Grm $2000 challenge build, but im also trying to make it a good car long term. Donor made 250rwhp on megasquirt before wrecked, so i didn't get an intercooler or charge piping with it. Its running an aem fic6 piggyback now, so we will sort out how much power it will actually make later.

Anyway, i need a cheap intercooler for challenge budget purposes. Ebay to the rescue!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186477986224?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=1js8ejtvtte&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=N3Kq44JHRk W&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Will this do the trick? Seems to be a lot of similar desigs and sellers in this size and price.
As this is my first turbo build, not quite sure what im looking at. Searching through old threads here just got me more and more confused....

 

Since the link isn't linking, it's a 27"x7"x2.5" 2.5" tube and fin.

OP, I'd look for a bar/plate, it's a better heat transfer design, stronger, etc. Otherwise, the size should be fine.

Quick browse says you'll be spending about twice as much as the one you linked, but that's not a compromise I'd be willing to make. You $2xxx challenge guys are a different breed, many stranger decisions have been made building those cars.

 

Is there a way to tell a bar and plate by sight? That way i can hunt used and poirly written ads on the auction and china sights?

Also, is there a power production difference between the two or a difference in engine cooling or ac performance?

 

That intercooler appears to be large enough, however it just looks odd. I'm confused why the rows are staggered like they are, plus it appears to be painted. Maxpeedingrods (the brand stamped on the bottom) makes okay stuff, like connecting rods but I would never use things like their coilovers. You'd likely be good with this model. If you're concerned with budget, I have a dimensionally similar intercooler that I previously used on my car (up to 270whp or so) that I would sell you for like $40 + shipping. I don't know if you have to include shipping costs in your budgeting though, and I don't think shipping would be very cheap. This is the exact model. Not trying to derail your question and go full salesman mode, but this would likely be a better option for you. Also, for idea of how well an intercooler this size would work, after doing a top speed pull with **** poor ducting I'd see IATs maybe 40 degrees over ambient and that was at very low compressor efficiency.

edit: I typed this out before you and curly replied. The model I linked is bar and plate.