i currently have a tbe intake uicp and boost controller. i was thinking about getting a better intercooler but wanted to know if it was worth getting without upgrading the turbo just yet?

 

Yes it is worth it, both the ETS and the AMS ones are amazing. I have the AMS and I love it. You will gain about 10/15 power (which isnt the main reason why you want to get the IC), and you gain 80%+ efficiency with the IC over stock.

 

Ok cool thanks alot!

 

Yes, definitely worth it. There are a lot of nice designs on the market, figure out which features you want most and go from there.

-core size
-end-tank style
-color
etc.

 

I heard its not really worth all that money if your gonna have a stock turbo, but then again i dont see why not

 

More power and safer, win-win.

 

It's definitely worth it! Heat soak is pretty quick on the stocker

 

I have a similar question about intercoolers. I'm trying to find the perfect balance for my daily driver '06 Evo MR (that I autocross maybe 2 times a year):

1) I have a Tanabe 2.5" downpipe (is 2.75" really better? Would I notice a difference?), RRE Rally Cat, and a Greddy TI-C back exhaust. I'm thinking about upgrading to the BBK Full turbo at some point in the near future, and want an intercooler for it before I put it in (smart, right?).
Should I get a 3" or a 3.5" intercooler? The 3" will spool faster (from what I've been told), and would probably be perfect for the stock turbo. But the 3.5" probably would be better for the BBK Full, right? It'd get 2% more flow efficiency, however, spool slightly slower than the 3", and cost $100 more.

2) Which intercooler is better for those sizes? Buschur or ETS (I'm on a budget and can't afford AMS)?

3) If I get the ETS Wide body, would I need to get different piping? Currently I'm using Injen upper and lower intercooler piping. I'm thinking I'd have to get the short route piping and sell my Injen UICP/LICP. :-(

Thanks a million in advance. Cheers!

 

Well, this is a X thread and you have a IX, but definitely go for the 3.5" or 4", the 3" is really only for people doing a stock turbo budget build. The ETS "standard" and "wide" tanks fit with the same piping, I'd personally get the "standard" tanks even with a IX for more core area; it won't get direct airflow, but still utilize the heatsink effect.

 

sorry if im intrudingnon your thread OP. but i think u might have the same question here too

can someone help clarify the difference between the 3.5" abd 4" fmic?
like i know bigger cools better, but if i am only doing a build at around 420 whp and will most likely stay with stock turbo or green, then do i still
need a 4" fmic? i.e. will i only notice a difference between the 3.5" and 4" if i do an intense build such as the fp black builds out there, otherwise feel the same?

 

I got a 4 inch ets intercooler core with ets upper and lower intercooler piping and i feel a HUGE difference on top end and im not even tuned yet.. Defiantly worth it.

 

ets 4 inch is what im running in my 8
the quality is superb def recomend it .