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Intercooler 101...?!

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Old Jun 19, 2002 | 05:20 PM
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Default Intercooler 101...?!

What's the purpose of a intercooler? Well I know that the name contains "cooler" so it tells me that it most probably cools parts of the engine. My questions:
- how does it work?
- purpose
- what's the benefit of an aftermarket one?
- general installation info (replace with radiator or put it in front of it?)
- i know GReedy makes intercooler systems for preludes and WRX, any company make custom ones with special fit in 'tegs?

Thanks
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Old Jun 19, 2002 | 05:24 PM
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it cools the compressed air that comes out of the turbo then it goes in the engine. basically u gotta have turbo to have an intercooler. it looks cool and it goes infront of the radiator.
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Old Jun 19, 2002 | 05:26 PM
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is the air to the radiator reduced by having the intercooler in front? I immagine that the intercooler will pose a resistence to the radiator air flow! Does it harm the car in any way?
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Old Jun 19, 2002 | 05:28 PM
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Works almost exactly like your radiator, but cools down air coming out of a turbocharger. Yes it increases the heat of the air reaching the radiator, which does adversely affect cooling. Usually not too much.
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Old Jun 19, 2002 | 06:34 PM
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My question is this....The intercooler is going to cool the air only as much as the air outside right? Well then what is the difference from a intercooler and a cold air intake?
Can anyone help with this
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Old Jun 19, 2002 | 08:13 PM
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the laws of thermodynamics say that when air is compressed, it will heat up. so the compressed air heats up, & the intercooler cools the air down
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Old Jun 19, 2002 | 09:27 PM
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Originally posted by 90'RS
My question is this....The intercooler is going to cool the air only as much as the air outside right? Well then what is the difference from a intercooler and a cold air intake?
Can anyone help with this
Cold air intake and intercooler and different things. CAI is for any car, N/A or FI, while intercooler is for turbo/supercharged cars.

CAI cost about $150
Intercooler cost about $1000
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