CP-E intercooler review with temp test results

[Basic 2.7]

Install was very easy and took about 30 minutes using just a 15 mm socket and ratchet. Quality seems pretty decent and I like the engineering that went into the design. I chose CP-E over the competitors because of this and because I could put the stock one back on in about 30 minutes. I was skeptical, because there wasn't a crazy difference in size between the factory intercooler and the CP-E intercooler.

With the stock intercooler, temps would spike 40+ degrees on a single 0 to 70 pull. With the CP-E, I could only get a max delta of about 16 degrees. This was after doing multiple pulls back to back. The temps drop down quickly on both intercoolers but more so on the CP-E. Keep in mind, I'm currently running the factory calibration. It seems to hold torque slightly better at higher speeds as well. Overall, I'm fairly satisfied with the results and the performance.

Sponsored

 

[WildtrakBronco]

looks like a very easy install. does the cp-e intercooler include new mounting brackets? I watched an install video on YouTube and they removed factory ones with the tow hooks and replaced with brackets that had no hooks. Just wondered if those were included.

 

[Basic 2.7]

You re-use the factory brackets and bushings.

 

[Aonarch]

Do the shutters still fit/ work?

 

[CarGuy]

Having shutters on an intercooler defeats the purpose of an intercooler - i.e., max airflow to cool the charge.

 

[Basic 2.7]

Having shutters on an intercooler defeats the purpose of an intercooler - i.e., max airflow to cool the charge.

Right, because the shutters are always closed.

 

[Basic 2.7]

Do the shutters still fit/ work?

Everything functions as it did with the OEM intercooler. This will not trigger any hidden error codes on the PCM.

 

[CarGuy]

Right, because the shutters are always closed.

They are closed more than you think. It's for MPG, not optimal performance.

 

[Basic 2.7]

They are closed more than you think. It's for MPG, not optimal performance.

I understand why they are there and how they work, which is why I left them there in the first place. I've gone over data logs in different driving scenarios.

 

[CarGuy]

Do you have data showing temps open and closed? That would be very useful. Every other turbo I've owned maximized airflow to the intercoolers - my other turbo'd vehicle's intercoolers are wide open to the front.

 

[Basic 2.7]

Do you have data showing temps open and closed? That would be very useful. Every other turbo I've owned maximized airflow to the intercoolers - my other turbo'd vehicle's intercoolers are wide open to the front.

Not on my phone, just screen shots of the gauges. There doesn't seem to be a big difference with them closed while cruising, as temps still fall quickly after a pull. They are open just about anytime you're at full throttle, which is what matters the most. I couldn't find a PID that shows the shutter status.

Sponsored