How restrictive is the stock licp and intercooler?

I've got a stock motor with upgraded turbo with stock licp/ic and it seems to not make the power I expect. Not sure what turbo but looks significantly larger than stock 8/10.5 hotside. Maybe modified 9 turbo.

My question is that with a bigger turbo would the licp restrict flow much? Would the IC heatsoak quickly as well? At 25psi.

Or would this possibly be a boost leak issue?

 

depends on the flow of the turbo. imo, anything even the stock turbo with more than stock boost should do a licp and ic upgrade. you dont really need a upgraded ic but i would still do it if you plan on bigger mods in the future. but thats just me.

 

Lots of variables as to why. First off, what power are you making, what are your mods done, and what were you hoping it would make? These cars are notorious for boost leaks, definately do a boost leak test if you havent, this will answer your question. The type of fuel and other supporting mods will also determine if your making useable power at that psi level or just blowing hot air at that point.

 

The LICP is the weaker link between the two parts. The stock intercooler can handle decent power, a buddy of mine who I run NASA with runs a FP Green and he's still on the stock unit. He's pushing around 450whp and it's holding up fine. Me personally I would just invest in a bigger intercooler. It's simple, effective, and gives a nice increase in power. Once again that is my opinion. At the very least I would invest in a LICP. By doing so you'll increase power and torque and get quicker spool. One of the best bang for buck mods on our car. Look into the Muse LICP, it's hard to beat for 140 shipped.

 

get a LICP. and if you want to know what turbo setup you have, take a pic and post it in here. maybe someone can identify it for you

 

Op,you dynoed it already and it's not making power you expected or you feel that it's not making power you expected?

 

Its only a VD on evoscan, says 380hp @ 30psi on E85 but turned down boost due to stock head studs. I'll snap a pic of the turbo when I get a chance. I feel like it should be making more with this turbo. My theory is the turbo is sucking in tons of air but once it gets to the licp its really restricted I could be totally wrong. I'm hoping its just a leak or blowing hot air. I do get a little hesitation/cut out at higher rpm near peak load so I assume boost leak. Also egr vacuum keeps popping off I gotta zip tie that. Thanks guys.

 

Turbo has a double flapper, thinking its not 100% closed? Could that be it? Not holding shut or opening too early?