Is this Intercooler still usable, safely?

[improved]

I received this intercooler along with my 1J at no cost, which is already a great deal.

It does have damaged, but doesn't affect the intercoolers ability to hold pressure. It passed my local radiator shop's pressure test.

My concern with the cooler is it's ability to cool air, without testing it, would you say the damage below is acceptable to run?

Will the effeciency of which it can cool air, possible damage the motor indirectly. Hot air.

Anyhow here are the pictures.

Matt-

 

[HommerSimpson]

if "I HAD TO" yes.. i would use it.. but thats one ratty lookin cooler... atleast paint it black :}
Just try to get better one soon.. if tomany of them fins get bent over and air cant pass threw to radiator... then you can have an overheating issue.. but would take alot of them to do that...

 

[improved]

The end tanks are very nice, robust even. It's a Trust IC. I'm sure someone could re-core the monster. It's 3.5inches wide. I'm just not that person or willing to outsource the work.

I suppose buying another intercooler is what's the order.

Actually, it was hot tanked and I sprayed it with a high temp, reflective aluminum coating, but these pictures were taken prior to that.

Matt-

 

[IJ.]

Does it leak there?
(block one end compressor in the other and spray some soapy water on the damaged area)

 

[improved]

Does it leak there?
(block one end compressor in the other and spray some soapy water on the damaged area)

No, it doesn't leak air. Although, if it's a serious concern, I suppose I could just purchase another IC.

Matt-

 

[IJ.]

Paint it Satin black and use it Matt it's not going to affect flow in any way you could measure.

 

[Facime]

I agree, as long as it holds pressure up to whatever boost you are going to run plus a margin of error its fine. Those dents dont even look to be restricting those few runners. Paint the core, polish the ends and call it a day.

 

[Guyana00]

I agree, as long as it holds pressure up to whatever boost you are going to run plus a margin of error its fine. Those dents dont even look to be restricting those few runners. Paint the core, polish the ends and call it a day.

^ Yeah, this.

 

[Keros]

If fins aren't falling apart when you touch them, and it holds pressure, it's still rockin'!

 

[foreverpsycotic]

I wouldnt use it, it is garbage.

20 shipped and I will toss in my stocker? LMAO

It is just fine use it if you want to. If not, PM me.

 

[s383mmber1]

Sure, you "could" use it. Id spend 100 bucks and pick up a brand new one of ebay.

 

[Jeff Lange]

As long as it doesn't leak it should be fine.

Jeff

 

[Poodles]

It's not that bad, if you wanted to you could get it re-cored... the endtanks are very nicely made...

 

[MKIIINA]

i'd get it recored, while it may hold fine currently what is the flow going to be like as it looks like some of the cores are crimped (to keep it holding?) I just see endless chasing of boost leaks in your future.

 

[improved]

I had it tested again, it held 35psi for 3mins.

I mounted it yesterday. If it leaks with boost occasionally peaking at 17lbs, I'd be amazed.

Matt-

 

[IJ.]

Matt: If it doesn't leak at 35 it's not going to

Seriously if you were building a show car replace it if not I would use it without hesitation.

1 rock/crap on the road and it's going to be dinged anyway.

 

[92nsx]

:withstupi If your building a driver, use it. One trip down the road and rocks and bugs are going to bend over the fins anyways. Once it is installed behind the bumper you wont even see it. Plus it a Trust/Greddy IC. And the best part it was FREE.