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First off, I know what you're thinking... Do NOT buy any chinese knockoffs on eBay. And I usually agree. But I have $450 for an intercooler, not a bit more. So it's this, or nothing. Also, I know there are a few intercooler threads, but I'm looking for insight on this one specifically.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/223632354173
Exactly how bad are these things? Looking for first hand experience with installation, and use. Do I need to get rid of the active shutters? Will I need to buy any tube adapters to install? Do I need my tunes updated? Does the intercooler actually help temps?
I'm not looking for more performance really, just more of a safety net when hauling a 7000# travel trailer in the summer months.
2016 2.7 w/ 5star tunes and a GFB VTA Blow Off Valve.
First off, I know what you're thinking... Do NOT buy any chinese knockoffs on eBay. And I usually agree. But I have $450 for an intercooler, not a bit more. So it's this, or nothing.
Originally Posted by Don Colbath
I'm not looking for more performance really, just more of a safety net when hauling a 7000# travel trailer in the summer months.
What is your truck rated to tow? I'm not well versed in the 2.7 engine and towing specs but if it is rated to tow the 7000 lb trailer stock then if its not broke don't fix it. You say you're doing this as a "safety net" and yet are trying to go cheap on the item intended to provide that safety. Maybe some people here will provide favorable reviews and if so great. But otherwise it doesn't seem worth the risk on a major engine component such as an intercooler. I would say do nothing.
What is your truck rated to tow? I'm not well versed in the 2.7 engine and towing specs but if it is rated to tow the 7000 lb trailer stock then if its not broke don't fix it. You say you're doing this as a "safety net" and yet are trying to go cheap on the item intended to provide that safety. Maybe some people here will provide favorable reviews and if so great. But otherwise it doesn't seem worth the risk on a major engine component such as an intercooler. I would say do nothing.
Yeah i was going to point the safety net thing out to haha. I dont know much about that part but safety net and ebay Chinese special dont really go together
What is your truck rated to tow? I'm not well versed in the 2.7 engine and towing specs but if it is rated to tow the 7000 lb trailer stock then if its not broke don't fix it. You say you're doing this as a "safety net" and yet are trying to go cheap on the item intended to provide that safety. Maybe some people here will provide favorable reviews and if so great. But otherwise it doesn't seem worth the risk on a major engine component such as an intercooler. I would say do nothing.
Yeah i was going to point the safety net thing out to haha. I dont know much about that part but safety net and ebay Chinese special dont really go together
In my experience, when generic aftermarket parts work very well for the price it's usually made very well aware of online.
I'm not against buying generic parts from ebay, amazon, etc. been doing it for over 20 years. Yes, even intercoolers.
If you don't know what you're getting into I would steer away from it and buy a name brand part that has some good feedback from the truck market.
If it's not in your budget then you shouldn't buy it. We all want to save money but unless you're willing to spend the money to risk a possibly bad QC'd part then don't do it.
I know you said you have $450 and not a bit more. I would save up another $120 and buy the CVF Intercooler. I've got it and it's great. The factory intercooler heat soaks pretty quick, so an upgrade is worth it.
My issue with chinese aftermarket isn't performance or quality. Often, they aren't too bad. It's that you don't know what you're getting until you get it. Often they don't really fit, or they're cheap, or a number of other unknown issues.
Ebay Intercooler
