Thread: Are performance TD5 intercoolers worth it?

I noticed after fitting an upgraded i/c to my stock D2a that the engine performance with normal driving on hot (40+ deg) days didn't reduce as previously, assumed to be due to the ecm not limiting boost to base boost because the intake air wasn't excessively heated.

Rangieman swears by his

Originally Posted by wardy1

Rangieman swears by his

I do

As Graeme said you will notice on hot days also with a remap will help with a after market ic compared to a standard one

Do u get cooler EGT’s up big hills?

Depends on your setup, but probably yes.

Firstly, check out your options, $1,000.00 is a lot. I sourced a Serck Motorsport unit through TD5Alive (Alive Tuning now) years ago for significantly less.

Secondly, you'll likely had to readjust the waste gate rod length as sometimes your boost pressure will reduce due to the larger intercooler volume. Until you've adjusted it back up it's not a proper comparison.

Originally Posted by twr7cx

Depends on your setup, but probably yes.

Firstly, check out your options, $1,000.00 is a lot. I sourced a Serck Motorsport unit through TD5Alive (Alive Tuning now) years ago for significantly less.

Secondly, you'll likely had to readjust the waste gate rod length as sometimes your boost pressure will reduce due to the larger intercooler volume. Until you've adjusted it back up it's not a proper comparison.

The IC that I’ve narrowed it down to is the TD5 Alive one. With postage it’s a hair under $1000. A while ago I had trouble with the engine cutting out at full boost - turned out to be a dirty sensor, but during the course of trouble shooting I adjusted the turbo boost down. After cleaning the sensors I wound the boost back up to a touch above 1.3 bar, which is a little under ‘overboost mode’ where the ECU cuts fuel.

I had a PM question relating to EGT’s from a forumite this morning. Short version is:

* Today, rainy, cool temps
* Shortish uphill run at 100km/h - unloaded, trans not in sports mode, top gear
* Backed off the accelerator when EGT’s were climbing above 750 degrees (from what I’ve read that’s the ‘I’m getting too hot number’
* engine temp less than 94.5 degrees at the top (didn’t look at it but that’s where the nanocom alarms)

This is why I’m thinking of a performance IC but don’t want to spend $1k to realistically only get $100 value (so to speak). I did notice a big improvement between the D2 & the D2a intercoolers but that was prior to remap & I didn’t have an EGT gauge back then.

I think, especially if towing and you have an ECU upgrade already and that the best intercooler you can get is worthwhile to bring the EGT's back down. My personal view is that the intercooler should come before the ECU upgrade anyway. The aftermarket intercoolers are full thickness where the D2 is about half thickness and the D2a is I think about 3/4 thickness. The aftermarket ones also have much more efficient cooling and flow from the core. If you do, the additional power may also present problems with the transmission though, so while its all apart I'd check the ATF cooler is absolutely clear and especially if towing, also look into an additional ATF cooler to preserve the transmission (assuming its an auto). Maybe it will help preserve your motor.