bdyer666

iTrader: (1)

I have been thinking bout painting my intercooler. I know that the efficiency would decrease but by how much you think? Any input. I wouldnt think it would be by much. I might just end up running it half the day and dataloging intake temps then paint and drive other half of the day and note the difference. That way we can all know and have concrete proof. What you guys think?

crush02342002

iTrader: (2)

make sure the paint you use can be removed easily in case

rangerryda

iTrader: (1)

It doesn't make much of a difference. The majority of the paint is only going to be on the front, not in between each row where almost all of the cooling takes place. Only paint what you need and I used appliance epoxy paint (rattle can) to paint mine black. Completely invisible with OEM grille Don't do any sanding because if you do ever want to remove it, it'll be a PITA. The paint I used held up well over the past year or so. No chipping, just bugs lol.

bdyer666

iTrader: (1)

actually i was gonna go all out scuff use etching primer to promote adhesion base coat clear coat. i was also thinkin might wanna go a lil bigger intercooler if the paint makes a huge difference i think it kinda looks small to me behind the stock grill

AdmirN

I believe you are not suppose to paint your intercooler since it wont be reliable. It should be anodized.

bdyer666

iTrader: (1)

that is what the etching primer is for to make the paint more reliable

robinsondb22

you are correct sir!!!! paint will hold the heat in

Murphys_Law

iTrader: (3)

only a small amount,are you running a grill?

bdyer666

iTrader: (1)

yeah stock 09 lower

05_ScionTC

thing is you type this in into GOOGLE and it will really tell you....For the amount of boost you are going to be running you wont notice a difference whatsoever, on a honda forum a guy did a dyno run and results cameback both the same with a painted and unpainted intercooler. If your running mass amounts of boost like 25+ then you will notice a difference but i know your not runing that much lol

rangerryda

iTrader: (1)

Almost all of the cooling happens in the area where you can't paint anyhow. The exterior is just there to support the fins and the bars channel the air. Do some geometry and see how much area will actually be covered in paint (for stealth anyhow) vs how much surface area there is. It's barely a fraction. Also, as said previously, for our common boost levels and daily driving usage, you'll likely see no difference.

robinsondb22

some good points there but with the paint you'd have to be worried about clogging up the fins. An intercooler of a different color would be unique and cool looking. Anodizing it would be your best option.

bdyer666

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the input guys

rangerryda

iTrader: (1)

If you dip it in a tub of paint, yes the fins might clog but a light mist from a rattle can? Really? No clogging is going to happen. Anodizing is very nice and very effective but not cheap. A rattle can is a few bucks and you can always anodize it later if you want.

bluesciontc

It all depends on how good the core you are useing is.

05_ScionTC

this also went over on the honda forum and anodizing it or spray painting it is exactly the same, neither will have a noticeable difference for your boost levels its just would you rather spend a couple hundred on it or spend 4 bucks for a can that you can remove the paint later??

rangerryda

iTrader: (1)

^ This.

05_ScionTC

^^ Thank You. Finally someone else who knows what im talking about haha

rangerryda

iTrader: (1)

I'll give the anodized fans some credit because the finish is much more "baller status" and does last a lot longer though. Personally, I'll keep the couple hundred bucks and rock out the appliance epoxy like I have for over a year

bdyer666

iTrader: (1)

yeah def up for paintin rather than anodizing truthfully ill probably change my mind three or four times before i even do anything im never happy enough with stuff always changing and modding so i think ill paint first