[Dirk Diggler]

tube/fin or bar/plate, which is a better IC and why?

ive heard many many conflicting answers.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

what? no takers?

Ive heard that bar and plate was more effecient because a smaller bar/plate can do the job of a larger tube fin just as efficiently, but Ive heard tube/fin flows better. Then I read the complete opposite on wrx performance website not to long ago. Im just looking for little clarification between the differences in performance and construction of the two.

 

[Syed Shah]

Andy, this is from the NZ Supra site tech section, hope you find it useful:

There are two core types for air-to-air intercoolers and they both have their advantages and disadvantages. The BAR & PLATE type has more pressure drop and a lower flow rate but usually has a higher efficiency. The TUBE & FIN type has less pressure drop and a higher flow rate at the expense of a lower efficiency and will be the lower priced of the two. The factory mkiv intercooler is a TUBE & FIN design.

 

[Alpha]

There are so many different opinions on which is better. You will have to decide for yourself. Both are proven so you really can't make a bad choice as long as the intercooler isn't made out of cheap material. I'm going with a Garrett bar and plate intercooler core with Precision end tanks.

http://www.are.com.au/techtalk/intecoolersMR.htm#Bar and Plate or Tube and Fin