My tuner, who I won't name here but trust 100% recommends that I not re-install my larger GP Intercooler on my 05 MCSC which produced 200+ whp on a dyno.

We have had some CEL not related to the Intercooler and now that they are resolved, he is putting mods back on the car. His argument is that especially in the summer the intercooler actually acts as a heat sink in regular driving (I have the spray adapter but have never hooked it up...) He also argues that the larger mass of the intercooler means that once heated, there is a longer recovery time before the it is permitting cooler air into the supercharger, so I was wondering if anyone has any input.

BTW he also argues that stationary dyno runs with hood up and water being sprayed will produce a higher dyno reading which I'd agree with and is how my test was run.

Appreciate input, I have until Monday to decide to go back to OEM on this mod and if I do, I maybe selling an over sized Intercooler. Thanks. Rgds, Mike

 

With heavy, poorly destined intercoolers,the above mentioned concerns were/are issues....but the GP IC, when used with the proper diverter has the same desgin and charistics as the regular oem one....heckyou can ser where they added the extra 2 rows to increase its cooling capicity....
All the above arguments did have merit with most of the aftermarket ic, but the gp is like the oem one you have, but better..same desgin, same heat soak, and cool down charistics, etc...it has slightly more volume...imo not enough tocause lag. The gphas been popular for a reason.....oem quality, oem fit, oem engernieering....it just bolts on and works...anybody with a scanguage and a butt dyno will tell you how well....remember, an upgraded ic is not about making power, but mataining that power in hot envorments, or componsating for heat generating mods....like pullies....

 

You did change the diverter on the ic and hood right....failure to do so could result in minimal performance change, and even part of the ic not getting airflow....
Grayraven did this swap a while back....used the scan guage to check on the temp decrease....very impressive....he had a m7 cooler before....and it did have the above mentioned issues..

 

Go with the GP. It is the one intercooler that is highly regarded and tests well for the issues described. If not, give it to me. I have a stock one for you.

 

I was wondering if the only GP intercooler diverter is made by DDM. What about the stock GP diverter?

 

The hood mounted part is critical...
There are a few posts around....I think it can be modified..the plastic oem gp part is replaced by the ddm part....adds a better look too I think...might add a bit of cooling/airflow direction.....but the part really in question is the part attatched to the hood...most go ic sellers sell the whole thing....

 

So would this tuner recommend that GP owners ditch their intercoolers for the slightly smaller stock MCS unit?? Sorry, it just doesn't make much sense. Stick with the GP intercooler.

 

I'll put myself out there. Your tuner is WRONG, stick with the GP intercooler, we did a lot of testing and found some of the best results with it.

 

I also agree a better intercooler is an improvement. I installed the DOS copper unit and am on a trip from Oregon to Indiana and back. In the mountains at elevation and hot weather, I had good power - more than I seemed to have prior to installing the copper unit in less severe conditions. I haven't had it dynoed yet, but, the car has been fantastic. I rarely need to shift out of 6th gear, even going up the continental divide, passing trucks etc, accelerating from 50 to 85 MPH fully loaded with luggage and passenger and air conditioning on.

The nice thing about the DOS unit is it out-performs the GP unit (according to DOS tests) but has the same footprint as stock; except it is 1/2 inch thicker, have to discard the old diverter and carefully seal the scoop with new (provided) foam rubber. I added some additional rubber under the front lip so that there were no cracks at all.

R52 MCS: 15% pulley, Madness CAI, ALTA inlet, DOS intercooler, - stock exhaust.

 

+1 to GP IC and DDMWorks diverter. In all my research, the OEM and GP ICs do heat soak quickly, but they also cool off really quickly, too. While I love the DOS copper IC, the GP IC/diverter combo offers the best bang-for-the-buck vs. reduction in IC temps. If you're really into making sure you have plenty of airflow, you can also get the M7 Extreme Scoop.

Spraying the intercooler can also help, especially in warm/hot conditions. Having said all this, normal day-to-day driving will not really be affected. It's tracking the car or hammering some twisties that will allow these mods to really shine.

 

I was on a stock intercooler. I have a scangage II to monitor temps. I went to a GP IC. In stop and go traffic any car will be hot. Doesn't matter. The whole idea behind it is dissipation and recovery. The GP made a world of difference. Once traffic or the track opens and I can get going it works. Especially with the right diverted otherwise a no-go. You also have to realign the foam on the inside of the bonnet.

 

Does the GP IC fit on the automatic MCS?

Thank you! Jac

 

From what I have read and seen, it should. Here is a pic of mine fitted. Note it covers the spark plug wires now.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1181151...80719646049538

 

Yes we have done it the important thing is we remove the plastic diverter part from the hood, otherwise it can dent the hood.

 

Thanks everyone!