intercooler options?

[92_6bolt_1290]

Ok, so besides the major annoyance of needing new valves in my gsx, I would still like to do something bolt on(so I don't spend tons-o-money in the head).
the previous owner for some crazy reason was running 18 psi through the stock intercooler and I've heard elsewhere that the stock IC stops being efficiant at 16 psi. So my question would be; is that true, and what(your own opinion) front mount intercooler should I get? right now the gsx is running a small 16g turbo that has been ported and clipped with a 40mm(i think) external wastegate and 2.5" Dejon hard piping and I would like to be able to boost 20 psi this summer once I get 560cc denso injectors.

 

[FLASH1970]

In the upper left hand corner of the page is a "TECH" tab. Click on that and there is a good set of articles called "Upgrade Paths". It should help out a lot if you are kind of new to this. Not trying to be a jerk, just some people don't know about them. But, if you want to run 20psi I'd say you need a front mount intercooler, injectors (bigger than 560's), Wideband, datalogger, boost gauge, MBC.

 

[red_devil]

Ok, so besides the major annoyance of needing new valves in my gsx, I would still like to do something bolt on(so I don't spend tons-o-money in the head).
the previous owner for some crazy reason was running 18 psi through the stock intercooler and I've heard elsewhere that the stock IC stops being efficiant at 16 psi. So my question would be; is that true, and what(your own opinion) front mount intercooler should I get? right now the gsx is running a small 16g turbo that has been ported and clipped with a 40mm(i think) external wastegate and 2.5" Dejon hard piping and I would like to be able to boost 20 psi this summer once I get 560cc denso injectors.

It can depend on the setup but yes the stock ic can heat soak at above 15psi.

There are a lot of options for your car first question is that what type of j-pipe are you running as this will determine the install kit. Another is that you will most likely get a complete kit that will mean you will no longer need your Dejon piping.

I would recomomend the punishent racing one
DSM Intercooler Kits - Punishment Racing - Punish The Competition and comes with a j-pipe that will make it and easy bolt on.

 

[delta448]

The intercooler doesn't just stop working at 16psi. Yes, it will eventually heat soak when there's too much hot air flowing through it, but it isn't abrupt and it goes away when you back out of the boost a bit and go into light load cruise. The ambient conditions and turbo you're using make big differences, and with a clipped 16G and stock intercooler you may very well start seeing a little heat soak at 16psi on a warm day, depending on how you drive your car.

I'd recommend a medium sized core for use with your 16G. Something between 18-26 x 6-12 x 2.5-3. ETS makes the best, but if you're on a budget many no-name ebay cores are actually pretty decent. I bought my old 25x12x3 FMIC core on ebay for less than $150 shipped, then bought and fab'd up some aluminum piping. The company I bought from actually has their own site, and many DSMers are using their products with good results. If you're a DIYer, this is the lowest cost option, if not then buy a PR or ETS kit.

 

[kngofbrknprts]

i agree with the punishment racing kit, its a good price and kit but you get what you pay for. I have one on my car and the only issue i have is that the BOV rubs the hood very slightly, other than that it is a very good kit and would be ideal for what you have. just my $.02

 

[MattratfTSI]

Punishment racing makes a great kit for 399. It's way better than taking chances with eBay. Comes with everything you will need

 

[delta448]

^ Ever see this thread?

My post edited above.