Wagner Intercooler

[JasonH]

So with my 93 performance tune I saw IAT2 temps exceeding 140 degrees with ambient in the mid 90s and IAT1 around 105. The peak of summer hasn't hit yet here yet in the gulf coast region, so I decided to spring for an intercooler upgrade. I went with the Wagner because they specialize in this hardware and their part is supposed to be a drop-in preplacement. Here is a pic for those interested. I was going to post a size comparison but figured there was a better one available.

Wagner Inter Cooler Dominates Size! - 5 Star Tuning

Want lower intake temps while towing? We installed the Wagner IC on our Tow Heavy 2013 Eco Boost F150 truck for the added benefits of reduced inlet intake

5startuning.com

 

[JasonH]

So before I begin tackling this install, all the F150 videos show access to the top mount through the area where the grill normally sits. It appears that the Expedition grill is attached using rivets. I don't want to purchase a rivet gun for grill reinstallation, as I anticipate this would be the only time it would ever see use. It is possible to install this thing without accessing the top of the intercooler?

 

[JasonH]

I had to change my oil, so I figured I would finally tackle this as well. I was getting tired of the box taking up floor space. Regarding installation, the only thing holding the intercooler up is the bottom support bracket, so no need to mess with the grill or bumper. The lower air dam should be removed, as it gets in the way. The stock intercooler has a shroud that wraps around the upper support bracket, so that needs to be pushed over the upper bracket.

Apart from the above, the Wagner is a drop-in part. Just disconnect the the charge air hoses, cool side hose, recirculating solenoid line, and the solenoid electrical connector. After that it drops out. Install is reverse of installation, but connect the cool side hose before the recirc line because that valve has to be rotated into position. A helper is recommended, as the Wagner is much heavier. My daughter jacked it up using my floor jack while I maneuvered it into place.

I took it for a short test drive around the block and all I can say is wowza. I already have a 93 performance tune. I didn't expect much from the intercooler apart from lower intake temps, but there's definitely a noticeable improvement. It was comparatively cool outside, but the IAT sensor was reading around 95. The increase in IAT2 was limited to around 25 degrees, as compared with 30+ to 50 degrees on the stock intercooler. This one also doesn't heat soak nearly as badly. It got hot after romping on it, but cooled down nearly immediately once the vehicle began moving. I think there must be some flow improvement as well, because throttle response also improved. Strangely enough, I also saw up to 21 psi, where I was maxing at 18 psi before.

In conclusion, definitely a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you're already running a hotter tune.

 

[armyveterantn]

I looking to make improvements like this to my 17' EL King Ranch. I don't have a tune yet either. Advantage to doing this mod pre-tune?

 

[JasonH]

I looking to make improvements like this to my 17' EL King Ranch. I don't have a tune yet either. Advantage to doing this mod pre-tune?

I didn't install the intercooler until I already had the tune. A stock tune runs lower boost, so you might not notice as much improvement because the charge air temps won't increase as much. Boost = heat, so you lose power whenever the intake temps increase. I've read above 110 is when the engine begins to pull timing. That number is easily exceeded with the stock intercooler, but you're just losing some power that the engine was already capable of making vs increasing output with a tune.

A tune is definitely the best bang for buck. After that, I would do the intercooler.