What's the BEST price/performance Intercooler kit in 2021?

[Cyrik]

Finally looking to pull the trigger on a new intercooler... Unfortunately as of late the pricing on certain kits is way more than I'm willing to spend for >10hp and and faster turbo spool. I'm running JHM Stage 1 K03 but I like the thought of a K04 being under the hood at some point later down the line so I'm open to a larger-size IC. I know this poll/list is incomplete, but this is what I'm looking at right now. Cheap parts = cheap performance in my eyes. Thoughts?

JHM:
https://jhmotorsports.com/intercooler-kit-front-mount-or-fmic-jhm-for-b7-a4-2-0t.html

CTS Turbo:
https://www.ctsturbo.com/product/cts-turbo-b7-a4-2-0t-fmic-kit-600hp/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=pmd_E09E6RTVLZUX0r.DCuw9hOgew ebOrOYC1Q8N_vbzI4M-1635207956-0-gqNtZGzNAjujcnBszQkR

Cxracing:
https://www.cxracing.com/intercooler-kit-audi-vw-a4-s4-b7/KIT-A4-2T-IC0050-A

ECS Luft-Technik:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-parts/audi-b7-a4-20t-front-mount-intercooler-kit-fmic/017623ecs01-01~a/

Custom:
https://www.mishimoto.com/mishimoto-universal-intercooler-small.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwq9mLBhB2EiwAuYdMtVvhbJnW9 GW9cfrwCreElbB2ANgF-ncDvzjbcQN7K_-938i3NBy5JRoCcLQQAvD_BwE


Would love to hear about reliability from some of you who have had your kit for a while.

[james12lucy]

JHM and CX are the same part and not exactly quality.

The CTS is a proper bar and plate design. They’ve been tested several times, by several people, to maintain essentially ambient temps.

Mishimoto is a trusted brand for many racers. Not a ton of Audi/VW specific testing. I’d suggest JDM group.

ECS is a knockoff of the AWE kit. They are large, but not sure of the build quality (not sure if bar and plate). Other have added them, but I haven’t seen any numbers.

I’m running and have run the CTS intercooler on the race car for a long while with custom stainless piping. It is robust and has held up. That said, if you’re going with custom piping, Treadstone makes a number of intercoolers you should at least give credence to.


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[Cyrik]

JHM and CX are the same part and not exactly quality.

The CTS is a proper bar and plate design. They’ve been tested several times, by several people, to maintain essentially ambient temps.

Mishimoto is a trusted brand for many racers. Not a ton of Audi/VW specific testing. I’d suggest JDM group.

ECS is a knockoff of the AWE kit. They are large, but not sure of the build quality (not sure if bar and plate). Other have added them, but I haven’t seen any numbers.

I’m running and have run the CTS intercooler on the race car for a long while with custom stainless piping. It is robust and has held up. That said, if you’re going with custom piping, Treadstone makes a number of intercoolers you should at least give credence to.


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Thanks for the insight on these products hahaha. Appreciate it! No idea why I made this a poll lol. I've seen some of the Treadstone IC's around and I've heard good things (I believe EvolutionArmory runs one). I might dig deeper into the Treadstone stuff.

The only thing steering me away from CTS is the crash bar mod. This is a daily driver and I'm not sure how I'd feel cutting the bumper support/crash bar. And because it's a daily, to me no amount of HP is worth compromising for safety if that makes sense.

[AudiB720TS]

I would do:

If in the Americas: ECS
If in Europe: AirTec

[007J]

I would do:

If in the Americas: ECS
If in Europe: AirTec

This is my thought too. CTS is probably slightly better cooling than ECS, but I don't want to hack that crash bar either. Last time I checked the ECS Luft Technic IC is coming in stock Nov 1st, been out of stock almost two months. Snag it if you can!

[canadianA4B7]

Core is all that matters here is vibrant part number for the CTS IC core 12810. Any IC using this core and a size of 31” length 12” height will flow up to 650 hp of air. Being no one here is making anything close to 650 hp you can get away with any IC smaller using a quality core. They use that part number on hundreds of quality IC. So you can get everything for far less then your lowest price on list.

[Jayz691]

Core is all that matters here is vibrant part number for the CTS IC core 12810. Any IC using this core and a size of 31” length 12” height will flow up to 650 hp of air. Being no one here is making anything close to 650 hp you can get away with any IC smaller using a quality core. They use that part number on hundreds of quality IC. So you can get everything for far less then your lowest price on list.Just curious, cuz I see ya mention this a lot. So I looked up that core, and this is what comes up. Diff dimensions and spec. 251541

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[Jayz691]

I run the CTS and am more than pleased. Just running a k04, so its plenty. If I didn't mind doing custom pipes, I would have gone the Treadstone route. Either tr8 or tr18t. Tr18t will fit behind crash bar with minimal support spacing(few washers), thats what EVO runs. But I wanted a "kit" to bolt on, and got my CTS on a scratch and dent sale for around $450, so wasn't too bad. Its regularly on sale for $600. I had to modify my PS cooler cuz it was hotting my grille, prob cuz mine is recessed on bottom. Good to just run a small aftermarket cooler. I just didn't have one ready, so I cut and extended the stock cooler, so it sits flat. Wasn't worried about the crash bar, wound up cutting most of it out anyway[emoji6]251542251543

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[Jay-Bee]

CTS gets my vote, bought mine a couple weeks ago after debating these same options.

Waiting to grab a spare crash bar at the wreckers to do my install.

[james12lucy]

CTS gets my vote, bought mine a couple weeks ago after debating these same options.

Waiting to grab a spare crash bar at the wreckers to do my install.

Makes me think I should start mass producing mandrel bent steel crash bars out of 1.5” DOM tube like the race car has. Allows to fit a 3” thick FMIC and the bumper.


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[canadianA4B7]

Just curious, cuz I see ya mention this a lot. So I looked up that core, and this is what comes up. Diff dimensions and spec. 251541

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So your curious about what? That a larger core will be capable of more powers? Cause you looked at a smaller IC rated for less HP which is exactly how intercooler work. 31” length 12” height will allow 650 hp. A 22”x9” as you listed is good for 550……

As for PS cooler. GMC truck trans cooler. Fits perfectly where the drivers side IC used to be and gets better flow.



Makes me think I should start mass producing mandrel bent steel crash bars out of 1.5” DOM tube like the race car has. Allows to fit a 3” thick FMIC and the bumper.


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You know I’ve offered to weld these!!

[Jayz691]

Makes me think I should start mass producing mandrel bent steel crash bars out of 1.5” DOM tube like the race car has. Allows to fit a 3” thick FMIC and the bumper.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkThat would cool. Something like the one Airtek supplies with their kit would be awesome.

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[Jayz691]

So your curious about what? That a larger core will be capable of more powers? Cause you looked at a smaller IC rated for less HP which is exactly how intercooler work. 31” length 12” height will allow 650 hp. A 22”x9” as you listed is good for 550……

As for PS cooler. GMC truck trans cooler. Fits perfectly where the drivers side IC used to be and gets better flow.




You know I’ve offered to weld these!!No, that the # you supplied doesn't come up anything except this same IC. Can't find just the core, by searching this. Thats all..

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[Cyrik]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Some really good info in this thread.

I had the CTS kit in my cart on their site at one point but after seeing ECS has their kit almost in stock again I decided to order that instead. Wish I had a Dyno to test real world results at altitude but I'd like to do some intake temp logs and do a before and after. Stay tuned I guess.

I'm sure I could've figured out a way to do this cheaper with a treadstone core and ebay plumbing but fitment won't be perfect and since it's a daily I'm not trying to have a charge pipe pop off unexpectedly. The ECS kit comes with everything you need to relocate the air temp sensor and P/S cooler so I don't need to worry about figuring out a solution for that. That's worth an extra couple hundred bucks to me. Can't wait to get this on my car :)

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[Colorado_S-Line]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Some really good info in this thread.

I had the CTS kit in my cart on their site at one point but after seeing ECS has their kit almost in stock again I decided to order that instead. Wish I had a Dyno to test real world results at altitude but I'd like to do some intake temp logs and do a before and after. Stay tuned I guess.

I'm sure I could've figured out a way to do this cheaper with a treadstone core and ebay plumbing but fitment won't be perfect and since it's a daily I'm not trying to have a charge pipe pop off unexpectedly. The ECS kit comes with everything you need to relocate the air temp sensor and P/S cooler so I don't need to worry about figuring out a solution for that. That's worth an extra couple hundred bucks to me. Can't wait to get this on my car :)

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Looking forward to when you receive the Intercooler and get it on. Are you going to take any pics of the install and what not? Hope so, really looking forward to your feedback on this setup!!

[vvenom800tt]

Makes me think I should start mass producing mandrel bent steel crash bars out of 1.5” DOM tube like the race car has. Allows to fit a 3” thick FMIC and the bumper.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkIll buy one now if you make it.

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[vvenom800tt]

Im running a treadstone tr6 with custom piping. The piping could be better but the core is fantastic..

252139

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[Jayz691]

Im running a treadstone tr6 with custom piping. The piping could be better but the core is fantastic..

252139

Sent from my SM-G981U1 using Audizine Forum mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)Can't ya fit the bottom grilles? Shame such a beautiful bumper, and no grilles.. Id kill for a nice DTM bumper, lol. And always heard great reviews of Treadstone cores. Was gonna go that route before I got my CTS so cheap, on S&D clearance.

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[Colorado_S-Line]

Thanks for all the replies guys. Some really good info in this thread.

I had the CTS kit in my cart on their site at one point but after seeing ECS has their kit almost in stock again I decided to order that instead. Wish I had a Dyno to test real world results at altitude but I'd like to do some intake temp logs and do a before and after. Stay tuned I guess.

I'm sure I could've figured out a way to do this cheaper with a treadstone core and ebay plumbing but fitment won't be perfect and since it's a daily I'm not trying to have a charge pipe pop off unexpectedly. The ECS kit comes with everything you need to relocate the air temp sensor and P/S cooler so I don't need to worry about figuring out a solution for that. That's worth an extra couple hundred bucks to me. Can't wait to get this on my car :)

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Any update?

[EvolutionArmory]

Out of all the kits you listed, CTS is the only kit that actually has a good core. CTS is the what you should do. Return what you bought if you didn’t install it yet.

[Charles.waite]

No love for the ER dual SMIC kit? http://www.evolutionracewerks.com/node/57

Yea they're pricey, but totally stealth, retain the factory mounting points, intake piping, and air guides, and require zero modification to mount.

[lOPEZY]

Frankly just get the Vibrant performance 12810 (several sizes within that model number).. buddy installed it from A4B7's idea [emoji115][emoji115] ... HPA K04... No issues so far with heatsoak.. no diff btw it and the CTS one in fin density it seemed... I'll be buying same for K04 install..

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[james12lucy]

Ill buy one now if you make it.

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I just saw this. I’m going to get on it this weekend, likely.

I have the stubs from the frame ends made from plate and 1.5” DOM tube. My idea is to create the crash bar out of 1.75” DOM and bend it so it’ll fit over the stubs. It’ll be drilled through so it’s removable/positionable (my rad is going in the back) and will be secured with bolts through the drilled holes.


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[lOPEZY]

Waiting......
Oh btw... Not painting that crashbar with some kinda polymer behind the Rs6 mesh grill makes it a DragonEye Target... We got COwned by a friendly last week...

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[Cyrik]

Hey everyone Happy Thanksgiving! Sorry for the lack of updates on this, I got covid shortly after I got the ECS kit and have had a busy week back at work, but finally have it on the car and I'm loving it! Throttle response is much better and my butt-dyno says the car pulls harder in 3rd gear. There's definitely a hp gain here with a stage 1 setup. (Sorry for the dirty car pic lmao) My only complaints are the power steering cooler lines being hard to access once the TB hose is in there. Also you may have to push the driver-side pipe inward closer to the core in order for better fitment of the bumper to clear the driver-side fog light housing... I'm thinking about trimming it with a dremel at some point because my tabs for the bumper connection to the quarter panel is broken on the driver-side, so I had to zip-tie it [>_<]

https://i.imgur.com/qe6wX6K.jpg

[lOPEZY]

Hey everyone Happy Thanksgiving! Sorry for the lack of updates on this, I got covid shortly after I got the ECS kit and have had a busy week back at work, but finally have it on the car and I'm loving it! Throttle response is much better and my butt-dyno says the car pulls harder in 3rd gear. There's definitely a hp gain here with a stage 1 setup. (Sorry for the dirty car pic lmao) My only complaints are the power steering cooler lines being hard to access once the TB hose is in there. Also you may have to push the driver-side pipe inward closer to the core in order for better fitment of the bumper. My tabs for the bumper connection are broken on the driver-side so I had to zip-tie it hahahaha

https://i.imgur.com/qe6wX6K.jpgNice! Now get some mesh Fog grill in while you're at it...

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[Cyrik]

Nice! Now get some mesh Fog grill in while you're at it...

Working on that one... It's tricky when you don't have S-Line

[lOPEZY]

Working on that one... It's tricky when you don't have S-LineMaybe not..but depends on how handy you are...mesh roll..hot glue, sanding and spray paint..I think..[emoji848][emoji848][emoji848][emoji848]

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[Cyrik]

Out of all the kits you listed, CTS is the only kit that actually has a good core. CTS is the what you should do. Return what you bought if you didn’t install it yet.

It isn't a dense core I understand that but I don't see why this wouldn't be enough for a K03 at the moment, or even a K04. I never see myself going Big Turbo/Meth due to my transmission. Nothing says I can't change the setup later either 😉

[vce1232000]

looks good...............[up]

[EvolutionArmory]

It isn't a dense core I understand that but I don't see why this wouldn't be enough for a K03 at the moment, or even a K04. I never see myself going Big Turbo/Meth due to my transmission. Nothing says I can't change the setup later either [emoji6]

Log your intake air temps with VCDS. I Didn’t know my old JHM intercooler was junk until I started seeing intake temps in the 130 degree range 🤬🤬🤬WORSE than stock.

It’s really cool right now so it’s not the best time to really test how good an intercooler is but when it starts getting up to 70 degrees and up, do some VCDS logs. A decent intercooler should keep you at like 10-15 degrees over ambient temp.


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