HIGHLIGHTS

PROFILE

The ARM Audi B9 3.0T S4 / S5 Competition FMIC is engineered to keep IAT’s low during back-to-back pulls.  By dramatically increasing intercooler core volume to a staggering 1,485cu/in and improving airflow efficiency with internal air channels, this system is designed to reduce heat soak, stabilize intake air temperatures, and maintain consistent performance pull after pull.  Whether you have stock turbo or upgraded turbo, the ARM B9 FMIC will keep your EA839 running cool!

The OEM intercooler on the Audi B9 3.0T platform is sufficient for light daily driving, but it quickly becomes a limitation under sustained boost, aggressive driving, or tuning. As intake air temperatures rise, timing is reduced and power output becomes inconsistent, making your second or third runs suffer from reduced power.

CONSTRUCTION

At the heart of the ARM B9 Competition FMIC is a high-efficiency bar-and-plate intercooler core measuring 22.5″ x 17″ x 5.5″ inches, resulting in a massive total core volume of 1,485 cubic inches.  By adding the additional stepped portion  at the bottom of the ARM B9 FMIC we were able to increase the overall volume of the intercooler by 337.5 cu in, resulting in a almost a 30% increase.  The ARM B9 FMIC is a staggering 290% larger than the OEM B9 FMIC, with the OEM B9 FMIC coming in at a paltry 511 cubic inches, it is dwarfed by the ARM B9 FMIC standing at 1,485 cubic inches.  Almost 3x bigger than the OEM B9 FMIC! 

The frontal surface area plays a critical role in intercooler efficiency, as it determines how much airflow is exposed to the cooling fins. A larger frontal area allows more heat to be shed to ambient air, improving heat rejection and helping intake air temperatures recover more quickly between pulls.  The ARM B9 FMIC has a frontal surface area of 382.5 sq in, a staggering 235% more than the OEM B9 FMIC which has only 162.5 sq in.  Compared to the factory intercooler, this represents a significant increase in thermal mass and frontal surface area. The larger core allows more heat to be absorbed and dissipated, slowing temperature rise and improving recovery between pulls.

The ARM B9 FMIC makes the most of it’s massive surface area by incorporating internal air channeling in the hot-side end tank.  The internal air channel design promotes uniform airflow across the core, minimizing pressure imbalance and localized hot spots near the FMIC inlet and outlet. This results in improved thermal efficiency, better heat soak resistance, and more consistent cooling performance.

The ARM B9 FMIC features precision-machined inlet and outlet connections with integrated sealing ribs designed to create a tight, leak-free seal with the included boost couplers. This machined interface improves clamp grip, reduces the chance of boost leaks or your couplers popping off and leaving you stranded with no boost.

INSTALLATION

Installation of the ARM B9 FMIC is straightforward and can typically be completed in approximately 2–3 hours. The front bumper does need to be removed to access the factory intercooler mounting location, but no cutting or trimming is required. The ARM FMIC installs using OEM mounting points and fully retains the factory crash bar, ensuring a clean, factory-style fitment with no permanent vehicle modification.

IN THE BOX

FITMENT GUIDE