GrimmSpeed Top Mount Intercooler Kit w/ Splitter - Subaru 05-09 LGT (090027)

GrimmSpeed Top Mount Intercooler Kit w/ Splitter - Subaru 05-09 LGT (090027)You probably already know that you want an intercooler with maximum cooling and minimum restriction, but when it comes to selecting the right man for the job, we think its important to understand why. As air is pressurized by your turbo, it heats up, not because of the heat of the turbocharger, but because when theyre compressed, the atoms in the air are forced closer together and as a result, move faster and have more energy. That energy manifests

You probably already know that you want an intercooler with maximum cooling and minimum restriction, but when it comes to selecting the right man for the job, we think its important to understand why. As air is pressurized by your turbo, it heats up, not because of the heat of the turbocharger, but because when theyre compressed, the atoms in the air are forced closer together and as a result, move faster and have more energy. That energy manifests itself as heat. The more heat we can remove from the system, the denser the air becomes and thats what helps eliminate pre-detonation, or knock, allowing for increased output from your system. Your OEM TMIC does just fine at stock boost under normal use, but as soon as you start putting some real heat into it with higher boost or harder use, it heat-soaks beyond recovery.

There are two primary considerations in the design of an intercooler: maximum heat transfer and minimum pressure drop. Unfortunately, one causes the other, so finding a perfect balance requires a detailed understanding of the intended application, some serious engineering power and the highest quality manufacturing processes. Fitment and quality are also critically important to ensure that the most safety-critical part of your turbo system is up to the task every time your foot hits the floor. We began by laser scanning an OEM TMIC to plot the mounting points and space claim in CAD with pinpoint accuracy. At the same time, we designed a custom bar and plate core with overall dimensions, fin density and fin types that would provide the insane heat transfer area we require with minimal flow restriction. With core size nailed down, we got to work designing end tanks that offered smooth flow, perfect fitment and even distribution of the hot charge air through the core. Countless revisions were tested in flow simulation before we finally found exactly the characteristics that we wanted. From there, 3D printed prototypes were used to confirm fitment and we began work on manufacturing details in preparation for verification testing and production.

Features:

• 17.5in x 8.7in x 3.5in Cross Flow Core - careful balance of high heat transfer and low pressure drop
• Cast Aluminum End Tanks - machined BPV flange for precision fit and perfect seal
• 5-Ply Silicone Couplers - custom molded and reinforced for demanding environments
• Wide-Mouth Splitter - collects air from the entire width of the scoop
• Vibration Isolation Mounting - protect the intercooler system from fatigue due to vibration
• Stainless Steel BPV Studs - avoid the risk of damaging fragile aluminum threads
• Cleaned, Inspected and Sealed Prior to Shipping - prevent motor damage due to foreign matter

We did setup testing to simulate a real world scenario thats typically demanding of an intercooler. The test vehicle is a 2012 WRX with a GrimmSpeed downpipe, boost control solenoid, prototype intake and professional tuning. On a closed course, we accelerated in 3rd gear from 3000rpm to redline repeatedly, with 5-8sec between runs. Temperature was logged via k-type thermocouples between the turbo and the intercooler and between the intercooler and the throttle body on both units. Ambient temperature here in Minnesota for both tests was between 20 and 22 degrees F. The results above speak for themselves, but heres a breakdown. The phase differences between the runs are a result of how quickly we could safely get the car back down to speed for another run, but the important thing to notice is the magnitude of the temperature fluctuations. Predictably, both intercoolers were seeing similar Pre-IC temperatures on each run (180-190F peak), but while the GrimmSpeed Uncoated TMIC kept Post-IC temperatures between 30-40F the entire time, the OEM TMIC fluctuated between 35-75F. This is the kind of consistent cooling that you should expect from a high quality TMIC and is a function of the geometry and design of the bar and plate core. Our high density core has a massive heat transfer surface area but maintains a large enough cross-sectional flow area that theres very little added restriction.