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Old Sep 13, 2009 | 10:06 AM
  #1  
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Intercooler Questions

Ok guys, I'm thinking of putting an intercooler on my truck as I do a lot of heavy (9500 lbs.) towing.. From what I've seen on here the 6.0 cooler is better than the 7.3? Am I right? I've seen these on Ebay for $200-300 used.. Have also seen the Banks ones that are well over 1000.. Why is Banks so expensive?

From what I've read these are like a radiator but for air and should reduce EGT's. I'm wondering how much of a reduction would I see? Any other benefits? How big a pain are they to isntall?

Any links showing installation or phots?

Thanks
 
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Old Sep 13, 2009 | 01:46 PM
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The Banks kit is a top flight unit. If you catch one of their sale weekends $1400 or so plus tax delivered. I don't really think thats overpriced considering. But if one is skilled enough (that leaves me out) you can do it cheaper and maybe better. Saw a IC on ebay for like fifty bucks the other day.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2009 | 02:51 PM
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If you have the ability, fab up the intercooler yourself. It is not too difficult, but will require some metal work. Do a search and you will find a ton of threads on the the install. Here's a good link to start with.

http://members.localnet.com/~boys3/

As for the benefits, you will experience lower exhaust temps when you are under boost. Cooler air entering the chamber means that it is denser = more power.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2009 | 03:42 PM
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With banks you are paying for a name.

It sounded like the consensus around here was the 6.0 cooler was better then the banks.

Probably because of the price/quality ratio though as well.

I'd rather spend 300 and get cold air, then 1400 and get 2 more degree cold air.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2009 | 06:08 PM
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I have never really heard the huge difference between 6.0 and 7.3 coolers. If you are on a budget and can find a 7.3 cooler for $150 (seems that's what they go for) and a 6.0 for around $300 (seems that's what they go for) I'd grab the 7.3 cooler, ESPECIALLY if the 7.3 cooler has alum tanks. Otherwise from what I have read the 6.0 might run 75* cooler than a 7.3, so to a PSD that never had a cooler, I'd say a 7.3 cooler is great!

I found a used Banks cooler for $125 and bought the Banks pipe kit, and the whole thing bolted right on and fit great for under $500. I think the Banks cooler is a great set-up, but I wouldn't ever expect to see myself buying one new, just too much $$$. If you come across a used Banks unit, get the pipe kit and it's a great set-up for the money.

The Banks cooler is amazing. I can't comment on the 7.3 cooler but I bet it does just as well. Temps run way lower than I expected even towing. I don't know why I waited so long to do it.

On the total cheap, you can buy a used 7.3 cooler and used 7.3 pipes and cut & weld and have the same thing for probably $300 - $400...
 
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Old Sep 13, 2009 | 06:16 PM
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I want to do an intercooler so bad. But I also want to get my radiator redone as well.
 
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Old Sep 13, 2009 | 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by FARM69
If you have the ability, fab up the intercooler yourself. It is not too difficult, but will require some metal work. Do a search and you will find a ton of threads on the the install. Here's a good link to start with.

http://members.localnet.com/~boys3/

As for the benefits, you will experience lower exhaust temps when you are under boost. Cooler air entering the chamber means that it is denser = more power.
That is a freakin excellent link man!! I'll be using it within the next few weeks installing a i/c setup on a friend's '96.

And again when I put the tapercore in my '95.

Reps sent!!
 
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Old Sep 13, 2009 | 10:41 PM
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Originally Posted by FARM69
If you have the ability, fab up the intercooler yourself. It is not too difficult, but will require some metal work. Do a search and you will find a ton of threads on the the install. Here's a good link to start with.

http://members.localnet.com/~boys3/

As for the benefits, you will experience lower exhaust temps when you are under boost. Cooler air entering the chamber means that it is denser = more power.
Thanks for the great link, this is the kind of info I was looking for....
 
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Old Sep 14, 2009 | 11:46 AM
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Hmm Dad did a banks install on his 6.0 super duty and gave me the stock IC. I see my self using the steps in that link to install it on my bone stock 97 7.3 in the near future.
 
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Old Sep 15, 2009 | 12:29 AM
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Why are the 6.0 and newer 7.3 guys upgrading and what are they upgrading to? Also, if they are upgrading to something better, wouldn't it be better for us to do the same upgrade? I know that just by adding an I/C it is an upgrade already, but I was just wondering if something else is better.
 
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Old Sep 15, 2009 | 12:42 AM
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The 6.0 guys seem to feel the need to upgrade for whatever reason. I'll never change anything on mine. It does all I ask of it and does it well. The SD guys may actually need a bigger IC depending on mods. Like I said I don't have the facility or the tools to build it myself. I'm a do it once and do it right kind of guy. If I ever install an IC it will be the Banks unit.
 
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Old Sep 15, 2009 | 10:26 AM
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Remember, lots of people buy parts stricktly because of advertisements.

But all I really remember seeing on here being any good from banks is the Turbo Y pipe.

Banks is a name, and says himself PSD's suck.
 
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Old Sep 15, 2009 | 11:13 AM
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Dad drags a fith wheel camper around. I think i heard him say something to that effect as one of the reasons for upgrading his turbo and ic. he also got one of those tuners too. not sure really if he did anything more than that but that truck runs great.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2009 | 11:51 AM
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hah! that guy has a good sight. Even listed the CCV mod!

First person i've seen use a backpressure valve on it though. That sounds like a decent idea.

Unless you really screw up the instalation and its always closed.
 
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Old Sep 16, 2009 | 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by 95_Dually
Why are the 6.0 and newer 7.3 guys upgrading and what are they upgrading to? Also, if they are upgrading to something better, wouldn't it be better for us to do the same upgrade? I know that just by adding an I/C it is an upgrade already, but I was just wondering if something else is better.
Whats better than a free inter-cooler for a stock truck that never had one to begin with? a marginally better piece for $1400 on sale? nah not in my case. that might be great for guys who dont mind throwing all kinds of cash at a truck thats over 12 years old. free works out great for my budget. besides 1400 would get me much needed rims and tires.
 
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