[Jazima]

Hello all,

I am stuck between the Active Autowerke intercooler and the VRSF 5" high density steeped core. I was trying to gauge peoples opinions on my dilemma.

Some of my variables:
-I am almost FBO just missing the intercooler
-Running increased boost
-catless dp
-dont want to do any cutting or take the brake air ducts out
-want a easy swap
-I've found logs for the AA but cant find any for the VRSF

Dimensions of each intercooler
Active Autowerke
20"x 8.5"x 5.5"
19 pounds

VRSF 5" HD stepped core
21" x 8.5" x 5"
22 pounds

I really like the fact that Active is made in the US and has a reputation for quality but I am looking for the best all around one (performance and quality) since I don't want to purchase a intercooler again after this one. Please help me out

[anotheran]

Have you considered:

Wagner Evo II Competition Intercooler
http://www.wagner-tuning.com/product...001071-11.html

Would be my choice. I had gone with ER as I worried about fitment with the ER CP

[bmwchue]

If your not gonna purchase another one i say go all out and get the er because its on sale

[alohasurftoad]

between your choices i say active autowerke.

if you don't mind spending more i say wagner evo1 competition. tube-fin and lighter than the rest at slightly under 15lbs

[Jazima]

I like the ER especially since I have the ER charge pipe but im trying to spend below $500 so with current discounts AA and VRSF look like the best. If i spend above $500 I've been eyeing the CSF but im quite set on spending below $500.

Originally Posted by bmwchue

If your not gonna purchase another one i say go all out and get the er because its on sale

[Seba77W]

Originally Posted by Jazima

I like the ER especially since I have the ER charge pipe but im trying to spend below $500 so with current discounts AA and VRSF look like the best. If i spend above $500 I've been eyeing the CSF but im quite set on spending below $500.

I also went with ER, but I got a great bundle deal from Mike at Xph along with charge pipe, Fabspeed cat and JB4. To be honest I was considering the Active Autowerke if I didn't go with the ER. Good luck.

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by Jazima

I like the ER especially since I have the ER charge pipe but im trying to spend below $500 so with current discounts AA and VRSF look like the best. If i spend above $500 I've been eyeing the CSF but im quite set on spending below $500.

below $500 they're basically all the same, wagner knock-offs, made in china(or taiwan if you're lucky). vrsf, AA, cts turbo, phoenix racing, rev9, etc...their cores could vary but it's basically all the same.

i'm not impressed with the 30lb weight of csf. if you spend over $500, wagner evo1 comp(for it's weight) or maybe ambient thermal management.

to me an intercooler is about efficiency and maintaining the power you have by combating heat and heatsoak. you also need to have an appropriately sized one based on your modifications. bigger is not always better, i.e. if the intercooler is gigantic and you are not pushing enough air through it.

i'm sure there is some difference if you choose to spend more especially if you track. personally i doubt that i would "feel" a difference between a $800 and a $400 on a daily driving basis. i have a cts turbo fmic and ftp charge pipes and i don't even feel a difference between it and stock, tbh, haha. the total i spent for my fmic and pipes is what one might spend for a good/expensive intercooler

[JaredG_F30]

I have the same FMIC and CP as you do. Even though you may not notice a difference from stock, my logs show that my IATs are about 20 degrees over ambient which is MUCH better than stock.

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

below $500 they're basically all the same, wagner knock-offs, made in china(or taiwan if you're lucky). vrsf, AA, cts turbo, phoenix racing, rev9, etc...their cores could vary but it's basically all the same.

i'm not impressed with the 30lb weight of csf. if you spend over $500, wagner evo1 comp(for it's weight) or maybe ambient thermal management.

to me an intercooler is about efficiency and maintaining the power you have by combating heat and heatsoak. you also need to have an appropriately sized one based on your modifications. bigger is not always better, i.e. if the intercooler is gigantic and you are not pushing enough air through it.

i'm sure there is some difference if you choose to spend more especially if you track. personally i doubt that i would "feel" a difference between a $800 and a $400 on a daily driving basis. i have a cts turbo fmic and ftp charge pipes and i don't even feel a difference between it and stock, tbh, haha. the total i spent for my fmic and pipes is what one might spend for a good/expensive intercooler

[alohasurftoad]

Originally Posted by JaredG_F30

I have the same FMIC and CP as you do. Even though you may not notice a difference from stock, my logs show that my IATs are about 20 degrees over ambient which is MUCH better than stock.

i feel better knowing there's an improvement although i cannot necessarily "feel" it. thx, for the info.

[Kailec]

Has anyone got any data for the AA one? Debating that one and spending another $200 for the ER one.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Thing you should be trying to find out is how efficient is the core. The core is the heart of the unit & does the work. Was a study done years back on the then current models & the results were all over the place.

That kind of test would need to be done to determine which combo of size & core efficiency are the best of the current units. Lacking that you are just relying on vendor claims.

[yoon_209]

I have the stepped VRSF IC and it works fine and fitment was on par. It worth it for the cheaper price.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Hello OP,
Both good options, VRSF HD will probably outperform the AA with your mods

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by anotheran

Have you considered:

Wagner Evo II Competition Intercooler
http://www.wagner-tuning.com/product...001071-11.html


Would be my choice. I had gone with ER as I worried about fitment with the ER CP

Wagner is top notch

Originally Posted by Seba77W

I also went with ER, but I got a great bundle deal from Mike at Xph along with charge pipe, Fabspeed cat and JB4. To be honest I was considering the Active Autowerke if I didn't go with the ER. Good luck.