I'm shooting for around 900hp boosted when completed and am alittle lost on intercoolers. I bought a Mishimoto capable of 1250cfm. I guess that runs out of it around 800hp.

I see some guys running Ebay intercoolers and others running $1500 ones. I know some are more efficient than others but what's really needed? Am I over thinking it? The others are Treadstones or Bells.

I appreciate your help

 

Check out Trick Turbo. Great people and offer a few intercooler options for various GM trucks

 

You're going to get what you pay for when it comes to intercoolers. Anything aside of a legit spendy core it's going to be your run of the mill China/ebay core that someone figured out to work or had them make to the shape they want.

The trend on this site is to go as big as possible, which is fine I guess. But if IATs only rise a little it's not because it's necessary great quality, it's because it's the size of a 70" TV.

In the 4 banger world, where PSI isn't 6,8,12 rather more like 30-40-50, way smaller intercoolers are obviously the norm, and they work good enough. But time and time again I have seen people switch from their 200 dollar intercooler to a 1200 dollar intercooler and see _amazing_ gains. It's one of the most over looked things, because if it bolts on, is from a favorite vendor, everyone else is using it, its big and shiny, brand new, it must be excellent.

 

Thanks for taking the time I appreciate it. I'm not into fancy stuff I just want what works and do it once and enjoy it even if it costs more.

I have checked out Tricks but theres no mention of who makes the cores. I'd like to know what I'm buying but Rick is a top notch guy

 

I agree he is, and if you want what works then go with him, because obviously it works. Bolts on no problems, no complaints, so definitely consider it. I was just narrowing more at your question. There's ebay tier, then there's companies who put their name on it and charge more - sometimes for good reason [fitment/niche]. But understand if the core was from spearco or hks or whatever and there's no mention of it, it'll internally be no different from what you find on ebay. There seems to be no grey zone, it's either that or the top stuff, which is like 2-3x the price. And there's a reason a 1500 core is 1500 bucks. It works, and it works damn good. Cooling ability, efficiency and flow. They are outstanding at all 3. No compromises.

It's like anything else. Wastegates, turbos, etc. Yeah, they all work. And people have had great success selectively with them. But it's not the best way, which is the angle I'm aiming to your question. Put it like this, I can cut steak with a butterknife, a "brand name" sharpened knife, or a 1000 dollar knife. There's a reason that knife is 1k.

Pick your poison.

 

very true and some good points there thanks. I've spent hours reading and there are a couple options that seem to fit and other have been made to fit.

Maybe I should just go with Trick just figured there would be more options to atleast check out. Thanks again

 

What is your price range?

The reason the more expensive intercoolers aren't more common is because they aren't REALLY needed. For the additional cost, the benefits are minimal for what most of us need. If someone does need better cooling, then its most likely cheaper and more effective to add water/meth.

Not knowing your combo and your goals, its not easy to say, but most likely a $1500 IC is not needed

 

^^ agreed.

For reference, I ran my 2.0 talon to 52psi. Ran the snot out of it. Was the A/W good, naw. It was just passable. One time I forgot to turn the pump on for the system and did some highway pulls. All was fine. But when I looked over the logs the IATs were insane. I got away with it because of e85.

So my IC wasn't working at all. Cooling, nope. Efficiency, nope. Flow, well. It moved air, but probably like crap. If I had the best core in there I would have had way more power. Flow is the name of the game to making power, and I don't think these no-name cores flow well. I'm actually convinced of that seeing it so much. But if it's ridiculous size you can get away with it no matter the efficiency. The wool is pulled over your eyes using water/meth or e85 as a bandaid.

You want the best flow. That is the number one thing. But, that comes at a cost. Again, pick your poison.

 

My eBay big as a tv IC cools great and flows just fine, but I have actual turbo lag with a supercharger. The lag is really only noticable when I stomp on it from an idle, but it's there.
So to add to your answers, an 18x24x4 IC is too big.

 

^Wait, Im confused I thought you have a PD blower?

I have the "1200hp" A/W kit from Frozen Boost. Ive had it for like 8yrs, I bought it when they where $399. Its made a lot of power and dealt with 12psi for a long time. On a good night it will even be ~5* above ambient under a full pull

I dont know if it can do 1200hp, but it can do 500 no problems. They are a little more pricey now, so I dont know if the performance per dollar is worth it

Water to Air Intercooler