Thinking about picking up a new intercooler for my car... it currently has an old Icevex intercooler that was included with my single turbo kit (purchased the kit back in 2010).
So I was thinking about upgrading it to a Treadstone TR1245 intercooler but I was wondering if it'd be enough of an upgrade from my Icevex unit or if I splurge a bit and buy a Garrett intercooler core (703522-6005) and have my end tanks fabricated locally.

Anyone have any input on intercooler cores? I'm looking to max out my turbo and hopefully make low to mid 700's.

Thanks all!

 

The Garrett core you posted is for a 1250 horsepower car, I would go with this 703520-6011. However Treadstone and Vibrant Cores have done well for me as well. If you don't mind spending a little more get 703520-6011 I had that on my car and it was efficient until about 950whp. Bring it over to John at Future Fab or Andy and they can take care of the end tanks.

 

Thanks for the reply! So, I thought the one I posted was rated for 950bhp?

 

I've seen a couple different sites post different HP ratings some for 950 and ams performance rating it at like 1250. Maybe there are saying it can handle up to 1250 horsepower or something but I think it's probably more than you need. the core itself is 24x12x4.5 inches thick which is a lot more than what you need for mid 700's unless you plan on making more in the future.

 

Awesome, thanks for the info AZ!

 

R​Read the FAQs on intercooler. Page 3. Talks all about this.

https://honda-tech.com/forums/forced...olers-3074553/

 

I've used the original core in question here (703522-6005) at least twice on 1000rwhp+ apps (2JZ), you can definitely get away with "less"/smaller core from Garrett on 700whp. At the 1000whp the core was no restriction.

 

FedEx delivered my new Garrett inter cooler yesterday, unfortunately there was some damage...

 

You can try follow up with a claim from Crawford, which is UPS's third-party insurance company, but I doubt if you get anywhere.

I know you think that looks bad, but I'll be very honest with you, I've seen much much worse. What has happened here will not affect the cooling efficiency of that particular core. I have thought that was going to happen to me as well at one time with one of my Garrett cores but I found no change in efficiency. Despite the look, it is extremely robust, and I don't think you're still gonna have any kind of problem. But it is your choice of course, Whether or not you can pursue additional action for replacement.

 

Yeah you wont even see that when the end tanks are welded on.

 

I can feel the frustration since you bought and payed for the best and got this .But it will work like a charm still id send it back and ask fr another one.

 

It's a shame it doesn't work that way. Shipper or receiver have to go through Crawford/UPS and file a claim. This is considered shipping company /bailee responsibility/liability. Not the party he purchased from

 

Thanks for the input guys!

Yeah, I was really just disappointed in seeing my shiny new Garrett intercooler core damaged by someone being careless handling the package. Filed a claim with FedEX, waiting for them to reply.
Till then I'm looking for intercooler end tanks Future Fab said they don't have the bandwidth to slap together a custom set for me. I checked with Buschur mentioned they might be able to sell me the end tanks they make for an Evo VIII/IX.

 

Have patience first.. I know that sounds impractical in today's enthusiast, but don't go getting into something else when it doesn't fit just because you're in a hurry. That makes more work for you later

 

That core (as said) won't see any actual effect from that damage.
Be sure to stay on top of the claims process and supply as many photos as possible...then add about 3 more.

Several places can build you tanks based off drawings/measurements to your specs.

 

Hey if Future Fab is too busy try Andy who is a couple doors down from Future Fab he is also a good fabricator he is basically across from Locash.

 

Got another dumb question for you guys. I did a bit of measuring and it looks like the Buschur end tanks are a perfect fit for my car, I got them in yesterday. Gonna check with AZ's suggestion this week sometime.

I wanted to run this by you guys though, do you see how the left side of the core isn't completely straight? Is that somewhat common on Garrett cores? Just curious... I figure it won't be a big deal to have the end tank on that side trimmed a bit to match though.

 

You're absolutely fine. You won't see any negative effects from it. If that was the slightly bent one, it's not a surprise, but either way, when welded, you'll be just dandy. Fret not, sir.

 

Thanks!