So this summer is the engine prep for boost on my LS, and i'm trying to plan everything out and make sure i've got a plan before i start modding and i ran into one issue. Has anyone thought about options for an intercooler for the LS? As of right now the lower front bumper provides no airflow, making a front mount difficult.

Therefore there are options, all of which have their own issues.

1) New front bumper with a nice like front air dam (SS/SC front or RKsport), this holds personal issues with ruining the sleeper looks of the LS

2) side mount but this holds clearence issues with the hood as well as cold airflow to the intercooler

3) Top mount with Modded RK sport hood, this holds the prospect of massive airflow to the intercooler but again the clearence issues.

So i was just wondering if anyone else has put any thoughts into this and what they had planned on doing. I know there are a few turbo 'tecs out there.

There is no problem with front mounting the intercooler with a base model model front facia. They have been doing for a year now.

Right before the Radiator, correct?

on the 06 there should be a plastic insert on the lower fasica. that comes off and allows a lot of air flow as it is. take a look at it.

Wow... didnt even realize that. But i guess that's why i posted the question here. thanks for the info

could someone take a picture of the plastic piece y'all are talking about? i would like to know what it is that way i can remove it asap. thanks alot guys.

Right before the Radiator, correct?

Yes, you want to have air catch it. If it went behind the radiator, it wouldn't get a good amount of airflow. Also, even though it is blocking part of your radiator, your radiator will be fine because air can still pass through the intercooler and into the radiator...also, your radiator utilizes coolant to keep the engine cool...your intercooler NEEDS air because that's it's only source of cooling.

Also, if you want to read more as to what parts you need and how to build your own turbo kit for your 2.2, read this write up:

How To: Build Your Own ECOTEC Turbo kit (ECOTECForum.com) (http://www.ecotecforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35)

id go with a different front end personally
The initial D isnt too bad, neither is the DTM

but i would throw on the SS front bumper, i doubt many people would notice a difference

Gravana INGS :drool

See cuz, as weird as this sounds, i like the way my car looks. that's why i bought it, i dont want to change the body cuz why change what i like? right?


plus the satisfactions of rolling up to unknowing SS/SC's is just oooooooh so rewarding

what about cutting out the center lower grill?

you could always cut it if you had to...although not sure how that'd look

why would a side mount have hood clearance issues?

also, one thing that sucks right now is that HP Tuners does NOT support our Ion/Cobalt Ecotecs at the moment

get the ss/sc bumper,,, fits better and looks better!,,,, you can make some kind of custom hood like the STI:twothumbs

oh and is there a turbo kit for the 2.2l???

why would a side mount have hood clearance issues?


I just noticed that he said that as well...

Side mounted intercoolers are located in the lower side area of the engine bays...it wouldn't have any trouble with hood clearance at all.

Also, mounting an intercooler above the motor like STi's isn't that smart either. Alot of the STi guys end up switching to front mount.

See cuz, as weird as this sounds, i like the way my car looks. that's why i bought it, i dont want to change the body cuz why change what i like? right?


plus the satisfactions of rolling up to unknowing SS/SC's and Redlines is just oooooooh so rewarding

bah NEVA!!11!!!! Tho I just added subs so I maybe lost a tenth...but I added water wetter...and im adding hp tuners...better bring lots o boost buddy

call Hahn racecraft. they can help you out. #1 in my book of moding the ecotec

get the comeplete body kit of the SS

no body kit for me. i'm even keeping the stock badges....sleeper heaven..... i'll be killing hondas left and right. waiting for more funds to build...check my sig i'm working on the same project.

i have an ss body kit and a turbo header a front mount off an srt-4 and a saab turbo to put on my car i only plan on runing like 5 pounds cause i dont want to buy new inject and fuel pump

i have an ss body kit and a turbo header a front mount off an srt-4 and a saab turbo to put on my car i only plan on runing like 5 pounds cause i dont want to buy new inject and fuel pump

What model and year saab is the turbo from?

What type of exhaust manifold do you have? Is it also from a saab?

You should upgrade atleast your injectors for the extra fuel damand.

What are you using for fuel management?

You also need monitoring devices, piping and a bunch of other parts. Trust me, you're far from done.

What model and year saab is the turbo from?

What type of exhaust manifold do you have? Is it also from a saab?

You should upgrade atleast your injectors for the extra fuel damand.

What are you using for fuel management?

You also need monitoring devices, piping and a bunch of other parts. Trust me, you're far from done.
hmm i dont see where i said i was done do you i was just saying what i had so far but thanx for the input:lol:

hmm i dont see where i said i was done do you i was just saying what i had so far but thanx for the input:lol:

Wasn't implying that you said you were done, just stating the fact.

I'm trying to help you bro cause I think you might be heading the wrong direction as far as parts goes...if you can answer those questions, then I can help you further.

Rock a front mount for oprtimal performance. We have some small but thick ones that might fit well.

im gonna add a turbo kit as well to my cobalt yet im not going to hassel with the old front bumber im just gonna switch it out with the ss and also the back one as well.