[F87source]

Originally Posted by M2guru

It is an unthreaded hole. You probably have the option unless the hole is too big (which I don't think it is). Not sure there is a benefit, but I am open to learning more.

A rivet nut just allows you to turn a hole on a thin piece of metal to a threaded hole. If you look all over the car, bmw uses rivet nuts to add threads to holes on metal that are too thin to tap and thread. So the benefits is that you get a threaded hole, and no need for a nut.

[M2guru]

Originally Posted by F87source

A rivet nut just allows you to turn a hole on a thin piece of metal to a threaded hole. If you look all over the car, bmw uses rivet nuts to add threads to holes on metal that are too thin to tap and thread. So the benefits is that you get a threaded hole, and no need for a nut.

It would, for sure, be easier...I guess if I have the bumper cover off again it'll give me a reason to buy a rivnet gun/set. :-)

[F87source]

Originally Posted by M2guru

It would, for sure, be easier...I guess if I have the bumper cover off again it'll give me a reason to buy a rivnet gun/set. :-)

Haha yeah it is pretty nice to have the rivet nuts in place. I recommend stainless steel rivetnuts, and stainless steel hardware to prevent corrosion. The front subframe is also stainless steel or a similar metal so galvanic corrosion shouldn't be an issue.

Aluminium hardware likely isn't going to be strong enough for this job.

[Shaq93]

Originally Posted by F87source

Haha yeah it is pretty nice to have the rivet nuts in place. I recommend stainless steel rivetnuts, and stainless steel hardware to prevent corrosion. The front subframe is also stainless steel or a similar metal so galvanic corrosion shouldn't be an issue.

Aluminium hardware likely isn't going to be strong enough for this job.

Any updates? I'm looking to upgrade my IC soon & am wondering if installing the m235 v brace is all I need to fit a race IC? Or does the shroud need trimming as well? If it's too much hassle I'll probably opt for the vrsf 6.5" competition HD IC instead. Speaking of that, does anyone know how much more performance the vrsf race IC offers over the 6.5" comp HD IC?

[F87source]

Originally Posted by Shaq93

Any updates? I'm looking to upgrade my IC soon & am wondering if installing the m235 v brace is all I need to fit a race IC? Or does the shroud need trimming as well? If it's too much hassle I'll probably opt for the vrsf 6.5" competition HD IC instead. Speaking of that, does anyone know how much more performance the vrsf race IC offers over the 6.5" comp HD IC?

Sorry no updates from me until July/August.

The 6.5" will still need cutting or an m235i brace because it's too thick.

[AmuroRay]

Originally Posted by Shaq93

Any updates? I'm looking to upgrade my IC soon & am wondering if installing the m235 v brace is all I need to fit a race IC? Or does the shroud need trimming as well? If it's too much hassle I'll probably opt for the vrsf 6.5" competition HD IC instead. Speaking of that, does anyone know how much more performance the vrsf race IC offers over the 6.5" comp HD IC?

The issue apparently is thickness and not height - the Race and Competition are the same depth. There are people who have fit them, but it’s very tight and may contact the chassis brace. Because of this it’s recommended you use an M235i V brace. I do not believe any trimming is required.

The Race is absolutely superior to the Competition, as it’s 3” taller. The extra height increases frontal surface area. So the Competition is closer to a regular Intercooler than it is a Race core.