Can you paint an intercooler

**ToXicXxX** · 07-03-2013 07:07 PM

I recently received my intercooler and im thinking the plain metal look is a bit borring, especially since you can see it from the front end of the car. I am wondering is there any way I can paint it red (was thinking Rustoleum high heat engine paint)? Im guessing you can't spray the core, but I thought I'd ask.

**coolgraymemo** · 07-03-2013 07:09 PM

Who cares?

Paint it yellow.

**ToXicXxX** · 07-03-2013 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by coolgraymemo

Who cares?

Paint it yellow.

Im just curious if I will hurt the core by spraying it?

**A4F3V3R** · 07-03-2013 07:36 PM

No it wont hurt anything except the eyes.

**revolution337** · 07-03-2013 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by A4F3V3R

No it wont hurt anything except the eyes.

zinggg!

**TJN0923** · 07-03-2013 07:51 PM

^ LOL

**chris the man** · 07-03-2013 07:54 PM

a while back. ETS or extreme turbo systems showed a test that painting your core (as long as you did not clog fins) only increased IAT's by a small 3%. i can not find the article again but i know for a fact.

ALL of my IC's have been painted stealth black. you can paint the entire core, some even powder coat. it will not effect performance very much at all if done correct.

rattle can isnt bad, but you better seal it.

notice how APS does here
http://www.airpowersystems.com/wrx/a...dr725_fmic.htm

**ToXicXxX** · 07-03-2013 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by A4F3V3R

No it wont hurt anything except the eyes.

How does a nice red FMIC hurt compared to the hideous flashy aluminium one lol. Was also considering black, to match everything else (black out lights, black rims).

Now the other question... Can you dye or paint the silicone couplers?

**Halfrican** · 07-03-2013 07:55 PM

Paint your windshield while you're at it.

**biketsai** · 07-03-2013 07:56 PM

I've painted a few of mine with Eastwood radiator paint. (Black)

**GrapeBandit** · 07-03-2013 09:31 PM

painting the intercooler WILL NOT, and i repeat WILL NOT hurt performance as long as you port & polish your fuel injectors or run double meth. Happy motoring

**terraflata** · 07-03-2013 11:00 PM

Originally Posted by GrapeBandit

painting the intercooler WILL NOT, and i repeat WILL NOT hurt performance as long as you port & polish your fuel injectors or run double meth. Happy motoring

Damn internet. I cant tell if this is sarcasm or not.

My .02. Painting it will reduce the cooling effect of the intercooler, nothing to back it up, just what logic dictates. I imagine the effects will be minimal, but I am going polished + anodized. I know what you mean by the plain look of an aluminum intercooler.

**terraflata** · 07-03-2013 11:10 PM

Straight off Garretts site

"Q. I want my car to remain a sleeper/stealth. Can I paint or anodize my intercooler so it is not easily visible?

A. Yes! It is not uncommon at all for an intercooler and endtanks to be anodized black to keep attention away from the car and help it maintain a sleeper appearance. A very light coat of paint on the core and endtanks is also another option, usually much cheaper and easier than anodizing, with a negligible performance loss."

**Avant Nate** · 07-03-2013 11:22 PM

I think its pretty sw33t

**TheChenga** · 07-04-2013 12:12 AM

You buy special intercooler paint that dosen't affect cooling or air flow.

**Nollywood** · 07-04-2013 05:06 AM

I would personally leave it black.

**andrew.k** · 07-04-2013 05:15 AM

Intercooler's should be either black or left aluminum. That red intercooler looks foolish..

**melomandn** · 07-04-2013 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by andrew.k

Intercooler's should be either black or left aluminum. That red intercooler looks foolish..

This

/thread

**andyrew** · 07-05-2013 08:46 AM

Painted my FMIC black, Ran 20psi through it just fine out of a GT28R. But I just misted it black, not a thick coat.

**M-Hood** · 07-05-2013 10:08 PM

If you want it black just spend the extra money to have it anodized which will increase the performance of the core along with making the aluminum harder. Normal paint is going to chip over time and end up looking really ugly.