does intercooler matter

[S13coupe]

does the brand of the intercooler matter performance wise?

[suprabrit]

As with anything else, you get what you pay for. However, I have heard pretty good reviews on XS Power ICs...just do the research before you buy, and check the pressure drop, etc... intercoolers all have the same function - to cool the air. You're paying extra for a name and r&d for the most part. :)

[v-empire]

yes.

how much, depends on what you can tell and what you cant?

make sense? there are alot of R&D into these things, but its almost 2009 and it has come along way. 2006 technology is still better than 1989, so is it pretty hard to go wrong.

bling factor is always nice. weight, sturdiness, softness and malleable is kinda important.

flow rating and pressure ratings are pretty consistent these days....

in another words...its consumers choice. i ve seen a few warp, twist, increase and decrease HP on dyno's...but other variables play a larger role.

pick one, stfu, drive!! enjoy :)

[AFSil80]

I got an ebay one and the piping was awful.

Of course, I got it for a CA18, so that is probably why.

[suprabrit]

The worse part about buying any IC kit is the couplers...if you cheap out on the cooler itself, and even piping, you cannot cheap out on the couplers...you'll blow them left and right...

[ess13slider]

The short answer: Yes
There are different types of intercoolers too..i.e. Bar and Plate vs. Tube and Fin

I did a google search and this website came up

http://www.extremeintercoolers.com/tech.html

[FlatWoodsMonster]

ARC or GTFO!!! lol.http://images.superstreetonline.com/plugged/parts/130_0608_34_z+arc+intercooler.jpg

[icantdrift]

does the brand of the intercooler matter performance wise?



for a mild setup, not really. if you are building a high horsepower (400+) setup then it might weigh on your mind a little more, but still for the most part all of the cores are made in the same place anyway using the same manufacturing processes. there are some things you shouldn't cheap out on (like knockoff greddy oil pans) but the intercoolers are all pretty well made these days.

[Cameron.]

or knockoff greddy intake mani's or xs power-SSauto Crap Exhaust manis