How Does An Intercooler Work? • Turbosmart

An air-to-air intercooler is a device used to cool the air compressed by a turbocharger or supercharger. Intercoolers are a vital part of forced induction systems, as they help reduce the engine’s intake temperatures, which in turn helps to increase power and efficiency. There are two main types of air-to-air intercoolers: front mount and top mount. Front-mount intercoolers are usually more extensive and effective than top-mount intercoolers, but they can be more challenging to install. Top-mount intercoolers are easier to install, but they may not be as effective at cooling the air.

Air-to-air intercoolers work by passing the compressed air from the turbocharger or supercharger through a series of fins or coils. These fins or coils help dissipate the heat from the air, which helps to cool it down. The cooler air then flows into the engine, where it can help to increase power and efficiency. Intercoolers can be made from various materials, but aluminium is often used because it is lightweight and has good thermal conductivity.

If you want to add an air-to-air intercooler to your forced induction system, there are a few things to consider. First, you need to make sure that the intercooler will fit in the space that you have available. Second, you must decide whether you want a front-mount or top-mount intercooler. Finally, you need to choose a material that will be durable and effective at cooling the air.

Advantages:

• Simplicity
• Lower cost 
• Less weight

This also makes it by far the most common form of intercooling.

Disadvantages:

• Longer intake length due to having to get the intercooler to the front of the car
• More variation in temperature than air to water.