M2 vs PFS Intercooler
08-14-14, 01:26 AM
#2
I guess it depends on which type are you looking at. Both pfs and M2 had med and large ic's.
I used to have a pfs med and if iirc the m2 med was actually larger.Now I am going by memory here but I am under the impression that both large versions of their ic's are very close in size if not identical.
Edit- no matter what you end up getting, just make sure you get a duct.
I used to have a pfs med and if iirc the m2 med was actually larger.Now I am going by memory here but I am under the impression that both large versions of their ic's are very close in size if not identical.
Edit- no matter what you end up getting, just make sure you get a duct.
Last edited by Montego; 08-14-14 at 01:29 AM.
08-14-14, 07:27 AM
#4
If you get the full intake and intercooler set up I think the PFS set has the advantage because the way the intake is integrated into the fresh air duct. The M2 air box is just a box like the crooked willow one with no fresh air inlet.
I think the actual intercoolers themselves are about the same. I've owned both.
I think the actual intercoolers themselves are about the same. I've owned both.
08-14-14, 07:56 AM
#5
If you get BOTH the SMIC/duct with and intake, I think the M2 (IMO) actually has an edge as it's intake sources it's air from the nose and doesn't scavenge from the duct. However, it's very easy to modify the PFS intake box to do the same thing.
The only other thing that I noticed with my PFS medium is that it's locating bracket for the AST fits fine with an OEM AST, but was a little awkward for my round aftermarket version. I ended up deleting the AST with a S5 filler neck and NPT plug some years ago. No regrets.
The only other thing that I noticed with my PFS medium is that it's locating bracket for the AST fits fine with an OEM AST, but was a little awkward for my round aftermarket version. I ended up deleting the AST with a S5 filler neck and NPT plug some years ago. No regrets.
08-14-14, 08:35 AM
#6
All out Track Freak!
iTrader: (263)
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Charlottesville VA 22901
Posts: 10,672
Received 412 Likes
on
250 Posts
M2 medium is an EASY WIN especially if you use the m2 cold air box with it.
Approx 25% more surface area and possibly a better core.
I've used both back to back on the exact same car and it's not a close race.
Approx 25% more surface area and possibly a better core.
I've used both back to back on the exact same car and it's not a close race.
08-14-14, 11:14 AM
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I guess it's just whichever one comes up first then. For my particular situation the intake I have is one I made for my single turbo set up. I guess the question is now is weather someone would be willing to trade me for my greddy SMIC.
Trending Topics
08-14-14, 04:11 PM
#8
Original Gangster/Rotary!
iTrader: (213)
^^I disagree with this, the M2 beats the PFS setup hand down in my experience. Basically what Fritz said. The PFS is a smaller core and once it heats soaks that's about all she wrote. The PFS setup is superior to something like a Greddy SMIC. Not the worst thing out there, but the M2 can't be beat when it comes to SMIC in my opinion 
08-15-14, 05:25 PM
#9
It was actually proven that under boost the PFS integrated intake (that connects to the IC duct) scavenges air from the IC and can actually pull hot air back through.
When I used it, I blocked that off at some point and used an M2 style intake that draws from next to the radiator.
As said above it's a good set up, better than some, not the best. It's just an older design.
When I used it, I blocked that off at some point and used an M2 style intake that draws from next to the radiator.
As said above it's a good set up, better than some, not the best. It's just an older design.
08-16-14, 06:32 AM
#11
Constant threat
We're talking MEDIUM "stock mount" intercoolers here, right? Because I've had this same question before when these I/Cs come up for sale from time to time, as I am still running the stock I/C and would like to go to a medium but STOCK MOUNT unit.
Just going thru the posts above, it appears the M2 is favored.
Just going thru the posts above, it appears the M2 is favored.
08-16-14, 10:31 AM
#12
All out Track Freak!
iTrader: (263)
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Charlottesville VA 22901
Posts: 10,672
Received 412 Likes
on
250 Posts
We're talking MEDIUM "stock mount" intercoolers here, right? Because I've had this same question before when these I/Cs come up for sale from time to time, as I am still running the stock I/C and would like to go to a medium but STOCK MOUNT unit.
Just going thru the posts above, it appears the M2 is favored.
Just going thru the posts above, it appears the M2 is favored.
Price, it's usually 700 plus then add 300 or more for a good intake VS PFS typically 600 to 700
PFS you can use the efini Y pipe and stock elbow while the m2 requires the greddy elbow so add another 100
M2 is a PIA to fit properly and PFS drops right in
However the M2 is worth the hassle and the money but the PFS isn't a bad compromise for a street FD and it's a helluva lot better than the stock smic
I wouldn't bother with the little greddy but the pettit smic is equal to the PFS and their intake system although a bit minimalistic is functional. I actually have a pettit smic for 550 shipped if anyone is interested and will include a pettit intake with it for 125
08-20-14, 11:59 AM
#14
We're talking MEDIUM "stock mount" intercoolers here, right? Because I've had this same question before when these I/Cs come up for sale from time to time, as I am still running the stock I/C and would like to go to a medium but STOCK MOUNT unit.
Just going thru the posts above, it appears the M2 is favored.
Just going thru the posts above, it appears the M2 is favored.
08-20-14, 05:33 PM
#15
The PFS has it's short-comings...I have one and even I admit it. But some, like the intake, is easily fixed. And IMO it's a decent value. It has a VERY sturdy duct, it fits well and is easy to remove. I don't remember the size now, but it was WAY bigger than OEM and looked to be a little larger than Greddy and some others. No data, but intuitively, from the shape of the end-tanks and shape of the cast inlet/outlet pipes, I think it flows well too. I wanted a M2 when I went looking, but damn...they were pricey....at least back then. I remember getting my well cared for PFS med, with intake and duct for way less than one guy was asking (and got) just for his beat-up M2 and beat-up duct. And I still would have needed an intake.
If I were contemplating going single or pushing higher than stock boost I'd probably go looking for another IC. But my IATs are decent and for my purposes the PFS has performed well.
If I were contemplating going single or pushing higher than stock boost I'd probably go looking for another IC. But my IATs are decent and for my purposes the PFS has performed well.
08-20-14, 07:16 PM
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I am single turbo'ed and I'm looking for suggestions for a IC. I still have my battery in my engine bay. From what I understand it should stay there if I want to keep the cornering capabilities. Figured the M2 and the PFS were a nice fit.
08-20-14, 09:26 PM
#17
1) Do you actually believe that a 12lb(?) battery can make such a difference? As to lose its cornering abilities...
2) Is your car a street car (uber overkill)? Better yet do you have skills to drive your car to the point that you can actually make that distinction in weight?
3) the car already has modifications. Why don't those make a difference to you and yet the battery does?
4) Weight can always be shifted around.
5) Are you the stig?
Figured the M2 and the PFS were a nice fit.
Last edited by Montego; 08-20-14 at 09:41 PM.
08-21-14, 07:49 AM
#20
Pettit Racing Cool Charge III
Here are a few installed pics on my last FD:
-M
08-21-14, 07:50 AM
#21
All out Track Freak!
iTrader: (263)
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Charlottesville VA 22901
Posts: 10,672
Received 412 Likes
on
250 Posts
The PFS has it's short-comings...I have one and even I admit it. But some, like the intake, is easily fixed. And IMO it's a decent value. It has a VERY sturdy duct, it fits well and is easy to remove. I don't remember the size now, but it was WAY bigger than OEM and looked to be a little larger than Greddy and some others. No data, but intuitively, from the shape of the end-tanks and shape of the cast inlet/outlet pipes, I think it flows well too. I wanted a M2 when I went looking, but damn...they were pricey....at least back then. I remember getting my well cared for PFS med, with intake and duct for way less than one guy was asking (and got) just for his beat-up M2 and beat-up duct. And I still would have needed an intake.
If I were contemplating going single or pushing higher than stock boost I'd probably go looking for another IC. But my IATs are decent and for my purposes the PFS has performed well.
If I were contemplating going single or pushing higher than stock boost I'd probably go looking for another IC. But my IATs are decent and for my purposes the PFS has performed well.
I had a PFS large IC that Mitch Piper made. Mitch was a helluva pipe bender. The IC worked fine, but when I bought my PFS the M2 wasn't yet available, iirc. And, as everyone noted, you need good ducting for either. Both the M2 and PFS IC's are both a bit rare, I suppose, and have some cachet value compared to other IC's. My favorite all-time IC was from Crooked Willow and they really had the ducting down better than anyone at the time I thought. They had ducting that took the air from behind the IC that curved up to the hood and out through a horizontal vent across the front of the hood behind the IC. They come up for sale very seldom.
Gordon
Gordon
08-21-14, 08:48 AM
#22
Here is the CWC that was on my silver FD... they never did send me my duct:
I still think the Pettit is the closest competitor - not to mention you can still buy it! M2 has been gone for what...? A decade? CWC probably a couple years longer then that.
I still think the Pettit is the closest competitor - not to mention you can still buy it! M2 has been gone for what...? A decade? CWC probably a couple years longer then that.
