3.0L Replacement Intercooler

[Shaun blank]

Just found the usual crack in my 2003 3.0L IC, just woundering weather its worth spending $1000+ on a hi flow IC. Do they make much performance increase or can you do the same with a cheaper aftermarket replacement with a thermo fan?

[4bye4]

Decide if you want to start mods or just replace the I/C. Just make sure you get a fully tigged (welded) one not the crimped one that is OEM. Not sure which state your in but I got one here in Perth from Brownes radiators for considerably less than the OEM model.
http://www.brownsradiators.com.au/shop/index.php?page=more&id=CACNIS1024

[Lexx]

I got a significantly larger outback 4x4 IC with thermo fan, it made a huge difference for me, but I also did a full NADS fit out at the same time, once you start, you should really do the whole shebang. Take a look at your intake manifold, it may need cold tanking due to the sludge!

[Rock Trol]

I think if you are heading in the direction of chipping the motor then a larger I/C is worth it. If its going to remain standard then a tig welded standard one will do.

[Covo71]

I got tig welded from diesel smart for just under $500. Looks pretty good. Temp has not gone over 450deg. I would presume it is doing it's job.

[threedogs]

IMO I dont think the gains are there for the price they want for a larger IC.
As COVO says temps stay below 450C, the money you save could be spent
elsewhere, say towards a chip. Look for a second hand one as they too are getting pretty pricey.
Jury is out if the fan is worthwhile, maybe for sand work, again the gains may be small

[Wetty]

Have a Cross Country IC, it made a little bit of difference to the engine but not the difference I was expecting. I did have the fan under it but I have since removed it as it was stopping airflow at hwy speeds my temps were around 350 at 110kph and with no fan they're around 290. A larger bonnet scoop to force more air through the IC would be a better investment as far as bang for buck goes, but you still want to get a TIG welded IC to stop air leaks.
Cheers
Andrew
BTW, mine is a 2003 model as well. . . .

[threedogs]

Have a Cross Country IC, it made a little bit of difference to the engine but not the difference I was expecting. I did have the fan under it but I have since removed it as it was stopping airflow at hwy speeds my temps were around 350 at 110kph and with no fan they're around 290. A larger bonnet scoop to force more air through the IC would be a better investment as far as bang for buck goes, but you still want to get a TIG welded IC to stop air leaks.
Cheers
Andrew
BTW, mine is a 2003 model as well. . . .

Sorry forgot to add I have the higher ARE scoop as well
temps around town are 200c and 320c approx on the freeway

[Lexx]

I've found that the highway temp for me is around 290 as well on the hwy, with the fan on. However, now it's been said, might chuck a switch in and see what happens at fwy speeds. I find the fan works well in traffic and slow heavy work on hot days. But, every engine is different I reckon.

[the evil twin]

If your engine loads are mainly below 40 K's average IE 'low and slow' a fan helps and big scoops do squat
If your engine loads are mainly above 60 KPH IE towing or cruising then fans do squat and the big scoops make a considerable difference
If you put in both you get the advantages of both
If you put in a fan get the biggest that will fit and set it as a puller for the best results

[Winnie]

If your engine loads are mainly below 40 K's average IE 'low and slow' a fan helps and big scoops do squat
If your engine loads are mainly above 60 KPH IE towing or cruising then fans do squat and the big scoops make a considerable difference
If you put in both you get the advantages of both
If you put in a fan get the biggest that will fit and set it as a puller for the best results

Do you think that fan restricts air flow at high speed? I have a fan and a big scoop but have been thinking of removing the fan

[mudski]

I wouldn't think the air flow restriction would be anything noticeable. You have it on there, you might aswell leave it I reckon.

[Covo71]

No fan on mine and only gets up to 450 if pushing up biggish hill. Generally stays under 300. Mine is a late 2004.

[the evil twin]

Do you think that fan restricts air flow at high speed? I have a fan and a big scoop but have been thinking of removing the fan

If you have a big scoop and a fan the amount of restriction caused by the fan would be all but neglible.
IMHO if you don't need the fan then take it off.

I removed mine once I stopped doing lots of low range stuff but it never caused an issue at cruise anyway and that was a 9 inch puller on a factory 'cooler, scoop and a chipped engine turning 33's