These intercoolers seem so similar, is one better than the other or is it just personal preference?

 

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.

 

You can't lose with either one. Those are two of the best SMICs you can get for an FD. Pick the one that has the least bent fins and includes the ducting.

An M2 might have a tiny bit better resale value if that's on your mind...

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

^^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

 

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.

 

I have an M2 large and regularly see ambient temperatures quickly once the car is moving

 

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.

 

Yep M2 med is favored for cooling BUT it has many disadvantages which include:

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

 

Love my Blitz. Fits with the stock...everything. Even the stock duct matches up pretty well.

 

You need an IC because the stocker truly blows... One of my close friends has a PFC with a stock IC and while on a cruise, he saw temps in the 65C range while I was in the 45C range (with my PFS unit). I should note that he had an APEX'i intake and I had an M2 intake but still my belief is that the biggest contributor was the IC.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Not trying to sway your opinion one way or another but think about that statement for a minute, keeping in mind the car weighs 2800lbs....

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?




IMO both of the medium versions are too small for most singles. As I said I used to have a med pfs prior to going single and I ditched it due to its size (pfs agreed with me BTW). Good little unit but too small for my application.

 

Wouldn't the Pettit Cool Charge SMIC (or CWC) be a better comparison to the M2? I too always thought the PFS was on par with the GReddy SMIC.

 

Don't know much about the pettit, don't think I've ever seen one...

 

Kinda small image from their site:


Pettit Racing Cool Charge III

Here are a few installed pics on my last FD:





-M

 

M2 medium is the best smic that still allows you to keep a stock battery

The last thing you want is a 20lbs up high on the any corner of a car. Your handling will be improved by putting the battery in the R side interior compartment bin but many negatives to running the battery cables etc.... so for non track oriented cars I say keep the battery where in belongs, In the engine bay. BUT you can still get a turbo jeff style honda battery and save a few pounds and open up some space

Yep for street duty the PFS setup is hard to beat because it drops right in and kills two birds with one stone.

Yep the CW is the best overall smic made but most of the track guys have moved on to the VMIC which so far can't be beat.

 

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.

 

Matt,
Are you still looking for a duct?

 

LoL - no - unless of course CWC is going to honor my original purchase and send it.

That car has been gone for more than 10 years.

 

YEP it's my understanding CWC has f#cked over countless FD guys