I thought of this the other day as something I may look into.
CSF makes a heavier-duty bar and plate intercooler; not sure how much more volume is over stock, and XDP also sells a heavy-duty bar and plate upgrade intercooler (they look almost identical, but I'll ask XDP).
It can be had for about $450-600 if you want to upgrade charge piping; you could do the kit from Rudy's Diesel which looks identical to the Banks piping kit, for about $230.
Is $600-700 worth the investment for some additional intercooler volume and lower IATs?
Banks complete packages about 2.5x that amount, which is a heavy investment, but I can see doing what I mentioned above.
Years and years ago, I went from a factory Volkswagen 2.0T intercooler to a unit off an Audi S3 which dropped in but offered a 30% larger volume for about $350 and a few hours.
It wasn't a night and day difference, but I distinctly remember going on that first drive and thinking that I knew it picked up some extra power and was well worth the investment.
Just a few thoughts, but it would be something I might consider over time if I had the data (I.E., the lower priced CSF or XDP units are 35% larger volume, etc.).
I don't think the juice is worth the squeeze for the complete Banks unit, or Mishimoto, which also creeps up around $1500.
Bookmarks