Background:
The ARM Motorsports FMIC (Front Mount Intercooler) is the third FMIC to be installed in a focused FMIC comparison test. The purpose of the testing is to collect data to compare with other FMIC options, and also the stock GTI IC.
Test Procedure:
The details of the FMIC test are contained on the test comparison page.
Test Results:
The first chart is an overview of the data collection session.
The next chart shows the trend of the delta IAT over the series of pulls.
Delta IAT is the difference between the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) and the Ambient/Outside Air Temperature (OAT) at an engine speed of 6,000 RPM while operating at full boost.
The ARM Motorsports FMIC will be compared with the stock GTI IC, AMS/Neuspeed Bicooler, CTS FMIC, and ECS Tuning FMIC in the following charts.
This chart shows the average of the delta IAT throughout the series of pulls.
This chart shows individual data points making up the delta IAT at 6k RPM for all of the intercoolers.
This chart shows the delta IAT at 6k RPM in a histogram format.
The next chart shows the IAT of the first and last pulls of the ARM Motorsports FMIC collection session, there is no comparison with the other intercoolers on this chart.
This chart shows the average IAT across the pulls.
Next is the average temperature exiting the turbocharger throughout the pulls.
Next is the average intercooler cooling efficiency throughout the pulls.
This chart shows the average pressure drop between the turbocharger compressor outlet and the intake manifold.
The trend of acceleration times using the ARM Motorsports front-mounted intercooler is shown next.
The trend of peak Wheel Horsepower is shown next:
Conclusions:
The ARM Motorsports FMIC for the Mk7 GTI was installed on an IS20-equipped GTI and operated on the street to collect engine and vehicle data.
In general, the performance of the ARM Motorsports FMIC fell between the the stock GTI IC and the AMS/NS bicooler.
Compared to the ECS Tuning FMIC and CTS Turbo FMIC the ARM FMIC showed slightly better cooling efficiency and pressure drop that falls between the other two FMICs.