installed my XSPower intercooler this week
Sep 12, 2006, 10:36 AM
#91
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if buschur did a test I would trust his results.
like it was already said above, its very hard to test an IC. You really have to have logged your car on the track for a while and know how much boost/timing you can safely run. Then switch JUST the IC and see if you can increase the tune safely.
like it was already said above, its very hard to test an IC. You really have to have logged your car on the track for a while and know how much boost/timing you can safely run. Then switch JUST the IC and see if you can increase the tune safely.
Sep 12, 2006, 11:00 AM
#92
Originally Posted by AlwaysinBoost
if buschur did a test I would trust his results.
like it was already said above, its very hard to test an IC. You really have to have logged your car on the track for a while and know how much boost/timing you can safely run. Then switch JUST the IC and see if you can increase the tune safely.
like it was already said above, its very hard to test an IC. You really have to have logged your car on the track for a while and know how much boost/timing you can safely run. Then switch JUST the IC and see if you can increase the tune safely.
Last edited by honda-guy; Sep 12, 2006 at 11:05 AM.
Sep 12, 2006, 11:11 AM
#93
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Originally Posted by DreamLike1
draconx...
I'm really not arguing for or against XSPower products, I'm just upset that a few members have spoken out so vehemently even though they have not supplied any hard facts.
Neither side has provided conclusive evidence for or against these products, but I personally cant help but give them the benefit of the doubt. An intercooler I might not purchase from them but certainly a 3" exhaust I don't see the problem.
I have purchased the XSPower 3" Turbo Back exhaust for $350 shipped. I dont see much that can go wrong with an exhaust besides fitment issues (which you'll find on many exhausts) and maybe looks (personal preference).
I'm really not arguing for or against XSPower products, I'm just upset that a few members have spoken out so vehemently even though they have not supplied any hard facts.
Neither side has provided conclusive evidence for or against these products, but I personally cant help but give them the benefit of the doubt. An intercooler I might not purchase from them but certainly a 3" exhaust I don't see the problem.
I have purchased the XSPower 3" Turbo Back exhaust for $350 shipped. I dont see much that can go wrong with an exhaust besides fitment issues (which you'll find on many exhausts) and maybe looks (personal preference).
And someone actually just created a thread comparing this exhaust to 6 others, and came to the conclusion that is was made from the same material, had very nice welds, fit perfectly, and was barely louder than stock. The only downside was the stubby looking resignating cansiter; which really doesn't even phase me.
Sep 12, 2006, 11:19 AM
#94
It will take some time, but eventually the truth will come out. This winter I will be doing a series of modifications, including the FMIC. I will log the (post intercooler) intake temperatures on the stock unit, and the XS unit via an aftermarket intake temperature sensor hooked up to my laptop. It is very obvious that this intercooler will perform better. There is simply more surface area and volume. The construction and welding quality is very questionable, and its overall weight kind of sucks, but for the price you can't beat it. If no one has any hard core numbers by december, I will post my results.
Sep 12, 2006, 12:08 PM
#95
The core used in this i/c is a diesel oil cooler core. A close friend of mine who worked for a reputable tuner in the Bay Area, who by the way did not sell their own i/c, cut one open when they first hit ebay for our cars.
The Evolution has a rather unique demographic. It is within the price range of those coming from less expensive vehicles yet is looked at as a track day toy by those coming from the upper tier. For those of us left in the middle ground it is apparent that this creates a feuding public.
Many feel that anything spent over what is offered to them in their price range is idiotic. Many feel that you must buy the big names or you're worthless. There are times to cut and times to chin up and pay the buck.
The bottom line is that, yeah you can go out and buy an intercooler made out of a core not designed for air to air heat exchange off of ebay. Sure you can pick up a set of the cheapest coil overs offered and hollar about them like a highschool kid leaving a TJ ***** house. You can even purchase a turboback with a stamped steel muffler and riveted tail pipe for the price of most catbacks. But remember that buying twice is no fun. On the other hand I can think of any better way to teach yourself a lesson in common sense.
edited: I'm correcting myself it was a diesel oil cooler core
The Evolution has a rather unique demographic. It is within the price range of those coming from less expensive vehicles yet is looked at as a track day toy by those coming from the upper tier. For those of us left in the middle ground it is apparent that this creates a feuding public.
Many feel that anything spent over what is offered to them in their price range is idiotic. Many feel that you must buy the big names or you're worthless. There are times to cut and times to chin up and pay the buck.
The bottom line is that, yeah you can go out and buy an intercooler made out of a core not designed for air to air heat exchange off of ebay. Sure you can pick up a set of the cheapest coil overs offered and hollar about them like a highschool kid leaving a TJ ***** house. You can even purchase a turboback with a stamped steel muffler and riveted tail pipe for the price of most catbacks. But remember that buying twice is no fun. On the other hand I can think of any better way to teach yourself a lesson in common sense.
edited: I'm correcting myself it was a diesel oil cooler core
Last edited by mitsuorder; Sep 12, 2006 at 06:44 PM.
Sep 12, 2006, 12:21 PM
#96
Ive been using catback for over a year now, and fmic for about 4-5months, no problem. I got also o2 and exhaust mani. (so far no problem's) and i dyno my car on 100 octane and tuned with safc2 - 380whp, and 358 TQ. Now iam on EcuFlash and going to tune it with 110 and 28psi - Iam on evo9 20G 6 blade Turbo.
I invested $2300 in my car as far performance parts. Hell for that money i think its pretty good! if my mani will crack i will buy something better. Like everyone says "You get what you pay for," i'am pretty happy.
I invested $2300 in my car as far performance parts. Hell for that money i think its pretty good! if my mani will crack i will buy something better. Like everyone says "You get what you pay for," i'am pretty happy.
Last edited by tweakdsm; Sep 12, 2006 at 12:40 PM.
Sep 12, 2006, 12:21 PM
#97
Originally Posted by mitsuorder
The core used in this i/c is a diesel radiator overflow core. Cal cut one open when he was at Gruppe-S back when these first hit the market for our cars. A close friend of mine who worked for a reputable tuner near by at the time, who by the way did not sell their own i/c, was standing there with him.
The Evolution has a rather unique demographic. It is within the price range of those coming from less expensive vehicles yet is looked at as a track day toy by those coming from the upper tier. For those of us left in the middle ground it is apparent that this creates a feuding public.
Many feel that anything spent over what is offered to them in their price range is idiotic. Many feel that you must buy the big names or you're worthless. There are times to cut and times to chin up and pay the buck.
The bottom line is that, yeah you can go out and buy an intercooler made out of a core not designed for air to air heat exchange off of ebay. Sure you can pick up a set of the cheapest coil overs offered and hollar about them like a highschool kid leaving a TJ ***** house. You can even purchase a turboback with a stamped steel muffler and riveted tail pipe for the price of most catbacks. But remember that buying twice is no fun. On the other hand I can think of any better way to teach yourself a lesson in common sense.
The Evolution has a rather unique demographic. It is within the price range of those coming from less expensive vehicles yet is looked at as a track day toy by those coming from the upper tier. For those of us left in the middle ground it is apparent that this creates a feuding public.
Many feel that anything spent over what is offered to them in their price range is idiotic. Many feel that you must buy the big names or you're worthless. There are times to cut and times to chin up and pay the buck.
The bottom line is that, yeah you can go out and buy an intercooler made out of a core not designed for air to air heat exchange off of ebay. Sure you can pick up a set of the cheapest coil overs offered and hollar about them like a highschool kid leaving a TJ ***** house. You can even purchase a turboback with a stamped steel muffler and riveted tail pipe for the price of most catbacks. But remember that buying twice is no fun. On the other hand I can think of any better way to teach yourself a lesson in common sense.
Sep 12, 2006, 12:47 PM
#98
mitsuorder,
in what way can you distinguish the difference between a radiator over flow core vs. a standard bars/plates ic core. i've used and seen many bars/plates ic core (at least 25) and i didn't notice anything different with the XSPower ic core. i didn't cut one open but from what i can tell by looking through the inlet and outlet port. i’m not saying that it’s not the case, i just want to be educated.
also, if the core was design for a radiator over flow, i don't think it would be able to handle 30+ psi of pressure that other members on here had ran this ic with.
in what way can you distinguish the difference between a radiator over flow core vs. a standard bars/plates ic core. i've used and seen many bars/plates ic core (at least 25) and i didn't notice anything different with the XSPower ic core. i didn't cut one open but from what i can tell by looking through the inlet and outlet port. i’m not saying that it’s not the case, i just want to be educated.
also, if the core was design for a radiator over flow, i don't think it would be able to handle 30+ psi of pressure that other members on here had ran this ic with.
Last edited by honda-guy; Sep 12, 2006 at 12:51 PM.
Sep 12, 2006, 12:48 PM
#99
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there have been a couple of different ebay type IC's on the market. One of them is without a doubt a cut down radiator (tube & fin design). The good one, which I have, is a bar and plate core... buyer beware.
I am done posting in this thread now. I've given my own personal experience.
I am done posting in this thread now. I've given my own personal experience.
Sep 12, 2006, 01:13 PM
#102
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I'm seeing a more general consensus here that these are legitimate intercoolers, especially if you know which ebay intercooler to buy.
I think however, that you will always have people that demand the most expensive item on the market so I dont expect we'll see buscher and AMS going out of business here. But for those who really dont care about image (I myself), these ebay items could be a great alternative to an (imo) overly priced cat back or intercooler.
I think however, that you will always have people that demand the most expensive item on the market so I dont expect we'll see buscher and AMS going out of business here. But for those who really dont care about image (I myself), these ebay items could be a great alternative to an (imo) overly priced cat back or intercooler.
Sep 12, 2006, 01:21 PM
#103
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Originally Posted by mitsuorder
The core used in this i/c is a diesel radiator overflow core. Cal cut one open when he was at Gruppe-S back when these first hit the market for our cars. A close friend of mine who worked for a reputable tuner near by at the time, who by the way did not sell their own i/c, was standing there with him.
The Evolution has a rather unique demographic. It is within the price range of those coming from less expensive vehicles yet is looked at as a track day toy by those coming from the upper tier. For those of us left in the middle ground it is apparent that this creates a feuding public.
Many feel that anything spent over what is offered to them in their price range is idiotic. Many feel that you must buy the big names or you're worthless. There are times to cut and times to chin up and pay the buck.
The bottom line is that, yeah you can go out and buy an intercooler made out of a core not designed for air to air heat exchange off of ebay. Sure you can pick up a set of the cheapest coil overs offered and hollar about them like a highschool kid leaving a TJ ***** house. You can even purchase a turboback with a stamped steel muffler and riveted tail pipe for the price of most catbacks. But remember that buying twice is no fun. On the other hand I can think of any better way to teach yourself a lesson in common sense.
The Evolution has a rather unique demographic. It is within the price range of those coming from less expensive vehicles yet is looked at as a track day toy by those coming from the upper tier. For those of us left in the middle ground it is apparent that this creates a feuding public.
Many feel that anything spent over what is offered to them in their price range is idiotic. Many feel that you must buy the big names or you're worthless. There are times to cut and times to chin up and pay the buck.
The bottom line is that, yeah you can go out and buy an intercooler made out of a core not designed for air to air heat exchange off of ebay. Sure you can pick up a set of the cheapest coil overs offered and hollar about them like a highschool kid leaving a TJ ***** house. You can even purchase a turboback with a stamped steel muffler and riveted tail pipe for the price of most catbacks. But remember that buying twice is no fun. On the other hand I can think of any better way to teach yourself a lesson in common sense.
Sep 12, 2006, 03:16 PM
#104
I just verified that it didn't have a radiator overflow core, it was an oil cooler core. It's been a while since this topic had come to attention. It was the intercooler that XSPower was originally selling. The fear was of the possiblity of the oil cooler core coming apart due to the velocity of air it would be exposed to and being ingested into the engine. If sectioned cores are now being used then more power to them. 
Sep 12, 2006, 05:07 PM
#105
Originally Posted by mitsuorder
I just verified that it didn't have a radiator overflow core, it was an oil cooler core. It's been a while since this topic had come to attention. It was the intercooler that XSPower was originally selling. The fear was of the possiblity of the oil cooler core coming apart due to the velocity of air it would be exposed to and being ingested into the engine. If sectioned cores are now being used then more power to them.