I need a little advice as to what to do for an IC. I'm swapping an RE into a 91 FC vert. First goal is to get the thing running in stock form (stock boost) and then I'll start spending money on other upgrades. But here's my delimma:

What to do for an IC? I know I want a front mount. My thought was that since I have to purchase the IC anyway, that I should buy something of decent quality that can handle higher boost levels, etc. for when I upgrade. I don't really want to buy an IC now, and then have to sell it and buy another later.

So, should I just try to find a "cheaper" one like a Starion/Conquest or something to get it on and working? I figure I can get one of these for $100-$150?? A couple of examples of these -- are these decent? decent priced?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33742
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6764

Or some other used IC off of a "higher" level car like this
Skyline GTR IC:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33742

Or do I go with a new IC like a Spearco (which I've heard great things about)??
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33742

Here's a Spearco core -- I'd have to build the endtanks (or have someone else do it).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33742

This seems to be a little cheaper route to go and get the exact fit I want and be able to afford a little larger IC to begin with.


Sorry for the long winded question -- I guess I'm really just looking for a sanity check and some advice on where I should start...

thanks!!

 

if yer gonna do things.. just plan ahead for the future so get an intercooler capable of handling what you want to end up with in the long run.

 

yeah, you have to decide on your final goal for boost, then buy an intercooler to fit that.

 

Well, I'm not real sure about my final boost number yet. I'm hoping somewhere in the upper teens, but really don't know as that will probably warrant other upgrades first. If everything works out okay, I'd like an occasional 20+ psi run for the strip or ...

What do you all think about those Spearco ICs? I've heard quite a few good comments about them and they seem to be well made (at least from the pics).

Are those reasonable prices that I'm seeing on the auctions? Any other good sources of ICs that you'd recommend investigating?

 

http://www.extrememachinesperformanc...ercoolers.html

 

Thanks dr0x!

 

That link uses really good cores. The damn things are almost 4in thick!

 

Just do this....get an intercooler that will be good for up to 15psi. Or where ever your goal is at. Then, if you still want more you can add a water injection system and that will help over come the intercooler.


James

 

I suggest a tall and wide intercooler of 3.5" or less thickness for the street.

Spearco can build you just about anything you like, and their intercoolers are excellent. Their catalog will show performance charts of their standard sizes.
http://www.turboneticsinc.com/spearco/index.html

I can't find the link that lists the statistics on the cores to determine it they are in fact "really good cores". Could you post it please?

 

I guess I need to order a catalog from Spearco... They sound the most appealing at this point -- and based on the prices I'm seeing on Ebay, they seem to be fairly reasonable prices. A lot better than the other "name brand" ICs...

From what I can tell on their website, they also seem to stand by their product pretty well. Hard to tell, anybody can toot their own horn, but based on your comments and others I've seen, that seems to be a good way to go.