Are these intercoolers any good?

Well that's the question. Are these cheap intercoolers any good? Do they do anything like an upgrade?

Paul

I have one much like that in size, bought to replace the original on which the fins were falling out. But apart from being new I would not say it is an upgrade.

tottot said:

I have one much like that in size, bought to replace the original on which the fins were falling out. But apart from being new I would not say it is an upgrade.

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Fair enough

UNless you are going to be adjusting the fueling and turbo then no inter-cooler will give you a noticeable upgrade. I have a full width inter-cooler fitted to mine but it performs no differently to standard because I did not alter anything else. The only reason I have it is it came up second hand, at the point I needed one, for less than a new standard replacement would have been.

The only time an intercooler by itself kight give an upgrade is on a modern diesel where fuelling is limited by the MAF. Increasing the massflow by cooling the intake charge will allow more fuel tovbe injected without exceeding any smoke limitations.

Eventually, I'm planning on upgrading the turbo, either fitting a VNT turbo, or refurbing my current turbo with an upgraded CHRA, this would be my preferred option, as it's cheaper. Upgraded intercooler and adjust fueling and boost to suit. I'm also considering a performance head.

FlyingPete said:

The only time an intercooler by itself kight give an upgrade is on a modern diesel where fuelling is limited by the MAF. Increasing the massflow by cooling the intake charge will allow more fuel tovbe injected without exceeding any smoke limitations.

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Or adjusting the smoke map.. Not all ecus require MAFs for fueling

Colder more dense air entering the intake is always a bonus providing everything else is matched.

bankz5152 said:

Or adjusting the smoke map.. Not all ecus require MAFs for fueling

Colder more dense air entering the intake is always a bonus providing everything else is matched.

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What I mean is that if fueling is controlled by the MAF, the ECU may increase fuelling in response without any remap. I suppose the de-rate based on the intake air temperature sensor may be held off for longer too.

But of course, remapping the ECU to account for the extra air will give the best results.

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What is it you mean @FlyingPete ?