Are downpipes and a intercooler worth it without a tune?

[2020FordRaptor]

The charge air cooler is after the turbos…

I am Confused.

 

[sixshooter_45]

At least in theory, a better intercooler would definitely help you retain horsepower / torque in relatively high temps, particularly in either extended duration pulls or repeat short duration pulls. This would be a potential warranty buster. I think you’re less likely to have uncomfortable questions with a stock mount CAC. The front mount intercoolers are a huge “heavily modded” signal to anyone looking, especially techs with an axe to grind for whatever reason.

It will entirely depend on the individual’s working on the vehicle in the event you have a problem and the nature of the problem. If it’s the only mod, no tune, etc. and there’s some oddball powertrain issue, let’s say it’s a major one, like IDK... transmission or transfer case grenades. I think it would take a stretch of reality to relate an intercooler to that failure. But what if the engine ingested things it shouldn’t have? Yeah, that could well be on you.

I’ve seen some claims that a better intercooler actually nets more hp over stock. I haven’t seen any independent data to back that up.

A better intercooler would position you for future tuning or other mods like bigger turbos.

I watched a tuner on a YouTube channel the other day and he showed the stock numbers and the new numbers with a Garrett IC only and the numbers actually showed decent HP gains.

Somewhere around 50 HP gain. Seems like a stretch but it's what his numbers showed.

 

[nikhsub1]

If my knowledge prevails, all that an intercooler does is send cooler air to the turbos. Of course I could be wrong too.

You are correct. It can also flow better as well.

 

[nikhsub1]

I am Confused.

I think you need to read up on the basics of how turbos/intercoolers work.

 

[New recaros]

You can gain that 50 hp with just a tune. No IC needed
I am not so sure the guy is wrong. A larger IC reduces back pressure on the turbo chargers allowing it to turn slower but flow the same volume. Lower back pressure and speed also reduces turbo outlet temp. (Heat from compression) Possible reduced wear from slower speeds and reduced temperatures? The IC provides more cooling to the intake charge. So, is the boost measured/controlled at the engine intake or turbo outlet? I am pretty sure it after the cooler before the engine. So, it will not increase boost, but will provide cooler air at the same boost level which =slightly more HP

 

[smurfslayer]

Somewhere around 50 HP gain. Seems like a stretch but it's what his numbers showed.

Actually not that big of a stretch, that’s a tuned truck to start with. No doubt he’s over-boosting, even if it’s only a little. His truck is rocking 37’s and putting out numbers a stock Raptor would be ok with. Some better, some same, some worse.

I’m open to the possibility that a CAC by itself may net some power on an otherwise unmodified truck, I just wouldn’t expect it to be massive. Until or unless you tune it and then gains will easily come.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I watched a tuner on a YouTube channel the other day and he showed the stock numbers and the new numbers with a Garrett IC only and the numbers actually showed decent HP gains.

Somewhere around 50 HP gain. Seems like a stretch but it's what his numbers showed.

I would pass on larger turbos.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

Actually not that big of a stretch, that’s a tuned truck to start with. No doubt he’s over-boosting, even if it’s only a little. His truck is rocking 37’s and putting out numbers a stock Raptor would be ok with. Some better, some same, some worse.

I’m open to the possibility that a CAC by itself may net some power on an otherwise unmodified truck, I just wouldn’t expect it to be massive. Until or unless you tune it and then gains will easily come.

This guy had to do a tune since this guy put larger turbos on.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

I think you need to read up on the basics of how turbos/intercoolers work.

I know the basics of how they both work and I know for a fact that a larger intercooler doesn't hurt the turbos as far as work goes.

 

[2020FordRaptor]

You can gain that 50 hp with just a tune. No IC needed
I am not so sure the guy is wrong. A larger IC reduces back pressure on the turbo chargers allowing it to turn slower but flow the same volume. Lower back pressure and speed also reduces turbo outlet temp. (Heat from compression) Possible reduced wear from slower speeds and reduced temperatures? The IC provides more cooling to the intake charge. So, is the boost measured/controlled at the engine intake or turbo outlet? I am pretty sure it after the cooler before the engine. So, it will not increase boost, but will provide cooler air at the same boost level which =slightly more HP

Yes as far as I know it will not increase boost just colder air.