[AcuraGuy]

Unfortunately, I don't have pictures yet. But a 2" x 4" wooden block broke thru the plastic mesh grille and dented the intercooler fins and the horizontal metal bars that sandwich the fins.

Is the intercooler liquid or air cooled? Could the dent possibly create a bottleneck when the liquid flows thru?
and thus create overheating?

So far, under non-aggressive, breaking-in style driving, oil temps are normal (3 clicks past middle).

[RichP]

its an air-to-air intercooler, so at worst, you would be leaking air outward of it, losing some boost pressure, and thus some power.

Would have to someone remove it from the car and pressure test it to see if its damaged, but if you dont see a hole in it, its probably fine.

[gonzo]

More than likely...you can just straighten the fins out and be fine. Frig'n construction trucks...

[Mike@Forge]

It won't be just that simple if the tubes are bent as well.

If the tubes are bent too, the internal fin structure will be smashed and mangled in that area as well.

This could pose a disruption the internal flow, but there could also be a hole (or 2 or 3 or more) anywhere along the surface area of the tubes, even hidden from view within the mass of external fins.

I would highly recommend having the unit pressure tested, and even if it's not leaking, replace it as soon as possible because it may over time.

[AcuraGuy]

okay thanks for the replies everyone. but in the mean time, it is only air that circulates the intercooler, as Rich stated right? so it wont overheat on me?

[Mike@Forge]

The intercooler's only purpose is to cool charge pressure (boost pressure).

That is all that is flowing through it. Just boost. Nothing else.

Any leaks or significant disruptions in flow, however, may adversely affect cooling efficiency, but it's impossible to determine exactly how much effect this may have. That's why I recommend getting it tested and replaced as soon as possible.