[Jmore92]

Looking to purchase a intercooler but I'm not sure exactly on which one yet. I was checking out the design that utilities the factory C clips which is convenient making install quick and easy. But im not sure if the factory plastic piping and couplers can handle a tune at 18-20psi? Referring to the components here and type of intercooler here





Will those guys hold up to the boost? Or should I simple go for a vrsf / ets / etc. Intercooler that Eliminates those parts?

Lmk
Thanks!

[titium]

Wagner evo 1 performance on stage 2+ mhd for the last year or so including track use not once has it come off.

[rok335]

I would be more worried about the charge pipe if you haven't replaced that out yet. Mine busted running the MHD 1+ tune at 14 psi. First upgrade was to the ETS 5" intercooler. Then charge pipe after it busted, then cattless dp running MHD 2+. So far no problems.

[DaZuc]

Wouldn't even bother those stock clamps have a one time use clamp.

It's easier to replace with aftermarket silicon & tbolt clamps.

Personally I went with VRSF 50k+ miles no issues.

[dapz325]

they are also more restrictive than other connection on the market.

[Ballistic]

The stock connectors work pretty good. I'm running 18psi with a 5" ebay IC and this works just fine. Worka s fine for stage1… 1+ and 2.
Unfortunatly i need a better IC with stage2+ 95oct which will automatically push you to an IC with aftermarket connections.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

They can handle the boost of typical Stage 2+ FMIC cars but there is no point in retaining them if you don't have to. Getting rid of the restriction is the best move. I'd have to highly recommend avoiding stock coupler connection intercoolers, they aren't worth it.

[Tiago@VRSF]

The OEM connectors are horrible and neck down to about 1.8". We've seen cars gain 30whp at 500whp+ just from switching from the stock intercooler to our less restrictive 7" intercooler. The tiny 1.8" connections coupled with the incredibly small stock intercooler aren't adequate when you're essentially doubling boost and airflow from stock levels.

[Ballistic]

I guess opinions differ depending on if those persons want to sell stuff or not
Come on guys! This is a forum to help eachother out. I see much too ofter that people are here for personal (financial) gain telling everyone you really NEED this and that while this is not true in most cases.

We are talking about stock cars guys... I have no idea in what scenario you have a 500whp car on a stock turbo and intercooler.
There are various other restrictions in the inlet path like the stock turbo's its self. Upgrading to huge and expensive intercoolers is a waste of money and creates additional lag, specially when you are only running low boost upgrades on stock turbos.

If you have a small budget and your not too technical, get one with stock couplers. They slide right in.
How much the stock intercooler or any other for that matter can handle not only depends on boost but also how you drive it and in what climate.Your question cannot really be awnsered.
Stock or ebay on MHD stage1 and 2 is fine for fun driving and some pulls here and there like i do in my country. But when visiting Germany, i floor it for longer periods and IAT's will go through the roof with just 2 gears wot.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by Ballistic

I guess opinions differ depending on if those persons want to sell stuff or not
Come on guys! This is a forum to help eachother out. I see much too ofter that people are here for personal (financial) gain telling everyone you really NEED this and that while this is not true in most cases.

We used to sell both designs and scrapped the OEM design due to it's terrible performance. The plastic OEM connections are also prone to failure, just like the plastic lower chargepipe and upper chargepipe on these cars and you're forced to use the OEM when using an intercooler with OEM connections. It's not only the flow, it's the lack of reliability.

The knock off intercooler you bought off eBay is a copy of the Wagner Evo 1. After testing, Wagner eliminated the OEM connections when upgrading to the EVO 2 because they proved to be a major restriction. If you're not interested in my opinion maybe you'll listen to the option of the company who designed the intercooler you currently own

Originally Posted by Ballistic

Upgrading to huge and expensive intercoolers is a waste of money and creates additional lag, specially when you are only running low boost upgrades on stock turbos.

Our 7" is $449 retail, and it's 15% off right now and there's no difference in lag when going from a stock intercooler to something like the 7" referenced earlier. Please don't spread misinformation. Our 7" offers a larger overall surface area which significantly improves cooling, it doesn't restrict airflow and it's incredibly inexpensive.

OEM boost levels are around 7-8psi. Most tunes double that number which is no longer considered "low boost". When you're doubling pressure and significantly increasing flow you absolutely need to make compensations elsewhere in the intake tract.

Originally Posted by Ballistic

How much the stock intercooler or any other for that matter can handle not only depends on boost but also how you drive it and in what climate.Your question cannot really be awnsered.
Stock or ebay on MHD stage1 and 2 is fine for fun driving and some pulls here and there like i do in my country. But when visiting Germany, i floor it for longer periods and IAT's will go through the roof with just 2 gears wot.

I'm not following your logic. Why recommend an "upgraded" product that cause the IATs to go through the roof?

[titium]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

The plastic OEM connections are also prone to failure, just like the plastic lower chargepipe and upper chargepipe on these cars and you're forced to use the OEM when using an intercooler with OEM connections. It's not only the flow, it's the lack of reliability.

bit of a stretch don't you think...?.

Or is it plastic that's synonymous with "failure prone" for vendors?

[Oliv]

If it was so much of a problem, Wagner would stop producing the Evo1 Perf, no ?

Just asking, as it's the one I plan to buy since I have no need/will to go upper than Stage 1/1+ and want to keep the engine bay looking as stock as possible...

[Chris@VargasTurboTech]

We don't sell intercoolers. The OEM connections on the intercoolers are lousy and lossy. Ditch them first chance you get unless you're stock and sticking with stock or very light mods.

Chris

[MysticRob]

OEM connections are fine for a stockish system just running increased boost from the evidence I've seen. Those items you circled aren't known for failing, though obviously the upper charge pipe is a weak link.

I'm running a Mishimoto FMIC with the stock connectors simply because I don't plan to do much besides the MHD tune and eventually some better breathing exhaust (though I would like to do Cobb catted DPs if the kids ever move out and leave me with extra cash).

[Ballistic]

Yeah no problems here on the stock IC connections. Which contain a metal band/ring to optimize the seal.

18psi all day long. Right on target.

[ppll680]

Hi do somebody know how many hp a stock intercooler can handle thanks you.
435i xdrive mhd stage 1

[DaZuc]

Originally Posted by ppll680

Hi do somebody know how many hp a stock intercooler can handle thanks you.
435i xdrive mhd stage 1

Wrong forum, but I've seen them hold up to 20psi so far without any issues.