You'd be surprised at how many are made in the US. XS power, Mishimoto, Megan are all US brands. Even these brands sell their things a little higher then China eBay brand because they're made to fit. You can always trust these brands to fit on your car with little to no mods. Just don't trust them to last you a lifetime...

 

I do not run that OBX intercooler. I just got a crazy deal on an ETS 3.5" so I bought it. I was saving up for an AMS FMIC, but I figure that with all my driving, I can try out this ETS that most people are running.

One thing is for sure. The ETS weight is 25 Lbs. AMS is 20lbs. and my old buschur was less that that. This ebay one doesn't say how many lbs it is.

 

i almost bought the OBX FMIC. but i was also looking at the XS power. i'm just goin to save and get a Greddy FMIC. i dont want wat everyone has.

 

Steer clear of anything OBX.

I had a 350z for over 5 years and purchased an OBX y-pipe brand new. The welds had cracked in less than two years.

-Acree

 

that sucks bro. i'm glad i didnt buy one.

 

I can't see the core clearly enough but I believe OBX/XSpower/GhettoChrome get their cores from the same Chinese Manufacturer or at least are of the same quality. I know they are not vacuum braised and some do not come with a adequate number of internal turbulators, some none at all. I have seen some with non-staggered external fins and fairly crappy fin density but I can't tell from that picture. Those cast tanks will not have a divertor on the hot side so the majority of the air will go straight through the lower section of the core. That ad claims it is rated for 1000 HP, which is absolute BS to almost constitute fraud. My API core/BIC custom 14x24x4.5 intercooler is not rated for 1000HP.

A common issue I have seen with the Chinese cores is the top and bottom plates are too thin and bulge out. I give them credit for having external channels top and bottom though. I'd need to have it in my hands to tell you what I really think about it. From the look of it, it's probably worth the price, retail, which isn't saying alot. The 30 HP increase claim is also fraudulent.

/brox

 

I would never, in my wildest dreams, even catch myself thinking about buying something for my car like an OBX intercooler.

I'll never buy a $200 intercooler. I'd rather buy something that has been proven to perform very well, put it on, and never have to think about it again. If I put an OBX intercooler on my car I wouldn't help to think "I wonder how is my cheap ***, $200 intercooler is holding up?"

http://www.extremeturbosystems.com/M...duct_info.html
This kit, IMO, isn't that much and you'll feel better knowing you have a quality intercooler in your car. Myself on the other hand is going with the BR Race intercooler kit.

Like someone else already pointed out:
fast/reliable/cheap Pick two.

 

I find that it's hit and miss with buying cheaper/knock off parts. I have heard of some people getting a great deal, but I always get the shaft in one way or another. If you take the chance and it works, then everything is good. I've learned that just the possibility of it not working or fitting right keeps me from buying cheap brands now.

 

great reply-
i too agree- the cores are likely all sourced by the same chinese manufacturer- companies here have proven while you can make power on them, the heatsoak will quickly prevent the air from cooling in the intake stream and thus not being reliable.

 

Over my 17 or so years of modifying cars there are two main things I've learned: Measure twice, cut once and pay good money for quality parts.

That being said, I have no direct experience with this OBX intercooler but I've done my share of "corner cutting" when it's come to car parts in the past. The ONE thing that is super important for me is buying a part from a company that will support it after the sale.

I've developed awesome relationships with vendors and even a couple of R&D houses that have (with research and referrals) become the only establishments I will buy from. Now, you have to ask yourself the question, "who will support this product when it either leaks or is proven to be prone to heat soak?" Chances are, nobody will...not even the seller.

My personal advice, the $300-$400 you save by buying a budget IC will come back to haunt you when you are forced to buy a proven IC later down the road.

Support the vendors and products that keep this community going.

 

I hate when companies rate the HP of a core. This is so misleading.
What they should tell you is the airflow at a given pressure and 1psi drop.

For example, the cores we sell, the CFM is based on 1 psig DeltaP across the core w/ air pressure of 10 psig. And all these numbers are based on theory.

Usually, if you have two cores of the same size and one cools better, A. it flows less air. B. has a higher pressure drop.
And don't let the higher pressure drop scare you. Years ago, we were supplying a company that turbocharged Ford Mustangs. IC outlets temps were well within their specified range. They were looking for more power. I suggested decreasing the FPI on the charged side of the core. Even though the intake temps were a few degrees warmer, the car picked up more power because of the decreased pressure drop and increased air flow.

There is so much more to an intercooler core than who makes it. I hear people say, Garett is the best, Spearco(Turbonetics) is the best, "they don't leak", BULLSH*T all manufacturers have cores that leak here and there, esp bar and plate cores. One thing I have tosay aobut Garrett (Honeywell) is they have some nice looking cores. Don't be surprised if they're made in another country. Honeywell is a ***** of a company.

 

The OBX intercooler inlet and outlet is only 2 inches. Minimum should be 2.5 inches. Just save up and spend the money. ETS makes great bang for buck intercoolers. I run a Nisei, but those are a little more money.

 

In my face, ouch. You can take 3095710 ebay fmics and "test" them all you want. They'll all probably hold pressure and perform on one or two dyno pulls. Supras are nothing but dyno queens these days that pull one or two runs and post their numbers on forums for self satisfaction. Take some pride in the parts you purchase. Purchase an ebay intercooler and you dont support anybody but a single guy who probably lives in thailand with a 10yr old boy (sorry for the generalization ) Get a buschur, ams, or ets and support the people that support us!

 

this doesnt look that bad. u def. for what you paid for .