GrimmSpeed Top-Mount Intercooler 2005-2009 Subaru Legacy GT/Outback XT

You probably already know that you want an intercooler with maximum cooling and minimum restriction, but when it comes to selecting the right “man for the job”, it’s important to understand why. As air is pressurized by your turbo, it heats up, not because of the heat of the turbocharger, but because when they’re compressed, the atoms in the air are forced closer together and as a result, move faster and have more energy. That energy manifests itself as heat. The more heat that can be removed from the system, the denser the air becomes and that’s what helps eliminate pre-detonation, or ‘knock’, allowing for increased output from your system. Your OEM top-mounted intercooler (TMIC) does just fine at stock boost under normal use, but as soon as you start putting some real heat into it with higher boost or harder use, it heat-soaks beyond recovery.

Grimmspeed’s upgraded TMIC features precision-cast and CNC-machined end tanks and a bar-and-plate intercooler core that measures 17.5in x 8.7in x 3.5in.  Features like stainless steel BPV studs to prevent stripping fragile aluminum threads, and five-ply silicone couplers for high strength and heat resistance make this a terrific kit.  Following inspection, the intercooler end tanks are pressure tested, cleaned and sealed, so you can have a worry-free install.  Each kit also includes an air splitter, laser cut from aluminum sheet and CNC bent before being assembled and powdercoated with a durable texture finish. Stainless steel hardware secures the splitter to the factory hood scoop.

The results speak for themselves, but here’s a breakdown: While the OEM TMIC fluctuated between 35-75F outlet temps, the GrimmSpeed TMIC kept post-IC temperatures between 30-40F the entire time. This is the kind of consistent cooling that you should expect from a high quality TMIC and is a function of the geometry and design of the bar and plate core. Their high density core has a massive heat transfer surface area but maintains a large enough cross-sectional flow area that there’s very little added restriction.

Kit includes intercooler core, air splitter, couplers, clamps, and install hardware.  Chose from silver/uncoated core or black thermal dispersant coated core.

Fits all 2005-2009 Subaru Legacy GT and Outback XT.