An aftermarket upgraded intercooler can improve performance by reducing the temperature of the air entering the engine. There are several types of upgraded intercoolers available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Air-to-Air Intercooler:
Air-to-air intercoolers use ambient air to cool the compressed air from the turbocharger or supercharger. They are the most common type of intercooler and offer good performance gains at a reasonable cost. However, they can be bulky and require sufficient space for installation. There are 2 types of Air-to-Air Intercoolers:
Tube and Fin:
Tube and fin intercoolers consist of a series of tubes and fins that transfer heat from the compressed air to the ambient air. The compressed air flows through the intercooler and comes into contact with the tubes, which transfer the heat to the coolant. The coolant is then cooled by the fins, which are exposed to the ambient air. Tube and fin intercoolers are generally less efficient at transferring heat than bar and plate intercoolers, leading to reduced cooling performance. They are also more prone to damage from debris or other impacts, which can result in leaks or other issues.
Bar and Plate:
Bar and Plate Intercoolers: Bar and plate intercoolers are made up of a series of bars and plates that transfer heat from the compressed air to the ambient air. The compressed air flows through the intercooler and comes into contact with the bars and plates, which transfer the heat to the ambient air. Bar and plate intercoolers are generally more efficient at transferring heat than tube and fin intercoolers, leading to improved cooling performance. They are also more durable and less prone to damage from debris or other impacts.
Water-to-Air Intercooler:
Water-to-air intercoolers use a liquid coolant to cool the compressed air. They are more efficient than air-to-air intercoolers and can provide better cooling performance in hot climates. However, they can be heavier, more expensive and require additional components, such as a water pump (follow this link for a suggested pump), heat exchanger and water tank (link).
Front-Mount Intercooler:
Front-mount intercoolers are mounted in the front of the car, typically behind the front bumper or grille. They offer better airflow and cooling performance compared to top-mount or side-mount intercoolers. They can be more expensive and require more extensive modifications for installation, however they are the most popular type of upgraded intercooler.
Top-Mount Intercooler:
Top-mount intercoolers are mounted on top of the engine and are popular for vehicles with limited space. They offer good cooling performance and are generally less expensive than other types of intercoolers. However, they can be prone to heat soak and may require additional modifications to maintain proper airflow.
Side-Mount Intercooler:
Side-mount intercoolers are mounted on the side of the engine and are popular for vehicles with limited front-end space. They offer good cooling performance and can be less expensive than other types of intercoolers. However, they can be prone to heat soak and may require additional modifications to maintain proper airflow.
In conclusion
Upgrading your car’s intercooler can provide significant performance gains. However, it’s important to choose the right type of intercooler for your vehicle and driving needs. Consider factors such as cost, installation complexity, and cooling performance when choosing an upgraded intercooler. Additionally, it’s recommended that you have the installation done by a professional mechanic to ensure the job is done correctly.
Purchase links:
Tube and Fin front mount intercoolers
Bar and Plate front mount intercoolers
Water to Air intercoolers
