Front mount intercooler

[Joshkcupra]

Hi folks,

I've been looking into getting a front mounted intercooler for my Cupra as I'm going to be remapping it soon.. I've looked at the S3 intercooler and its fairly expensive option, alongside the Forge intercooler..

So being a tight arse as I am... I had a look around and found this;
http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=130800230940

My question is how different can an intercooler really be? Is it actually worth the £100's of pounds for the Forge or are we just paying for the name?

Thanks guys

 

[James_R]

Your paying for the quality.

 

[carl_ep91]

S3 intercooler is a straight swap and isn't expensive really there 250 plus vat of backdraft you may be saving buying the cheap ebay cooler but then you got to mess around to get it to fit and you don't know the quality of it....

 

[Joshkcupra]

I can't see that there would be a massive difference in terms of product quality in intercoolers, it's just a series of welds and material, the gauges of material may be different, but nothing to justify an uplift of £400-500?!

 

[carl_ep91]

S3 from backdraft is 330 delivered that's a fair price for a tried and tested cooler I think?

 

[James_R]

I can't see that there would be a massive difference in terms of product quality in intercoolers, it's just a series of welds and material, the gauges of material may be different, but nothing to justify an uplift of £400-500?!

You could have 2 pies, one made with £15 steak, the other with 49p dog food. They'll both look the same but the steak one will always taste better.

The intercooler that's been specifically developed under test conditions then rigorously tested will often give the best results and stand the test of time, unfortunately you have to pay for such R&D and quality.

 

[AndrewJB]

You are also aware that your car already has a FMIC and unless your driving it very hard at Stage2+ its a waste of money?

if you just having a Stage1 map then don't waste your money!

 

[Nath.]

^^^^^^ Agree. I was pleasantly surprised to find my FR had a FMIC. Obviously the S3 one will be more efficient but you need to be running S3 power and some to worry.

 

[Guncha]

There was thread from Al and he said that Forge intercooler is waste of money.
Hre it is http://www.seatcupra.net/forums/showthread.php?t=380817

 

[James_R]

^^^^^^ Agree. I was pleasantly surprised to find my FR had a FMIC. Obviously the S3 one will be more efficient but you need to be running S3 power and some to worry.

This ^

The only difference between them is the alloy end tanks, the plastic ones are not as efficient at dissipating heat.

 

[Joshkcupra]

Thanks a lot guys, I think I'll give it a miss for stage one then, I have my CAI intake as it is anyway