Anybody tried installing a universal front mount intercooler yet? I know there's a lot of DIY'ers out there, so I was wondering if anybody had tried it. I've seen alot of universal intercoolers ranging from $100 to $300 that seem to be about the right dimensions.

 

yeah good question, i hope someone can chime in on this. its nice to save a buck or two.

 

I'm seeing alot of them on ebay for less than $100, im sure build quality and ease of installation might be questionable, but for the price it might be worth the trouble

 

i know for the WRX community, a lot of people have had fantastic results with ebay intercoolers. my only concern with the MINI is the tight spacing.

 

the most important thing for a good intercooler is the core. Buy a good core and get the ends custom made for the car and you're good to go!

 

exactly. those selling R56 kits aren't making the cores themselves. they are just taking existing cores and fab'ing up the rest.

 

What kind of shop would make custom ends for an intercooler core? At what cost?

 

a reputable tuner who mainly deals in Japanese turbo cars (Sti, Evos) will have the cores that you need as well as the expertise to fabricate the ends for you.

Cost.... I live in Malaysia, the price we get those at is definately than what it cost to get it made in the states.

 

Im currently in Germany so a reputable tuner who deals in Japanese cars might be kind of hard to find.

Anybody have the exact dimensions of one of the aftermarket intercoolers for the R56? Im gonna make some measurements this weekend and see if I can find a universal intercooler that works

 

Why not just take measurements off of your car and make it how you want instead of the others?

 

Thats exactly what im doing this weekend

 

Ironic, spent an hour looking around this morning for R56 mods and came across some cores for around $100-150 the size of the ALTA one (although wider) so lots of money to save there

http://www.frozenboost.com/index.php...415f5a484cc434

 

Nice!

 

wider wont fit without sticking out... look at the *** company that made an intercooler kit with the "Universal" stuff found on ebay etc... they had to cut the grill and it looks like its poking out

 

Ahh, I thought you were going to just try to copy ones already made...sorry for the misinterpretation.

 

Is the stock intercooler inlet and outlet 2.25 inches?

 

Those who try this, keep us posted on the results! I'm VERY curious to see how things turn out!

 

from another post ...

....and from ALTA


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Also found an EVO 8/9 IC and it has close dimensions although too thick I believe
The core dimensions are, 25" x 11.5" x 3.5" and utilizes a tube and fin design. Endtank inlet and outlet diameter is 2".

Loads of others from FMIC makers here in the USA and they are closer in size and $150-200 - check ebay

 

So has anyone done this? I am planning on doing it this month. Just having hard time figuring the perfect size that will fit it good.

 

If this is all true than these intercoolers should work. They will just need some piping on the ends.

http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/part...s/M_Line/15204

 

Has any one seen any intercoolers that have outlets in the rear just like the Alta, it will be much easier to deal with the piping. Any help apreciated, actually looking to get this project done by end of this month ill post info once i find the best intercooler that fits, largest possible. without cutting any metal, fine with trimming bumper and actually thiking of deleting the lower grill.