Not sure where to post this. But is there a tool out there than straightens fins on your intercooler? i guess you could make one. and yes it would be quite time consuming but I have some bent fins on my IC and its really an eye sore. Has anybody done this? If you did this yourself, what did you use?
It would be really cool to have some sort of tweezers that you could just put between the fins and squeeze it to straighten it out.
thanks
-Malcon

another thought, do any of you guys have a mesh screen or somthing over the IC to protect it? or you just have the besh behind the hood scoop?
thanks again

 

Go to any refrigeration or air conditioning parts store, they sell fin straightners for any kind of coil

 

Problem is the fins are in a V pattern on the IC, not straight like an AC condenser or refirgeration unit. A regular fin comb won't work. Maybe they have something else.

 

I ordered the fin straightener online for about $7. We'll see how far i can get with that. on the alta V1 the fins are in a v pattern the they go straight down. the way they are bent is a little different so i think it could get me some of the way there. We'll have to see.

 

I've done mine with a tiny flat bladed screwdriver and a lot of patience... basically re-sculpting them individually...

 

yeah Ive got the patients. I guess i'll have to put them to the test!

 

an Exacto blade works well.

 

After you get them bent back, don't touch your intercooler fins again - if at all in the first place. Hey, it works.

 

Me too. Or a pick. Also used the same procedure on oil coolers, radiators and other heat exchangers.

 

Same here, just take your time....

 

You do realize it compromises performance right? LOL, I dunno how much(depends on how messed up your IC is) But the flow of air isnt gunna be as good when they are bent

 

after I get the fins bent back to looking good I'm expecting at least a 2 HP increase... I should be able to feel a difference...right??

 

haha

 

LMAO...

 

Use a red screwdriver and you'll get another horsepower or two.....

 

I know that... What I meant was that you should try not to damage your intercooler to begin with. But since it is damaged, fix it, then be careful.

 

yeah I bought it from somebody who didnt take great care of it... so now I'm trying to nurse it back to health. haha

 

don't let a pediatrician near it ....they have little patients.

 

Ba...dunt...bump.......

 

 

a wooden popsicle stick is just the right thickness ... been doing it for years

 

NICE.....and refreshing

 

A question...where are the fins you are trying to straighten? If they are where the bottom of the IC meets the intake manifold mounts, you need to grind those mounts down a bit or get an M7 extreme/ram scoop.

 

or..

Duckbill pliers. Use them all the time.

Lognboard

 

yeah thats what I'm using right now they seem to be working.
After I finally get most of the streightened out I'm going to see about putting a mesh over the top of the IC to prevent anymore of these from getting bent.. anybody done this?