As per question above, what do the more knowledgeable of you think about me fitting a good quality larger intercooler. I have been speaking to the garage that did the remap and Helix clutch about some effective future upgrades. He suggested to resist going stage 2, as it just was not worth spending a load more money on performance cat etc for so little gain. He did however, suggest investing in the new intercooler, for obvious reasons running a mapped car in the warmer summer months. Cooler air into turbo, gives you a bit more gains in overall performance. Maybe one or two of you have done this, what are your opinions. It's around a £900 cost, is it really worth it?  

Cooler air into the engine 😉 the intercooler is post turbo. . 

 

I can't comment personally as I haven't done it yet,but its on my list to do.

 

What intercooler has he suggested? If its £900 including fitting that's not bad.

 

I've been quoted £300 just for fitting from a vag specialist.

 

With most of the coolers around the £600-ish mark. . 

 

Check out the do88 intercooler that seems good value.

1 hour ago, vrs'burks said:

Cooler air into the engine 😉 the intercooler is post turbo. . 

 

I can't comment personally as I haven't done it yet,but its on my list to do.

 

What intercooler has he suggested? If its £900 including fitting that's not bad.

 

I've been quoted £300 just for fitting from a vag specialist.

 

With most of the coolers around the £600-ish mark. . 

 

Check out the do88 intercooler that seems good value.

Don't know why I said air into turbo, I meant engine of course. My brain really is getting old! I spoke to the guy a few weeks ago and he mentioned 3 different intercoolers and he recommended a certain one, but for the life of me I can't remember the makers name. At the time I really did not think too much about doing it, so names of the parts did not register in my old brain. Now my mind is considering having it done, so I was after some advice from anyone in the know so to speak. I trust the guy and his expertise, so if I do decide to go ahead, I will go with the intercooler he recommends. However, I did spend an awful lot of money on the car last year, after a leaking gearbox input shaft oil seal ruined my recently fitted Helix clutch and new DMF.  So another new Helix clutch and DMF was again fitted, giving me a really big bill. Improved new intercooler, or no new intercooler, that is the question? 

Edited 26 April, 20224 yr by roaddetective

2 hours ago, roaddetective said:

 Improved new intercooler, or no new intercooler, that is the question? 

Obviously cooler air charge will improve performance, how much performance you gain vs cost is the big question to ask. . .

 

Naturally it will gain something, but to get the most from the new cooler would need a map tweak to suit ideally. . So even more money on top of the cost of the cooler.

 

Once you start spending it never seems to stop does it 🤣

14 hours ago, vrs'burks said:

Obviously cooler air charge will improve performance, how much performance you gain vs cost is the big question to ask. . .

 

Naturally it will gain something, but to get the most from the new cooler would need a map tweak to suit ideally. . So even more money on top of the cost of the cooler.

 

Once you start spending it never seems to stop does it 🤣

I know what you mean, cost versus gains. I am just so tempted by the cooler with the hotter summer months coming up. But close to a grand cost, it is a lot of money to spend considering how much I spent last year on it. Decisions, decisions!!

You and I have a fairly similar setup (minus the new clutch, which I am still reeling from your experience - but glad it is now fixed and working properly. Plus all the advice you gave others in terms of getting it done!)

 

My question would be does your driving style & usage really merit +£900? Even under spirited use, mine never has got super hot (including in random silly summer temps) - plus driving in the UK with potholes, speed cameras, (limited) police, leaves limited chance to get up to high (engine) speed at a consistently high level to reach higher temps...

 

Unless you're looking into doing more track days?

 

Personally, I'd spend the £900 on stuff that's going to be more benefit day-to-day (tyres, servicing, 'rainy day fund' etc.) because I'm boring. But if I were going full stage 2, 100% I'd get additional cooling components.

23 minutes ago, Ads230 said:

You and I have a fairly similar setup (minus the new clutch, which I am still reeling from your experience - but glad it is now fixed and working properly. Plus all the advice you gave others in terms of getting it done!)

 

My question would be does your driving style & usage really merit +£900? Even under spirited use, mine never has got super hot (including in random silly summer temps) - plus driving in the UK with potholes, speed cameras, (limited) police, leaves limited chance to get up to high (engine) speed at a consistently high level to reach higher temps...

 

Unless you're looking into doing more track days?

 

Personally, I'd spend the £900 on stuff that's going to be more benefit day-to-day (tyres, servicing, 'rainy day fund' etc.) because I'm boring. But if I were going full stage 2, 100% I'd get additional cooling components.

That's very nice of you to say my advice might be useful, with my additional comments regarding that bloomin leaking oil seal when talking about the Helix clutch,  I certainly have had some good advice from others on this great site. I think you and vrs'burks are right, leave the new intercooler alone. It is a lot of money for very little gain and how often does my motor really get opened up. It does get a blast now and again, but 99% of the time I am just cruising along enjoying the drive.    

I've had an airtec fitted. The difference in size and weight between OEM and the Airtec is massive! I did get heat soak a couple of times at oulton so that was that, larger cooler was needed. Expensive part really and expensive labour to fit! Was it worth it? Not sure, but sure it's better for the car so all good.

i would upgrade front and rear antiroll bars and the engine mount thingie to reduce wheelhop along with a hunter alignment for my 900 quid. a massive massive difference in handling (for the better!) which you will notice miles more than an uprated intercooler