[turbot79]

Who has the best overall setup. As in price and function. Need to get a parts list going for a new project
Thanks
Tim

[turboplz]

Unfortunately there really isn't many plug and play type options for the Xr4ti when it comes to intercoolers. You have the 2x4, 4x4 and rs500 type intercoolers and all have their pro's and con's.

Merkur Depot's current IC setup uses a large NPR intercooler which I would say is effecient to around 350hp or so. The RS500 replicas are decent, but a lot of guys have mounting issues with the tabs not lining up correctly. You can get a true Forge RS500 intercooler, but those run about $500+. Currently I'm using a Volvo FMIC, but it's holding me back big time(as well as the stock turbo) and a lot of guys also use the Porsche 944 intercooler and saab900 intercoolers.

Really it's going to come down to what your intentions and cost limits are. You can get a decent stock intercooler from a number of cars to work for cheap, but they won't support much HP. Or you can opt for the ebay specials as well.

[1987merkur]

i made a gn intercooler work in mine, cut the ends flipped and made it mount and look like a fmic, supports 500hp.

[warren91]

i bought an actual forge unit and i had to make new mounts as it didnt exacly line up...

[bw_krupp]

The knock off RS500 ICs fit with minor grinding of the tabs. My opinion has always been: no a/c = RS500. Never bothered to form an opinion for IC with keeping the A/C since mine is long gone.

[87blackbird]

My rs500 rep. Fit great. No issues.

[turboplz]

What's your guys opinions on the rs500 units? I'm at a point where I need to upgrade the IC but don't really feel like fabbing up custom mounts and creating a bunch of piping. Any datalogs of temps after a full out WOT run and what kind of numbers are you putting down? Also, it seems the clones are all 2.5" in/3" out. Anyone able to find them 2.5" in/out?

Thanks!

[motorhead_1]

hey 1987merkur can i get a pic of your gn ic set-up? thx!

[edge]

I have the XS Power one and it is 3" in and out. Mounting holes needed to be grounded out some. Can't say how it performs have never finished it up since purchasing it.

[stott]

Originally posted by turboplz:
What's your guys opinions on the rs500 units? I'm at a point where I need to upgrade the IC but don't really feel like fabbing up custom mounts and creating a bunch of piping. Any datalogs of temps after a full out WOT run and what kind of numbers are you putting down? Also, it seems the clones are all 2.5" in/3" out. Anyone able to find them 2.5" in/out?

Thanks!

i have a forge rs500 unit. 3.0" in/out

it works in the SVO, but i had to fab different mounting brackets, and then the hard part is finding a radiator that will fit. even the explorer radiator is too wide to fit bewteen the outlets. i went with a 67 ford falcon radiator, which just barely worked. had to make custom brackets.


on another note, i think it's kind of BS the way people talk about intercoolers efficiently supporting X horsepower. the fact is you could have a low PSI large turbo that doesn't heat the air as much as a high PSI small turbo, and hence won't need as much intercooling.

edit: to make A/C work with the forge unit, you'd have to make custom condenser lines, and probably move it to a different location.