Is bigger intercooler always better?

As a general rule of thumb a slightly bigger intercooler will have better cooling properties although it usually creates more drag. This extra drag needs be carefully weighed up against the cooling offered. The longer the air is inside the intercooler the better the cooling effect will be.

Does the size of an intercooler matter?

Intercooler size is relative to the size of the turbo, and the amount of boost (psi) being generated. A turbocharger pressurizes air before pumping it into the intake manifold. Larger intercoolers will perform more cooling. However, too large a cooler can block air flow to other engine coolers.

Does a bigger intercooler increase power?

It also makes the compressed air denser as it enters the intake manifold, which causes a richer air-to-fuel mix in the engine’s cylinders. The result is increased power output. So, the answer to the question is yes! An intercooler does help to increase horsepower.

Do you need a tune for a bigger intercooler?

Nope. Upgrading the intercooler doesn’t require a tune.

What is the benefit of a larger intercooler?

The real magic of installing an aftermarket turbo intercooler is the ability to run a more aggressive tune without running into detonation. A larger intercooler is also less susceptible to heat soaking, which means you can stay out on the drag strip or race track longer without losing power.

Are thicker intercoolers better?

Ambient airflow is less effective the thicker the intercooler core is. Using a thicker core in a direct airflow location, like the front, will have more effective ambient airflow. Core turbulence and pressure drop function hand in hand. Turbulence is what causes the transmission of heat from charge air to the core.

What happens if my intercooler is too big?

It should be noted, however, that too large of an intercooler can actually do more harm than good. If you have an extremely massive intercooler, you will cause more turbocharger lag and more drag inside the whole system.

Is too big an intercooler bad?

Getting a HUGE intercooler capable of making 2,000hp is going to be a detriment to performance on a 450hp application. Conversely, a huge volume between the two takes longer to fill. A little headroom isn’t a bad thing, but a lot is.

How much HP will an intercooler add?

The usual rule of thumb is to allow 6 to 7 square inches of internal intercooler flow area for every 100 hp of engine output, but this can increase by up to 40 percent with really dense internal fins.

How big should my intercooler be?

The intercooler duct inlet can be as small as 25\% of the total surface area of the intercooler. In any case, the duct inlet should be around 80\% the size of the intercooler face at most. Core thickness.

Does a bigger intercooler add HP?

Do Intercoolers Add Horsepower? To put it simply: no, a turbo intercooler will not really add any horsepower to your car but it does influence it. More air equals more power, so to speak.

What will an upgraded intercooler do?

Upgrading the intercooler on your turbocharged car means more horsepower, consistent performance, and safer operating temperatures.

Why do I need a larger intercooler?

There’s a few reasons you want to do one. 1- Doesn’t have the plastic end tanks that tend to pop off with higher boost over 17 or so psi. 4- Larger core gives you the ability to cool more air at a given point in time, so a larger intercooler is better for a larger turbo that can flow more air.

Do I need an intercooler for my WRX?

Yes, the 09 and up has a larger turbo than any other generation WRX’s. It’s the same turbo as the STi’s get, just with a different compressor housing. It might take a bit off the top end but it can still throw down the power. On the intercooler, I’ve done mine and it’s been a huge part of my build. There’s a few reasons you want to do one.

Can you add horsepower to a tube-and-fin intercooler?

This is just one of the reasons why you will want to find an upgrade for your vehicle’s stock tube-and-fin intercooler. Swapping out your car’s factory intercooler (or charge-air cooler) with a larger or upgraded version is a great way to safely add horsepower in a turbo engine.

How long does it take to install an intercooler?

4- Larger core gives you the ability to cool more air at a given point in time, so a larger intercooler is better for a larger turbo that can flow more air. 5- Install takes literally 10 minutes… Just use some motor oil to lube up the exit port on the TMIC to help it slide on the throttle body… It’s a tight connection.