Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Charge air cooler upgrades

[Shadrach]

I did some searches but would like an update. What are your experiences with aftermarket charge air coolers ( aka intercoolers ) - Spearco, BD, PDR, Cool Twist etc... I am looking to keep temps down. I will not be running high boost or mega power but will be towing a travel trailer thru the mountains. My plans are to put a 2nd gen CAC into my 1st gen crew. I have the stock one from my 97 parts truck. Shadrach

 

[DCreed]

2nd gen IS an upgrade, larger tubes in/out.

 

[chuckwilson]

Check Out Dura-light, Most Cummins Shops Carry Them They Work Great On Big Trucks At Hight Boost!!!!

 

[Bob4x4]

I have installed quite a few from PDR on the 12 valves,they are a very stout piece. Average egt drop at the 400 hp level is about 100 degrees.



Bob

 

[tony597fitter]

I have also heard you will only get a 100-150 degree drop in EGTs with an aftermarket intercooler.

$1000-$1400 just doesent deem worth it to me.

You could get a sweet water/meth. kit for alot cheaper and have a bigger drop in EGTs.

Heck, you could fab up your own set of twins for that much money.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I like the BD and they are on special this month.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

If you're going with a 2nd Gen intercooler get one from a 24V. I don't know if there's a difference between the SO & HO 24v though, something to check into.

 

[NCovey]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but how much better is a 3rd gen intercooler, compared to the 2nd gen?-Nicholas

 

[Shadrach]

The 03 are tall and narrow so I'm not interested for my repower. What I am trying to find out is just how much better is an aftermarket one compared to a stock one when you are not running mega power. I have talked to Dura-lite already about building a custom one for me. We'll see how the budget holds up when I get to that part of the swap. It will also depends on whether or not my stock 97 one is good enough. Shadrach

 

[PRattenbury]

I have also heard you will only get a 100-150 degree drop in EGTs with an aftermarket intercooler.

$1000-$1400 just doesent deem worth it to me.

You could get a sweet water/meth. kit for alot cheaper and have a bigger drop in EGTs.

Heck, you could fab up your own set of twins for that much money.

Water/meth would be cheaper until the head lifts off the block due to increased cylinder pressure. And a single turbo costs a grand or more. YOU might be able to fab up the pipes and brackets, but not everyone has your skill and equipment.

 

[tony597fitter]

Water/meth would be cheaper until the head lifts off the block due to increased cylinder pressure. And a single turbo costs a grand or more. YOU might be able to fab up the pipes and brackets, but not everyone has your skill and equipment.

Whoa, there skippy!



There are alot of guys running a water meth. kit on trucks without studs and orings. If all he is looking for is cooler EGTs just do water. Drive pressures have be tested with just water and they dont go up. DO a SEARCH on it.



And anyways a s400 is $600 and it isnt hard to buy a few pipe fittings and Im sure he could find someone that can weld.

If you really dont have the skills:-laf, call Rip at sourceautomotive and get one of his twin kits with the turbo for less than $3000. Heck you coulde even piece a kit together from him because he sells everything seperate on Ebay now.



Sorry for the different options, I just wouldnt spend my hard earned money (because I have the skills, I was taught by a great UNION) on something that really doesnt help.



Sorry for the derailment Shadrach!

 

[Bob4x4]

I like the BD and they are on special this month.

Hey Joe,I just noticed your sig,you went with twins. The big single fan has changed :-laf



Bob

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Yeah, and I love the BD twins. Excellent fit and performance. The BD intercooler is next.

 

[Hammer]

I run a Dura-Lite charge air cooler on my 12v. It has been one of the best buys I have made. They carry a 7yr/1,000,000 mile warranty and will hold up to 100psi without issues. Their bar and plate design performed well and better than others when flow tested. There are many charge air coolers out there but I am certain if you seen the flow numbers you would be surprised at which ones work and what ones provide little or no improvement..... Andy

 

[DCreed]

cant find info on "DURA LITE" for Dodge. Where do you get it?

 

[ttbird]

I run a Dura-Lite charge air cooler on my 12v. It has been one of the best buys I have made. They carry a 7yr/1,000,000 mile warranty and will hold up to 100psi without issues. Their bar and plate design performed well and better than others when flow tested. There are many charge air coolers out there but I am certain if you seen the flow numbers you would be surprised at which ones work and what ones provide little or no improvement..... Andy

Andy, do you have a part# for that Dura-Lite charge air cooler for your 12-valve? Thinking it's time for a upgrade for my 95. Thanks, Tom

 

[Shadrach]

Here is their site Welcome to DURA-LITE
The p/n for a 2nd gen is DODAC-70B. They have silicone grommets instead of a weld where the core joins the tank, so they will take alot of pounding and vibration. Shadrach

 

[Bob4x4]

Here is an other option



Global Heat Transfer



Bob

 

[Hammer]

Andy, do you have a part# for that Dura-Lite charge air cooler for your 12-valve?

I looked at the numbers on mine in the truck because I could not find the recieptfor the part number. There are three listed in the Dura-Lite catalog,one for the 1st genners,the DODAC-70B is the 12v cooler and the DODAC-70C is the 24v cooler. I have the 70C installed in mine..... Andy