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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 03:42 PM
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Larger intercooler question

As I am collecting information, it seems some information is contradictory. Here is a question to which I can not nail down an answer. I understand the role and function of an intercooler and thought a larger intercooler would be advantageous, even without other changes. Cooler is better, right?

As I researched this topic, I find complaints of a loss of low end power with larger intercoolers. I thought the increase in charge density would offset any loss due to the effect of larger cooler volume. The local shop guys, who are also serious racers who run Baja say without a turbo change, a larger intercooler would be a waste of money.

In my list of planned changes, where on the list should a larger intercooler go? I will be building for towing reliability with the intention of a gaining a modest power increase. Is this something I even need on my list?

Thanks,

Steve
 
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 04:09 PM
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i added a 6.0 intercooler to my stock e99 f250 and felt no difference
it should bring down egts 100-200 * which is a big benefit while towing
 
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by rat49f6
i added a 6.0 intercooler to my stock e99 f250 and felt no difference
it should bring down egts 100-200 * which is a big benefit while towing
Thanks, that is the kind of information I am seeking. My thinking was to start off with passive systems to keep temperatures down and then gradually build power.

Steve
 
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 08:51 PM
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i went in this order
1st - 6.0 ic
2nd - gauges
3rd - tuner
4th - van turbo
 
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 09:17 PM
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IMHO the 6.0 IC is a waste. They are not that much bigger, dont really cool any more then the 7.3 IC and ALL have plastic end tanks.

That being said, my 7.3 IC had plastic end tanks, and so did the 6.0 IC I swapped in.

I saw NO change with the ic swap.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 09:29 PM
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I saw a small drop. It's worth it if you get a good deal.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 11:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Izzy351
I saw a small drop. It's worth it if you get a good deal.
What's a good deal? and is E-Bay and CL the places to lurk?
 
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 11:33 PM
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$100-$150... anything more then that, save your money...
 
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 11:39 PM
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I got mine for $150 and I think it's a great upgrade!! My truck is a work truck tho.. If you use your truck to make $$$ then it is very cost effective.

If you are dropping big $$$ on hybrids, H2E or T4 turbo set up and big oil then you prob got the $$$ to drop on a $1200 IC..

Water Injection is another good addition.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 11:40 PM
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If you go all out, and into water injection, there are plenty of engine running huge power without an IC at all.......
 
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Old Jan 25, 2010 | 11:59 PM
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Originally Posted by CSIPSD
$100-$150... anything more then that, save your money...
Thanks. And where?
 
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Old Jan 26, 2010 | 12:03 AM
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Originally Posted by jkidd_39
I got mine for $150 and I think it's a great upgrade!! My truck is a work truck tho.. If you use your truck to make $$$ then it is very cost effective.

If you are dropping big $$$ on hybrids, H2E or T4 turbo set up and big oil then you prob got the $$$ to drop on a $1200 IC..

Water Injection is another good addition.
Definitely a work truck. Just want to add longevity and a few horses. I know sometimes those 2 are opposing.
 
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Old Jan 26, 2010 | 12:05 AM
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Does the stock IC lack cooling power, or is it restricting air?
 
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Old Jan 26, 2010 | 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by parkland
Does the stock IC lack cooling power, or is it restricting air?
Both, It's like 30% larger. And it flows better. If you get one and compare them it's obvious.

I didn't take a pic of a 7.3 and 6.0 compared.. darn.. I just got the 6.0 transmission cooler vs. 7.3 transmission cooler..
 
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Old Jan 26, 2010 | 06:34 AM
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Good input! I already have the 6.0 tranny cooler and my truck is definitely a work truck so the power mods will not be excessive. I have been pricing some of the aftermarket coolers, pretty pricey and maybe way more than I need.

Steve
 
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