Intercooler on 1997 Powerstroke
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 112
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From: Shenandoah Valley in Va
Intercooler on 1997 Powerstroke
Just wondering if anyone has installed an aftermarket intercooler on a '97 Powerstroke. Does it really help performance wise? How difficult are they to install and are they worth the $1,100 price?
Thanks for your input.
Stroker350
Thanks for your input.
Stroker350
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 369
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From: Brighton, Co
They do help but do yourself a favor and do the 99 Superduty intercooler instead. You can usually find a take off on E-bay for cheap and install it yourself. Go to www.gtsmorotsports.com there is a great install article at that website and also a pipe kit that makes it easier. Mine ended up costing about $250 for everything, of course I got my intercooler for free.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,764
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From: CentralEastern Utah
Adding a intercooler really won't be worth the money unless your unable to keep your egt's low when towing. Or if you plan on or have bigger injectors. While cooler denser air means more air, what small difference it makes in power won't be worth the dough. If your towing alot and running high temps contantly it might also be worth it. The intercooler will lower egt's allowing you to use more fuel to make more power.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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What about turbo lag from an intercooler install? Will a chip help reduce the lag, or does a IDM mod need to be done?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Marysville, Wa
i've never heard the idm mod reduces lag, if you dont have a chip, i really doubt you need the ic anyways, but yes there is going to be lag. A chip will help with that lag.
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I do have a chip, and I am running high EGT's when towing my 8K# 5th wheel. I was wondering if having a chip already is enough to prevent turbo lag, or if there is another mod (like an IDM mod) that would help with the lag. Or is the turbo lag not that noticeable? I have not installed the intercooler yet, I just wanted to know if there are any other things I need to consider before I start the project.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Helotes, Texas
Just my 2 cents, forget the intercooler. It is not going to give you any noticeable power gains, and unless you have EGT problems or plan on going with monster injectors, it's a lot of money for little gain. If your looking for quick easy power, use a chip or propane injection, just make sure you have the gauges to monitor the temps and an exhaust upgrade. I run a Diablo chip in my truck and am experimenting with propane now and I have no problems with EGTs or making tons of power ;-).
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Helotes, Texas
Yeah, up to about 14 or 15k pounds. I flip my chip to the tow safe mode when I'm hauling heavy though. Truck is pretty heavy all the time though, almost 9k. I'm right at max on gvwr, guess I shoulda bought a Dually, lol. Oh well, maybe in the future... Have you upgraded exhaust, downpipe, intake etc?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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Yes, I have 4 inch exhaust and downpipe (not sure of the size of the downpipe), but I have not modified the intake. I just have the stock setup with a K&N filter. Do you think I would have better results with an intake system then an intercooler?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,529
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From: Marysville, Wa
for power gains, just get a good intake, that k&n in the stock housing is junk. I wouldnt worry about the IC, as long as you dont see over 1350 for any period of time, your fine, i run at 1250 unloaded up the mountains all the time... course, big injectors, big tires and no IC help keep the temps up there.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Helotes, Texas
I agree, go with an intake. I have the K&N FIPK cold air kit, but a lot of guys don't like the K&N filters. Tymar is big on this forum as is the Kwik filter set-up (homemade tymar). I like having the cold air system myself though, and have had no problems with the K&N "dusting" my turbo. Search on this forum for plenty about air intakes and filters. Hope it helps.