How crucial is the quality/type of Intercooler Core to the performance of an Intercooler?

e.g. Take 2 Intercoolers of EXACTLY the same design/size/shape, but with cores from different Manufacturers.

How much difference can this possibly make?

 

crucial imo
its all about dissipating heat, its the cores ability to do this that makes it what it is
you could have the largest surface area/volumed cooler in the world but if the core cannot cool the charge its not worth a wank

 

Is this a trick question

 

Sorry, no, its not a trick question. Why would it be?

 

Hi Christian,

Just like a cylinder head is very sensitive to even minor port work, intercoolers are very sensitive to core design. Both materials, design and surface area of heat exchange surfaces are critical. This means that its not only the physical surface area that the IC shows to on coming air, but the actual active surface area inside the the core for exchanging heat. This is where the material choice, thickness of pleating/protusions and overall design play a big part.