Is it possible to remove the Intercooler without removing the Radiator? I need to clean the Intercooler and would like to make it go as smooth as possible.
Bill

 

Yup... Gottta remove the header though

 

An FTE user named White Buffalo (Rich) has removed and installed an intercooler without draining or removing the radiator. Send him a PM and ask for advice.

 

Thanks for the replies, I will pm White Buffalo.
Bill

 

I read about it being done. You would have to really tip the radiator to get that intercooler in/out if you don't go through the header. I recently replaced my radiator (broken overflow nipple) and installed the 6.0 intercooler that has been in my garage for 3 years. After doing that I'm glad I waited until I pulled the radiator. The 6.0 cooler is taller (hangs lower below the mounts) and barely fits in place. Trying to do it while working around the radiator would have been outside my personal comfort zone. Just my .02

 

I removed and cleaned my intercooler without removing the radiator. It was not that hard.

 

Have you noticed a difference w the intercooler?

 

Use a thick piece of card Board between the Radiator and Fan. Seen many damaged not protecting the Core.

 

I did it with radiator and header in place. Plus a couple friends and a few beers. But as mentioned above you will be manhandling some parts so be careful about it.

Bigger IC will return on investment when dragging something heavy up a long grade. Otherwise skip it.

 

Slightly lower EGTs and that's about it. I had the opportunity years ago to get one on the cheap when I got a 6.0 trans cooler so I couldn't pass it up. It's a larger volume than the our OEM one so cools the air a little bit more before going into the cylinders.

You will need to buy 2 new boots for the intercooler connections. The inlet/outlet do not extend as far so you will need longer boots for both sides and the driver's side is a different size too. The one small benefit is that it is easier to get the CAC tubes on/off with that extra room.