PT-Performance Direct Fit Intercooler Review

[desertsoldier22]

I was thrilled when a large rectangular box came to me months ago for I knew the my POS stock intercooler's days were numbered. Like a kid on Christmas morning I dug right in and pulled the shiny new unit out. My first impression was "damn that is a thick core!" and they gave me some nice v-band clamps too. My second impression was the end tanks, while quite large they did not look too aerodynamic unlike Hahnracecraft's similar unit, but the purported best Direct fit FMIC is AGP's and by god the PTP looks damn identical right down to the rows of fins and end tank and piping design.The welding was also quite top notch, and it passed my pressure testing with no leaks.


Well enough with how this thing looks how hard was it to install? After the bumper was removed I removed the stock intercooler (skinny ass core and all) and proceded to line up the hole with the studs on the car. OOPS the holes dont match up and the brackets need to be bent a little.... no biggie. With a drill I extended the length of the holes and bent the brackets flat. With the cooler installed, I then proceded to fight with the pipes. The passenger side was very easy, but the damned cold side would not install with my new v-band because the freakin PCM was in the way so I used the stock clamp and tightened it with max german torque.


I boost leak tested the system and found a big one at my PCV valve, thank god I had a new one and the PTP CV in my big box of toys and the IC held up past 24 psi

I then installed the bumper and took my baby on the road, I had previously measured my IAT readings with my scan tool and after a little boosting on the stocker my temps were over 130 degrees, but I beat the pants off the new one and my temps never exceeded any more than 5 degrees over ambient. The rated cooling efficiency in normal humdity is actually a little conservative, the downside was exactly as I predicted I have a noticeable bit of lag at stock PCM controlled boost. Its not a terrible amount just noticeable, but this was expected from any brand with a core this large. The best part though, is my fuel mileage, I have gained on average 3 mpg with hard driving.


Good job PTP, well worth the wait!

[04srt4black]

Awesome cause i just bought one of these !

[ptperformance]

Thank you for the review. The cold side was designed for aftermarket UPP pipes so that is why its positioned the way that it is. We have since corrected that so no issues with fitiment now. Not that your going to see much in the way of HP gains but the readings you are getting for you IAT readings will be the same when you up the boost. Keep us updated when you start to up the boost, thats is where you will really see how well the intercooler works.

[johnny.mac]

i want one, but i need moneyyyyy