I've searched in the performance forums numerous times, and I can't seem to come to a rock solid conclusion on what intercooler I should purchase for my IX. It's hot as a motherf'er down here in San Antonio during the summer, we had 6 straight weeks of 100+ temps at one period last summer, so I want to improve the cooling efficiency of my IX while on high speed runs, whether passing on the highway or turning laps at Harris Hill Raceway.

So far, I've been most interested in the CBRD, Nisei, AMS with cast end tanks, ETS 3.5" with Garrett Core, and the latest Bushur 3.5" street core. Just from visual inspection, I don't really care for the jaged edges on the corners of the end tanks on the ETS and buschur intercoolers, but they're definitely the most cost effective units. The AMS with cast end tanks looks like an extremely well built piece, but it's smaller than the others. The Nisei looks well built as well, but there isn't nearly as much positive feedback on that unit as I've seen for the others. Last but not least, the CBRD unit looks like the best design to me, since it looks like the inlet and outlet at the end tanks is in the best location for maximizing the use of the entire core, since it routes the air into the middle of the core instead of at the bottom like all of the others. Could be wrong, but I would think that you're not getting the most of the core if the inlet and outlet is placed off to one side.

Current mods:
TBE with test pipe, LICP, APS BOV, and 24-25psi peak.

Mods this spring/summer:
Walbro pump, larger FMIC, and then an EBCS to optimize boost for increased cooling efficiency. And possibly a bigger turbo. Still struggling with that decision too, since those aren't cheap mods.

So.....what do you guys recommend for my application, assuming that at some point the car will be pushing 400 whp and be doing it in the scorching hot summer weather of the Texas Hill country?

 

Well I'm gonna say the AMS unit; but I'm probably a bit biased.

I think they're construction is tip-top on about everything they make. Plus it looks super mean and has been proven over and over again. I think I picked up like 20wtq when I had mine installed and retuned. Install is perfect for a IX too.

 

I've been struggling with this same question. I've read countless threads, talked to the vendors, and am no closer to a decision. If somebody put a gun to my head, I would choose the AMS. A lot of the fastest evos I know about use an AMS FMIC... Gates311, nils...

Sponsorships or not, if it didn't work well, I don't think they would have racked up that many wins. But like I said, I'm in the same boat as you.

 

I am going for the CBRD I/C. A great way to add some safety for the engine tuning when roadracing. Pete

 

CBRD, AMS, Buschur, and ETS are all very nice. Any of these will get the job done. I'd aim for around a 4" thick core. Try and find a used one locally.

 

I have one of ours in stock ready to ship, they dont last long and we only build them in batches of 4 normally to order.

the nice thing about ours is that it is the big 3.8" garrett core, but fits the front bumper beam (which I'd keep for a track car, even our TA has it)... without cutting, and it fits with the oem undertray, carbing, beatrush, etc... which is an essential piece to have on the car for road racing as it is an aero aid.

We are probably the most expensive FMIC on the market, but with precision and performance comes a price

let me know if we can help!

cb

 

looking at your signature..

would you like a nice little package on the FMIC, BBK, and some other bits?

cb

 

Quite possibly. What did you have in mind? Feel free to reply, or PM me if that would be better.

 

Thanks for the recommendation. I've followed a lot of your posts, and am impressed with your car. Seems to be quick AND reliable, which is my goal with my 2nd Evo. How was spool impacted and how much pressure did you lose after the intercooler was installed?

 

I have been for about the last 3 months. No luck!!!! Seems like nobody wants to give up their quality IC's here in South Texas. Thanks for the feedback though.

 

how much heavier is a aftermarket unit compared to the stock IC? I am hesitant to add weight in the worst spot to add weight... just wondering

 

depends if you get tube and fin or bar and plate. The choices you mention earlier were bar and plate so about twice the weight. My nisei comp. is large and heavy, 2.5 times the weight, so it makes a great heatsink. Fills up the grill more than the others. I did my research throughly and landed on the Nisei. Plus I believe they go for 500-600 shipped now from maximumtech, one of our vendors. The extra lag is like adding a larger hotside which just a small amount but you do feel it. It fits without modding the crash beam, just barely though. Also, the worse place to put extra weight is probably the roof.

 

How about the under tray?

 

I was worried about weight for a long time as well. You need to run a bar and plate for efficiency, so it's going to be heavier than stock. On a stock turbo car it's a toss up. For a car making above 400 whp and running 25+psi there is a nice improvement in how the car is tuned.

 

You have to mod or lose the undertray. A lot of us daily drive without it.