Best Intercooler for Stock Location?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Turbo 6

Member
Joined
Jan 15, 2019
Posts
20
Reaction score
8
Location
Louisiana
Yeah I’m not going that far into an install. I’m looking for the easiest and biggest gain. Not interested in max power to cut stuff on a $70k truck.
 

Thats_a_Rap

Member
Joined
Jun 25, 2019
Posts
30
Reaction score
17
Location
New Orleans
@MnFlyer @JohnyPython Here are a few side-by-sides of the stock IC vs Wagner’s.

8057ACCF-835B-4013-AC68-C555900998E0.jpeg 32ACC868-0E60-4859-BC3C-746631F70A75.jpeg 8AE6845A-8C2E-439E-8B1B-6CAC3C797F4F.jpeg

The instructions and sales pitch are misleading. I had to relocate the transcooler upwards, modify the horn position, cut out a section for the upper part of the IC to protrude. It wasn’t difficult, but unexpected. More significantly though, these were the most vague instructions I’ve ever seen for an item this expensive. It made the installation process much longer than anticipated.

If I would have known all of this beforehand, I would have gone with the Mishimoto or Injen. However, once my truck is tuned, I think the Wagner will out-perform those units due to the extra space.


On a positive note, the power delivery is much smoother. The throttle doesn’t feel as choked as stock. I am attributing this to the larger, less-constricted airflow. I thought I was been biased out of excitement; but my wife drove the truck too, and she agrees.

I’ll be posting a full write-up soon.
 
Last edited:

JohnyPython

FRF Addict
Joined
Oct 28, 2018
Posts
10,059
Reaction score
44,394
Location
Canada
@MnFlyer @JohnyPython Here are a few side-by-sides of the stock IC vs Wagner’s.

View attachment 126441 View attachment 126442 View attachment 126443

The instructions and sales pitch are misleading. I had to relocate the transcooler upwards, modify the horn position, cut out a section for the upper part of the IC to protrude. It wasn’t difficult, but unexpected. More significantly though, these were the most vague instructions I’ve ever seen for an item this expensive. It made the installation process much longer than anticipated.

If I would have known all of this beforehand, I would have gone with the Mishimoto or Injen. However, once my truck is tuned, I think the Wagner will out-perform those units due to the extra space.


On a positive note, the power delivery is much smoother. The throttle doesn’t feel as choked as stock. I am attributing this to the larger, less-constricted airflow. I thought I was been biased out of excitement; but my wife drove the truck too, and she agrees.

I’ll be posting a full write-up soon.

Ya, the instructions are shyte. They are incomplete and vague - poorly translated.

Did you also remove the shutters? What tune are you going with?

Thanks for posting. Looks like a quality intercooler.
 

Thats_a_Rap

Member
Joined
Jun 25, 2019
Posts
30
Reaction score
17
Location
New Orleans
Ya, the instructions are shyte. They are incomplete and vague - poorly translated.

Did you also remove the shutters? What tune are you going with?

Thanks for posting. Looks like a quality intercooler.
The shutters are still in place. I would have returned the unit if I had to remove or modify those. Most likely I’ll be going with MPT for tuning. And yes the Wagner IC is definitely a high quality option.

Have you chosen your IC yet? Any info regarding good tunes you can swing my way?
 

JohnyPython

FRF Addict
Joined
Oct 28, 2018
Posts
10,059
Reaction score
44,394
Location
Canada
The shutters are still in place. I would have returned the unit if I had to remove or modify those. Most likely I’ll be going with MPT for tuning. And yes the Wagner IC is definitely a high quality option.

Have you chosen your IC yet? Any info regarding good tunes you can swing my way?

I’m running Cobb stage 1 94 now and want to make the jump to stage 2 Protune. I was thinking about the Cobb IC - I’ve have experience with their stuff.

From what I remember about the “instructions” the fans remain too. I like the Wagner because it doesn’t take over the whole grille and most of the oe parts are retained.
 

Nood1es

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Posts
263
Reaction score
111
Location
Madison, WI
Check out mishimoto Intercooler. Also on the fence picking an Intercooler. I have it down to AMS, Mishimoto and Shelby. If I can get it in black from ams then it’s a done deal.
 

Badgertits

FRF Addict
Joined
Jan 24, 2019
Posts
2,801
Reaction score
2,445
Location
Ma
Check out mishimoto Intercooler. Also on the fence picking an Intercooler. I have it down to AMS, Mishimoto and Shelby. If I can get it in black from ams then it’s a done deal.
Why AMS over mishimoto?

I’m pretty well sold on the mishimoto unit- true stock mounting location w/o any modification, proven reduction in IATs, reliable/proven brand, simple straightforward install- also like that it’s black, don’t see scenario where dealer would question it.
 

Nood1es

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2018
Posts
263
Reaction score
111
Location
Madison, WI
Why AMS over mishimoto?

I’m pretty well sold on the mishimoto unit- true stock mounting location w/o any modification, proven reduction in IATs, reliable/proven brand, simple straightforward install- also like that it’s black, don’t see scenario where dealer would question it.

I just read instructions on their website and there’s a few things you have to modify to get it properly installed. Guess mishimoto in black it is.

I like ams because of their track record. Used them when I used to have my evo. But it looks like mishimoto it is.
 
Top