I'm getting ready to purchase a set of intercoolers and was wondering if anyone has any feed back on which ones are really good? I've been looking at the tpc/proto 5", the Champion 2010 ic, and I'm not sure if switzer sells the ic by themselves or only in their kits...I'm buying all my parts and going to be putting on gt30 turbos soon...If anyone has any data they can share that would be great...I've talked to my tuner and they recommend their brand to me already...I'm just wondering if bigger is truly better? If I didn't have to do a great amount of cutting to get these to fit that would be great, but if that is the only way to go, I'm not against that either....Most of the intercoolers are running retail around $3,500 and I'm just trying to find the best bang for the buck! This would also be nice to have to help others that maybe in the same boat as me!

 

check out 911tuning Markski.

 

+1 for Markski!

 

Whatever you get make sure you get them pressure tested, I just learned that the IC's I had the last couple years had some serious leaks (the kind from manufacturing, not damage), this would explain some of the issues I have been experiencing.

 

I would recommend that you examine the weld, arrangement of fins and type of core. There have been many close-up photographs of the various intercoolers offered by Champion, TPC and others on this forum in previous posts. I know that TPC's are very well thought of (I have no affiliation with them), because they keep "flying off the shelves."

 

Skeeter, definitely take a look at our new intercoolers. There are a few threads out there with data and detailed information about them.

One of the benefits that I think only we can offer is a true OEM fitment....there's no cutting or modification required to fit them! Take a moment to watch this video with Louis (our technical director) and I'm sure you'll be convinced.

On an typical Florida summer day with temperatures in the upper 80's we saw temps drop by over 50 degrees compared to OEM coolers!! Keep one thing in mind....while bigger may sometimes be better because of increased flow, it's usually not the best answer for efficiency. Think of it this way, the more "space" inside there is inside the core, the more opportunity the air has to lose it's cooling.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqvCF717Pko

 

Totally agree! We had to learn that the hard way with a big name brand .. But there was a great componsation to it .. Always make sure to pressure test b4 having them fit. Trust me guys u dnt wana go through the hustle of removing-reinstalling and the disappointment of power drop

 

Very true. A pressure test is always a good idea.....we test each one of our cores before it even leaves the building.

 

Do a log of your IAT with OEM ICs...on a run from 50-250...And then do it again with modified ICs...This is the only way to determine whether you earn or loose with ICs...I am still searching through PMs with vendors for buying a set with refund guarantee in case of worst results...One of them was a real proffesional and refunded them due to worst results than OEM...No one else accepted the challenge to override OEM ICs IAT...Maybe i will go for GT2RS ICs...we will see...

 

Thanks guys for the great feedback so far...Tom have you guys ran your IC yet on gt30 turbos?

 

Some good facts and FAQs about ICs. Unless data is posted for thermal efficiencies at various inlet temps and cfm flow and pressure loss, you pretty much have to trust your tuner. Even if data was available, I don't know if there is an SAE test for intercoolers so it would be hard to compare data from one system vs another. I know my ICs were pressure tested to 38 psi before shipping.

http://www.bellintercoolers.com/pages/techFAQ.html#FAQ_8<O></O>

 

Is there any particular reason why you want to use GT30's as opposed to some of the VTG options available?

We have not specifically tested ours on a GT30-equipped car, but we have tested them on every variation of upgraded VTG's and found noticeable improvements.

 

TPC and Switzer best intercoolers in market no doubt

 

The reason I'm going with gt30 turbos is for several reasons...I'm looking for great power and minimal lag...Also the price of gt30 turbos is a lot cheaper than the price for upgraded vtg turbos...The price really washes out after all the supporting mods you'll need to make them work, but the gt30 turbos have a lot higher hp potential than any vtg...Now I was told that the Ic will be different for gt30 turbos on the way they connect with the turbos...This something I did not know...I guess the hoses would be different or maybe the end cap would be at a different angle...

 

Josh,

How much cutting is needed to fit these? Do you guys send a template on what to cut and trim to fit these? Also do you guys pressure test these before there shipped as well?