Raider89

I am trying to understand the technical differences between various intercoolers to get best bang for buck. I would like to upgrade my 2008 stock IC to better performance. Of the many intercoolers out there, especially for hot atmosphere here in Houston area, which ones is best value? As most things, highly opinionated, thus trying to understand technical details between GT2RS style, Champion, TPC, GMG, Fabspeed, etc. Seems like GT2RS is much cheaper than most aftermarket, but not sure if really that much of upgrade. Any comments? Also, what is fair labor quote for demo/install in your area from qualified shop?
Thanks,

Kevin

Depends on how much boost you are running?

The GT2RS IC's are very efficient and will support boost levels to 1.5bars..

Above this level, OR Race track duty, I would be looking at the Marston IC in the UK.

512bb

I run the TPC Racing ones and when I compared them to the rest, they are much bigger and all metal (the GT2 RS ones still have plastic ends). One of the important things about changing to bigger intercoolers is to make sure that the shroud is modified so that air does not leak around it - when that happens regardless of the size of the intercooler, they won't really be effective.

Raider89

At present, totally stock. Intend to use Cobb tuner in future. I do track the car 3-5 times per year which is source of concern given high temperatures here in Houston area.

nzskater

Good question. After pulling my stock ICs to clean them (highly recommended by the way) I am starting to consider replacing (mine are looking a little grimy after 129k km). I do plan on getting a tune at some point, but biggest concern is efficiency during track days. I tend to do 15-25min sessions. I had read that the GT2RS ICs are actually better suited to track work than many of the AM options?

CincyScott

Dollar for dollar, it's hard to beat the 997.2 IC's. Look up RL member Powdrhound. He's a true track junkie in a 996tt and ran 997.2's until recently. His set up is more than most of us will ever be able to do/afford and he had lots of success with them. Just a data point.

I have them as well, but I'm such a comparitive grandma to many, I doubt I really needed them.

TT Surgeon

How much trimming do you actually have to do when installing the 997.2 ic?

TTurboRoo

Once the coolers are out of the car, I spent about an hour trimming the aluminum tabs on the new coolers so that they would fit together with the factory clipping system. Then about thirty minutes each to trim the plastic shrouds with a razor blade knife. You just trim off about a 1/4 inch lip from each shroud then a little more trimming to the shape of the new coolers.

Raider89

On a side note, has anyone posted DIY for the removal of the rear bumper and body panels to gain access to the intercoolers before, cant find anything?

saabin

Sure, a whole bunch of DC's DIYs are here, bumper included..

https://rennlist.com/forums/997-turb...eedonline.html

A418t81

Very minimal. There's a little lip on the edge of the intercooler shroud that you trim down. The plastic is soft. You can do it with large scissors or tin snips. It's very easy. I also used the zip tie method to hold the shrouds together. I see people freaking out about that, but it works very well, and it requires the least amount of monkeying around. I've had my car apart recently, and the zip ties all look perfect after a year and a half.

The 997.2 ICs are hard to beat for the average tuned driver running around, or even those that track at roughly stock power levels. They are a massive upgrade over the factory ICs, and they are very well vetted with extensive performance data. The aftermarket IC companies have all been reluctant to directly compare, because usually there's not much (if any) of a performance difference until you start stepping up to systems like AMS. Frankly, there's so much of an improvement in cooling and flow, even bone stock cars would benefit.

Raider89

Awesome reference DIY instructions. After studying them, have an open questions. Since the GT2 style is thicker and shorter length:
1) does the thicker IC affect the securement of the ducts back to car attachment location? This increases the overall dimension of final assembly.
2) was the foam intended to block excess gap on both ends of duct due to shorter GT2 IC? Has that shown to be effective?
3) I assume GT2 actual plastic ducts on both sides were made for an exact fit to the GT2 IC. Will those correctly fitting two ducts attach directly to my older 2008 attachment points? This would eliminate the need for trimming, zip ties, retrofitting.
Thanks,

Raider89

Bump, hoping someone can confirm the 3 previous questions.

therock88

Hope this helps:

1.) Not really a problem...by trimming the lips, the net is about the same. They are just slightly snug, but easily aligned and re-installed with no issues.

2.) Foam was used to create a better seal. There is a foam gasket in the OEM set-up, so figured should seal them up again. Keep the cool air focused and not leaking in to the bumper cover.

3.) You can buy the 997.2 ducting. It was well over $1K just for the ductwork as I posted on 6Speed...But to answer your question...you can use that if you like and it will fit...just very expensive...

Here is the list:

5 - Part Number: 99757565701
intake duct 3.8 LITER Left
MSRP: $301.55

5 - Part Number: 99757565801
intake duct 3.8 LITER Right
MSRP: $301.55

6 - Part Number: 99757586901
intake duct gasket 3.8 LITER Left
MSRP: $34.98 $0.00 $25.58

6 - Part Number: 99757586901
intake duct gasket 3.8 LITER Right
MSRP: $34.98

9 - Part Number: 9975754710101C
lower duct 3.8 LITER Left
MSRP: $291.41

9 - Part Number: 9975754720101C
lower duct 3.8 LITER Right
MSRP: $291.41

10 - Part Number: 99757589000
lower duct gasket 3.8 LITER Left
MSRP: $34.98

10 -Part Number: 99757589000
lower duct gasket 3.8 LITER Right
MSRP: $34.98

You can find these cheaper, or used, but at MSRP you are looking at : $ 1328.84 + Shipping and/or tax.

DC

estrellajon

We all better thank this guy up here ^^^^