Intercooler on Non-intercooled truck?

[TWilkening]

If you put an intercooler on a factory non truck, what do you need to do with the front end? I know Banks sells that fancy grille with there's but is it necessary?

 

[bgilbert]

What year of truck are you wanting to intercool? 89,90 or 91? It can be done, I just did on my 89, actually its still a work in progess, but I drove it to work today. Thought my pyro wasn't working right, hahaha, must be a drop in cruise temps close to 200*. Grill > modify bro. I'll fill you in more, once you tell me what year of truck.

 

[DieselTweaker]

200* you have my full attention ive been kicking around the idea and needing a winter project, oh yeah and i need an intercooler.

 

[bgilbert]

Yeah Zach, I'll post a write up in a few weeks, I want to see how it does. Cool down time still sucks, must be too much fuel. Just driving around town, don't see much difference, but it has been two months since I drove it. But on highway 65mph, used to run between 800-900*preturbo. Now, again only 25 miles of driving to/from work, it was running between 600-700*.



Also I'm wondering when the POD'S are advertised 60hp, 100 torque gain or whatever for IC'd trucks, half that for nonIC'd trucks, did I just gain 30hp and 50ftlbs on this intercooler install? Cause I sure can tell a difference from the way my rearend bucks to all hell/wheel hop. Used to not do it unless I got on it hard in 5th, now 3rd,4th and 5th if I get on it hard it hops, time for ladders bars. Also added a PDR35-16 which I'm sure increase power.

And sorry to all that say take time to break her in. After driving a 120hp, 300ftlb to the ground (stock auto 91) for two months, I just had to give it hell, a little. Prior to intercooler, and turbo I was 243hp 600ftlbs. Still up around 38 pounds of boost, time for a wastegated housing or turbo of some sorts. Big diff compared to the sloppy stock auto 91. Sorry for the hijack.

 

[cerberusiam]

If you have the big chrome grill you won't have to modify anything. If you have the older type that the center comes out you need to get an aftermarket tubing grill. Banks is not the only source for them so look around before buying.

 

[DieselTweaker]

bill, did you use a first gen or second gen intercooler? sombody out there has been using second gen's and turning them upside down

 

[bgilbert]

Used a IC from a 93. If I were to do it again to a 91, I would want the core support and all, straight bolt up no cutting and cursing.

 

[RSchwarzli]

I think you do have to use the tube grill. Mine was done before I got it, but looking in there there is not much room even with the tube grill. I believe mine was the banks kit.

 

[bgilbert]

Grill > modify bro.

I used the 89 grill. As I said, ya gotta modify a couple things, no biggie, it can be done.