intercoolers

[Fancy_Footwork]

If all an intercooler really consists of is bar and plate aluminum with some end tanks, than does brand really matter?

I'm trying to decide if its worth buying a Blitz LM FMIC versus the CAREX type M FMIC, which phase2 sells for some 300 dollars less.

Any ebay/knockoff/DIY intercooler users please chime in. I should think the only thing to be concerned with are the dimensions of the core and the grade of the welding itself.

[DevilMB3017]

If you're making under 400rwhp or so, it's pretty much all the same more or less. You might see a little bit more pressure drop in 'cheaper' intercoolers, but nothing that is going to affect your car too much.

[Chris28]

I have a JDM sport FMIC and it works great. I bought it for like 250 or something. I replaced the t-bolt clamps with higher quality ones, and I had to replace a coupler. Other than that it works great, highly recommended.

[lancet913]

I have a Godspeed kit on my s14 and it does the job well. I still have A/C and my battery is in the stock location. I used all the couplers and t-bolt clamps with no issues. It was $300 shipped (ebay)

[Fancy_Footwork]

I have a JDM sport FMIC and it works great. I bought it for like 250 or something. I replaced the t-bolt clamps with higher quality ones, and I had to replace a coupler. Other than that it works great, highly recommended.

250? That sounds a lot nicer for my budget. I might just buy an intercooler with endtanks and a piping/coupler kit. DIY that ish.

[Chris28]

You can see how it all fits. I had to buy the 90 coupler that connects the turbo to the hot pipe, as well as put another 90 where the hot pipe connects to the 2nd hotpipe (one that connects to the IC). For that one I used some radiator hose that was the right diameter. If you can DIY then you can totally make it fit. I also had to have my BOV flange welded on, but that's basically a given.

[livinglegend2100]

yea i have a JDM sport intercooler and a CXracing intercooler with piping kit. both have given me no problems. but the piping kit took a little finaggeling to get on. i had to cut one of the pipes in half, put a coupler in the middle and rotate one side of it to fit properly. other than that it was great

[neverlift]

currently using an sr hotpipe cut to fit with a couple couplers and an rb piping kit for my cold side and intake..on a starion / conquest mod'd fmic its upside down and never gets hot...

[hannibal]

I believe a good core is a good core. Just consider the design of the endtanks. Assuming a decent core, I think this is where differences in pressure drop come from.

Treadstone makes some nice IC's. I have no experience with them, but IIRC Ive seen some good reports about them.

http://www.treadstoneperforman...olers