danmej1

I was wondering if I paint my intercooler will it get hotter and lose some of the air flow that it was getting before because I want it to look stealthy

[Ennis_D]

iTrader: (1)

Do not paint the intercooler directly from the front. Paint it from the top down at an angle and then from bottom up. That way you are less likely to "clog" the intercooler. Seen plenty of people do this with no problem. Just do not paint on straight away

berb_15

Black does attract heat if you want to be technical, but it's probably so little that it doesn't do anything. From what I've heard it doesn't have any noticeable affects on performance but i've never done any tests.

NonovUrbizniz

The swaintech coating for increasing efficency is black... obviously not just black paint though.

AbitAvenger

I've done it and sprayed it an an angle to not cover the whole thing. did one light coat. I'll post a pic in a minute. free log only showed maybe a 2-3 degree increase in IATs if anything

90blackcrx

Its not that big of a deal, paint it and be done with it, you won't see a drastic difference.

.:Stirfry:.

x2 ^.
i'd just leave it bare metal

hatchbackjdm

i painted mine. flat black spray paint and just enough on it to change the color, it still had bare metal spots peeking through. couldnt hardly tell it was there after that

BlackT5

Did a very light spray on mine too, I don't think it's going to make a difference.

Tony the Tiger

Not much issue with painting the FMIC black... Obviously it will hinder performance when compared to a brand new shiny FMIC, but in the course of a few months, the shiny aluminum's surface will oxidize eventually.

When comparing surface oxidation to black paint, the oxidation will hinder heat transfer much more than paint. You can witness this when you try to weld oxidize aluminum and notice how it prevents the heat from getting to the aluminum.

The best thing to do is buy a can of condensor/radiator paint rather than regular enamels and such.

HamiltonRex

what about anodizing intercoolers?

wunfstgsr

i was advised painting it will eventually crack off and flake and clog it, i just had my lht intercooler for my jrsc anodized black to look stealth by lht its what they suggested.

danmej1

thanks guys for the suggestions I will paint it at angle like stated and hope for the best

gosu08

i sprayed mine black and have seen no problems or changes in any temps.

if your worried it about it flaking off all the time, (i did at first as well) mine has been painted for 3000 miles now with no chips. i regretted it at first and thought i would have to touch it up all the time but havent yet...

HiProfile

I regret painting mine pink, because pink's so hot!

Kyle R

iTrader: (1)

Fibercation

iTrader: (5)

yea id just get it anodized

Meister vtec

I agree with tony the tiger a/c condensor paint would be the most logical way to handle this.I mean it was meant to be sprayed on something with a similiar purpose right and it is paint so its obviously meeting your needs better then walmart bbq paint.

Schister66

If done properly, i doubt you'll see any issues with the paint flaking off. Chips from gravel, rocks, etc are inevitible however. Also, the loss of efficiency is going to be so marginal, i doubt you'll notice anything. You never specified a setup, but most of us aren't pushing our equipment to the brink which means a little loss here and there is normal.

welfarepc

this is the reason why you should paint it.

Arthas

'



I got mine powdercoated. I doubt itll chip.

whiteef8

just dusted one side black in case I feel like showin mah griell!

precision 750

danmej1

Thanks for all the replies guys , yeah I will paint my intercooler black on one side and the other I will keep it silver so I can have it their if I feel like switching