Couldn't really find information on this, so I ask you all.

Are there any differences between the Stock Turbo S4 and S5 intercoolers?

I heard somewhere that the S5 has better flow characteristics or larger diameter pipes.

Any truth to this?

 

Can't tell you what the differences might be, but they do
have different part numbers.

 

Yes the piping is slightly larger on S5.

 

Do more searching on Google. Have found more information before but no time to look again. Piping size slightly different. Mount locations are different as well. Personally I don't think upgrading to s4 or s5 tmic is going to gain a few hp.

If this is what you're attempting, I'd rather just run a water/meth setup looking for gains

 

there are 4 different intercoolers!

there is the S4 and S5, but also there is a JDM and US version of each one.

the US S4 is the US S4 ic, for some reason the hot side pipe is smaller than the turbo outlet (40mm?). it also has nipples for the AWS and air supply valves.

the JDM S4 is like the US ic, but is lacking the AWS.

the S5 ic has a larger pipe between the turbo and actual core, i think its 45mm, they just made all the pipe from the turbo to the cooler the same size. the US car still has AWS and air supply valves, and the cooler has both nipples.

the JDM S5 is like the US cooler, except the JDM S5 does not have AWS nor Air supply valves so it has neither nipple.

also the S5 intake is taller so the IC mounting brackets aren't in the same place, so it doesn't directly bolt up to the S4 intake

 

Thanks J9, this is some great information. The thing is, I'm running a ton of S5 components, also will be running mostly stock for now. I also found this link too... AutoSpeed - The World's Biggest Intercooler Comparison - Part One that compares the S4 and S5, it does look like the S5 flows better quite a bit.

 

I think you're splitting hairs on a car that's "mostly stock". Some people have made 250-300 whp on a TMIC, so until you're looking to make serious power and surpass the stock intercooler's capabilities, just get whatever is going to fit your budget and your car.

 

The S4 and S5 have different UIMs, the runners are higher for the S5, which changes the mounting bracket locations.

S4


S5

 

its like a 5mm difference in pipe size, its nothing to get excited about.

 

Definitely not worth it, but it's still something good to know I guess. Thanks guys.

 

It's not nothing either. According to the article, the S5 has about 11% more flow than the S4.

On the other hand, it is pretty much the same difference in horsepower between the S4 and S5 factory outputs.

Something more than nothing, maybe not enough to get excited about.

 

If I was building a Turbo II with the stock ECU and wanted to maximize it out as much as possible, it would be something to consider, a bunch of little things do add up. I don't think it's worth it on its own though. I heard rumors of it out flowing the S4, and wanted to know for sure.