Which of the these JDM companies makes the better intercooler?

Dimensions:
stock 19 x 11.5 x 2.5
ARC 21 x 11 x 2.5
Coltspeed 21 x 11 x 2.75
HKS R-Type 21 x 12 x 4
Blitz LM 19 x 11 x 4.5

Does the size that matter the most? or the core design that is more important?

 

Core and tank designs matter. HKS has an angled inlet on the tank which is suppose to be better than the straight down like stock and other aftermarket intercoolers.

 

I havent seen the HKS one for the X, but between Blitz and ARC, Im partial to ARC. Their titanium pipes are hot!

If you want a well designed IC, check out the AMS core.

 

i have the ETS intercooler kit that comes with the Upper Lower and intercooler and i like it alot

 

arc is all show. dont waste the money if you want horsepower.

if you want horsepower, go hks.

 

I would personally check out Nisei or ETS.

 

I don't know if I agree with this... yes it is expensive, but ARC is also using a different core then any other manufacturer. If you look at the front of the core the tubes are actually shaped to allow air to move over the intercooler faster, perhaps leading to better cooling...

I don't know if it is better i am simply stating what i see from looking at the ARC design.

I myself have an AMS intercooler and am VERY pleased.

John

 

I was not aware Nisei even had a X version yet...

 

If you want the largest FMIC for the car you can get so you don't have to upgrade later as you keep increasing power go with ours. Here's a link. We have them instock now, shipping is immediate.

https://secure.buschurracing.com/cat...th=193_197_228

 

BUSCHUR if you whants horsepower.

 

Think about this before you purchase the largest possible.... a large core takes longer to pressurize, everytime you enter boost you have to fill up this space with air before your engine sees boost, a huge core on a small turbo is not always a great idea. Slap a big turbo on your evo and this huge core may be beneficial, but until then its just a hindrance. Yes it makes power on the stock turbo but think about the sacrifices that are made to get those horsepower.

John

 

Buschurs fmic's have proven themselves time and time again on evo 8/9s for us, regardless of turbo size...

you need to remember...

a stock turbo at medium to high boost levels is not very efficient and will be blowing very high outlet temps... the X's outlet temps are ridiculous....

so you need a VERY efficient core.

cb

 

^^^^ what CB said.

Thicker is better! <---thas what she said! bwahaha, couldn't help it.

On topic LVSBB6:

You own an MR, is this Intercooler for bling factor? If so, go with ARC, can't get anymore blingy then ARC.

If your searching for more power, my choices would be... IN NO ORDER:
AFI, AMS, Buschur, or ETS.... I believe they all use Garret Cores. There welds, endtanks and fitment are all great. Buschur has the Thickest core, and the biggest IC out for the X in production, as he mentioned.

Good luck in whatever you go with

-Chris

 

If thicker is better, then Blitz would be the choice.

HKS has the biggest tank size out of the three.

ARC seems to be the underdog, but I found some interest facts their design

1. The Fins are recessed to force air through more effectively.
2. They have developed their own "micro" tubing that is unique in core design
3. Fins are also waved so that air hits every part of the fin, dissipating heat as its passing through.

 

So for the best power gains which one do you guys think is the best?
I personally heard ams has a really good one out but the quality of blitz and hks is unbeatable. Which one out of the three would be best?
blitz
ams
hks