I have been reading a lot lately on upgrading my intercooler. If I am only planning on adding a tune to my 2020 F150 3.5 EB, is there much of a difference in the performance between the different brands of aftermarket intercoolers? I have been looking at the ones from CV Fab (V2), Garrett, Mishimoto, and Cobb. I really want it to be installed without modification to other parts if possible. How to decide on the best one?

Thanks for the help!

 

I've had cv fab gen 1, Injen, and mishimoto. Mishimoto is a few degrees better the others and temp barely rises a degree or two through a 0-100 pull. My understanding is that frontal area is much more important than thickness so a cvfab gen 2 or Garrett will likely make a marginal difference.

 

I’ve worked with all of these. The Garrett requires removal of the lower shutters and results in the lowest air intake temperatures. Garrett is the only company that publishes performance data for their intercooler which can be found on their website. The CVF Titan V2 is a good option if you do not want to remove the lower shutters. To improve the effectiveness of an intercooler upgrade, you should remove any obstructions in front of it. Like plastic bumper inserts or lights that may be mounted in the intercooler opening, etc. You will need tuning to take full advantage of the upgrade, i.e. the intercooler volume needs to increased and boost, torque, and spark advance can be safely increased due to the cooler air charge temps.

 

similar experience for me as well. Very happy with the mishimoto

 

Have to replace my intercooler due to a deer strike. Is there any benefit to upgrading to one of the intercoolers you list without a tune? It's what I want to do. I typically burn 87 octane. Not looking for more performance, per say, I want a better built/higher quality product that provides cooler temps for engine longevity and performance.

Thanks,
Will

 

I dont believe that there would be any large issues with upgrading and not tuning. However, as stated above, you will not get the additional benefits that you could get - i.e. is it then a waste of money?

 

absolutely worth the upgrade even not running a tune, especially if you tow. There's not a significant increases of anything really by adjustments made with a tune, cooler is Mainly to help prolong the point of heat soak (keep the power you currently have available for longer)

 

Hello everyone.
I purchased a non stock f150 3.5 tt and have been trying to figure out which aftermarket intercooler it may be and where it may have come from.
This truck was built by the last owner. Grateful that I am second owner. The truck does have quite a few upgrades, or as some haters like to say bolt ons. Can I get some info on how to tell what I



may have installed, by the inscriptions on the intercooler? I am new to all this and i found this question here looking through the results pages.