dp and it works fine (I didn't install)
I deleted my midpipe so yeah.
I think everyone has the o2 spacer as its needed for the downstream o2 sensor to prevent CEL

 

[mk7_bk]

it all comes down to this little thing called money good luck

 

[FROSTYmk7.5]

Jakes
ebay one looks decent
If you want to give CTS your money go for it. I won't.

every single CTS part I've ordered has seemed to fit just a bit off. I will no longer waste money on their products.

 

[mk7_bk]

honestly CTS has been fine for me, CAI, turbo elbow, outlet, muff delete. fitment was all fine. I say CTS > IE . no need to spend 100$ on a turbo elbow from IE

 

[DSC808]

every single CTS part I've ordered has seemed to fit just a bit off. I will no longer waste money on their products.

It's called character ?

 

[PowerDemon]

I’ve enjoyed my Baun Performance FMIC. It keeps temperatures nice and cool and the craftsmanship is excellent. Plus he’s a great guy to deal with.