Well I hit a dead deer last month om the highway (it was unavoidable) and it messed up the intercooler fins on my intercooler. Amazingly there was no boost leaks and the intercooler didn't crack. But I need a replacement and was wondering if there are major performance differences between the full size ZZP and the low profile one. I plan on going ZFR or BNR 2871 in the near future also.

 

I don't think so, think same performance just little smaller so it doesn't hang below bumper

 

assuming ur factory intercooler ZZP is a amazing brand and quality of intercooler, you also have treadstone and turbo xs that can be had for amazing prices, i think your end goal would point u in the direction of the intercooler treadstone sells one that could support 475hp so if ur goal is above that then obviously you will choose a diff one, ust using as a reference.

 

I just installed the 'Extra clearance' IC and had a similar question. This is the response I received from Matt at ZZP..

The larger IC shows a little more efficiency. You would probably see 5-10 degree cooler IAT2s under load if you have been on the throttle a few times of for extended time.

-Matt



I couldnt agree more, the quality of the IC is unreal!

 

Not once you see the mounting. The TR12 is squashed between the crash bar and the condenser. The mounting tabs go between the crash bar and the frame of the car so there are rubbing points between the condenser and IC. The ZZP mounting/fit is superior in every way to the Treadstone unit.

 

I wasnt saying treadtone or any brand was superior, was referring to the tr8 actually just to prove the point that the build would determine which ic to get, i would recommend the zzp above all else, my hahn is goin strong and i love it zzp has built a rep and maybe treadstone has room to grow but the tr8 is a decent IC.

 

Finally someone says it. Thank you!

 

When you use a very large intercooler like the TR12, you will be touching in some areas, these are solid contact points so there will be no vibration or rubbing, plus the silicone coupler is what touches, and silicone on metal will not cause problems. Im not sure why this is even an issue?

 

Metal-to-metal contact with two different components on a car, that shifts and vibrates constantly, means there can be chaffing and a eventually a hole in something. I personally witnessed the TR12 rubbing the A/C condenser on a friend's car. I'm not saying that this will definitely lead to an issue in the future, but this makes me choose the ZZP IC for fit and finish. Simple as that.

I never understood the crash-bar mounting, either. It makes it look like the Treadstone IC was just a pre-existing IC that was made to fit our cars by welding some tabs on it. The ZZP unit looks like it was designed for our cars, which I assume it was.

Been saying it for year. The ZZP unit is the best.

 

Forgot to mention I already had the standard size ZZP intercooler. It shows that ZZP products have outstanding craftsmanship. I hit a dead deer head on at ~65mph and it didn't crack and didn't leak boost, all that happened was 2 bolts snapped off and the mounting brackets bent slightly.