[s-cars] RE: FMIC - was Clamps for Samco hoses (yep, again :) )

[David Mackintosh]

I had written up some comments on AW, but here are some more:

I have the MRC Stage 2 chip on my otherwise stock engine/drivetrain (brakes
and suspension are modded).  I only can buy 92 octane here in Oregon and I
could feel the timing pulling back, especially around 4-5k rpm, leading to
non-linear throttle response and loss of power.  Mihnea had offered to send
another chip for our craptacular fuel, but I decided to hold off, and
thought the FMIC might help.

The install took me a total of about 7-8 hours (spread out over three
evenings), including trimming and re-fitting the oil cooler duct and bumper
skin (no mods to the bumper beam).  The kit is 100% complete, and everything
fit well, but is quite snug.  I never would have had time and patience to
prototype the piping myself.  If there's any front end damage of your car,
fuhgetaboutit.  

I was hoping for at least a small improvement, but was very pleasantly
surprised by how much difference it made.  With the same fuel, it pulls
through the rev band much smoother, and noticeably harder from 4-5k (I
seldom rev past about 5,500 since stock turbo peters out).  Also, I believe
I got about a 200 rpm drop in boost threshold (I've seen 20 psi at 2,600
rpm, and up to 25-26 psi max around 3,200 rpm at 3,700 feet altitude).
Overall, I'm very happy with it.  I would guess that the stock IC is even
less adequate with an RS2 or other big turbo, so it would be an even better
upgrade for those cars. 

I haven't measured pressure drop, but I suspect it's less than stock, based
on the size and configuration of the core and piping.  I also haven't
measured the temps, but the outlet end tank never seems to warm up to the
touch.  

David Mackintosh
mackintosh at gorge.net
541-400-6300 (cell)

-----Original Message-----
From: Igor Kessel [mailto:KBATPO at comcast.net] 
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2005 2:08 PM
To: David Mackintosh
Cc: s-car-list at audifans.com
Subject: FMIC - was Clamps for Samco hoses (yep, again :) )

David,
can you tell us your opinion of this particular FMIC at least in broad 
strokes? Do you see any pressure drop from inlet to the outlet?
-- 
Igor Kessel
two turbo quattros