intercooler pros and cons

[CSXT103]

Are there any performance gains or losses between the usual inlet and outlet on opposite ends of the intercooler as opposed to same side in and out? Also, has anyone bought anything from Just Intercoolers on E-Bay? Im wondering if their products are worth a crap. Thanks for any info.

[Gutfeeling]

Usually making any hard bends in the tubing will create a poor flowing area in the charge pipes. However, if you must make a hard bend (IE: sharp 90) after the intercooler to accommodate fitment and spend more time or coin to make it right, then you minds well use an IC with same side in/out to save the hassle in the long run. Make sure you use a properly sized ic, otherwise it will be no point in upgrading/installing one. I'd suggest 2.5" for in/out with 2.5" tubes and some nice triple ply silicone connectors jointed together with T-bolt clamps.
Now you ask, "How big should I go?" ... That is up to you personally. I would try to fit the almost biggest sized IC in the front behind the bumper, but others will beg to differ that a small decent flowing one will be sufficient.
Ebay intercoolers are fine from my personal experiences. They flowed well and were very cost effective while containing a great look. Make sure you buy new. Used IC are like radiators, never know what you will get with used. Goodluck and happy bidding!
The only con I can see with adding a bigger IC is MAYBE some lag time or extra lbs added to the vehicle. Otherwise, it's usually a win/win.

[overboostperformance]

i have used Just intercoolers piping kits and they are top notch stuff heavy duty bead rolled yadayada. they will be where i buy my next fmic setup from.


Norm

[CSXT103]

Thanks for the info. I know the end tanks add to the overall measurement. So, can you recommend a good size for a P-body? Super 70 turbo, stock TB, S2 cam. Im going to look in the gallery and see if anything tickles my fancy, but good TD info always helps.

[mikes87t2]

Check out CXracing.com---- I got the kit and intercooler at a very reasonable price and they are very nice to work with. Good luck!!! I'm putting it in a 87 sundance that is all T2 now and it should look really sweet when I'm done. Take your time..

[boost geek]

If you change out your stock intercooler to a larger one, you may not loose boost, but gain boost. I went from stock to a 12x24x4", car boosts more with the large intercooler than the stocker, and didnt add any lag. The stocker is just a bottle neck, go big.
Mines an ssautochrome intercooler, been running it for a few years now, works great.

[kermit]

I've been told that 4" core is a little over kill. I bought a 3" myself, haven't run it though. I don't think you can go wrong either way though.

[xrattiracer]

yeah a core thats too thick can actually cause the cooler to be less efficient, due to the cooling air warming up as it passes through the core and not cooling the rearward section as well. as long as its not too thin to cause flow issues, surface area is much more important.