Are there differences in intercoolers?

[CrazyAsianBoi]

I am looking to buy a front mount intercooler and I came upon many different types and prices. Some range from 150 to 400 dollars. The brand names like HKS and Greddy are the expensive ones. I was wondering if it is a good idea to spend that much on an intercooler. Does it make a difference in buying the cheaper ones? Please help, anyone.

[Tulsa_S-13]

Yes. Although essentially the $150 Chinese (You can rest assured it's probably assembled by well paid, well sheltered chinese children) and HKS one (made by Japanese children) are both bar and plate, the internal design will differ.



This is a picture I took of the internal design of my Ebay intercooler I purchased from CXRacing. Note the vertical surfaces that can create backpressure. I noticed after installing my FMIC that I know longer had the same "response" that my stock SMIC provided. This of course was probably as a result of a higher volume of air when compared to the SMIC. My T25 now makes full boost at around 2900rpm.

Now check out the design of the HKS Type-S intercooler. It's easy to see the quality difference between the two. Also noticed the density of the fins when compared to the Ebay unit.

You certainly get what you paid for and I would love to see an actually temperature comparison of different brands.

Check out http://www.max-boost.co.uk/max...E.htm for more information.

[nwmrkt]

Nice tulsa! What do you think of the greddy VSPL kit?

[Emperor_Tha]

ebay is fine if you are just running about 10 psi or less or just get the greddy m spec for about 400 its good for 400whp as they said.

[CrazyAsianBoi]

Thanks Tulsa. I got my answer. Just wondering, what FMIC did you get for your blacktop?

[Tulsa_S-13]

With a power goal of a modest 275-300rwhp in mind I went with an intercooler found on Ebay. Core dimensions 24x3x12.



Plus, I'm a broke college student and couldn't fork out the cash for the HKS Intercooler kit I wanted.

[redtop91]

I saw that car at Drug Warehouse the other day.....

[CrazyAsianBoi]

Yeah I know what you mean. I am a broke college student as well. I just can stop thinking about the HKS logo on the FMIC. It'll be sick!

[redtop91]

There is no need to drop money on a name brand core like David said unless you want it for the looks or are thinking about serious power. Even then kits like the M Spec are only good for about 300rwhp.