PWR Intercooler
Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2016 12:08 pm
Hey guys,
Given that this is a 'new' product for anyone considering an intercooler upgrade, MX5 Mania are offering a PWR 'cooler in lieu of the Cooling Pro previously offered.
I figured i'd give some feedback so you don't have to go in cold if you're looking to purchase.
It costs approx' $465 (incl. delivery to Canberra from memory). It comes with a laser CNC cut mounting bracket.... which you really don't see, but looks very high quality and fits nicely.
PWR make very high quality products and i've used them before on other cars. This intercooler is in keeping with that.
The only 'downsides' to this install is that there is a requirement to bend power steering pipes for clearance. These appear to be an Aluminium(?) pipe and, as with any alloy pipe, require some care in doing so. The recommended 4 hour install is accurate unless you put the intercooler in/out half a dozen times like me to ensure clearances are spot on (I literally have 2-3mm or less on either side of the pipe as it passes between the front bumper sub frame and the 'cooler).
I used spacers and mucked around to mount one of the power steering support brackets instead of removing/flipping it as indicated in the instructions. This took some time, but it provided accurate/solid mounting and clearance. I was also dubious on how easily you'd remove the steel mounting bracket from the Aluminium pipe without damaging it.
I also wasted time making sure the clamps for the silicon hoses had appropriate clearance and were all orientated the same way with the bolt sections not visible from the front - this is really unnecessary unless you're a tripper/pedantic.
In short, it is great. You can do a upgrade cheaper, but this option is worth the extra coin. I fitted this and the AEM intake in one hit from standard and it has made a huge difference.
See attached for the front shot of the installed instercooler (with obligatory blacking out of number plate for some reason).
Cheers,
Rob
Given that this is a 'new' product for anyone considering an intercooler upgrade, MX5 Mania are offering a PWR 'cooler in lieu of the Cooling Pro previously offered.
I figured i'd give some feedback so you don't have to go in cold if you're looking to purchase.
It costs approx' $465 (incl. delivery to Canberra from memory). It comes with a laser CNC cut mounting bracket.... which you really don't see, but looks very high quality and fits nicely.
PWR make very high quality products and i've used them before on other cars. This intercooler is in keeping with that.
The only 'downsides' to this install is that there is a requirement to bend power steering pipes for clearance. These appear to be an Aluminium(?) pipe and, as with any alloy pipe, require some care in doing so. The recommended 4 hour install is accurate unless you put the intercooler in/out half a dozen times like me to ensure clearances are spot on (I literally have 2-3mm or less on either side of the pipe as it passes between the front bumper sub frame and the 'cooler).
I used spacers and mucked around to mount one of the power steering support brackets instead of removing/flipping it as indicated in the instructions. This took some time, but it provided accurate/solid mounting and clearance. I was also dubious on how easily you'd remove the steel mounting bracket from the Aluminium pipe without damaging it.
I also wasted time making sure the clamps for the silicon hoses had appropriate clearance and were all orientated the same way with the bolt sections not visible from the front - this is really unnecessary unless you're a tripper/pedantic.
In short, it is great. You can do a upgrade cheaper, but this option is worth the extra coin. I fitted this and the AEM intake in one hit from standard and it has made a huge difference.
See attached for the front shot of the installed instercooler (with obligatory blacking out of number plate for some reason).
Cheers,
Rob
