What is an intercooler?

What is an intercooler?

If you're driving a turbocharged engine or considering tuning, an  intercooler  an essential component. But what exactly does an intercooler do, and why do so many performance drivers opt for an upgrade?

What is an intercooler?

An  intercooler  is an  air-to-air or air-to-water cooler  that lowers  the intake air temperature  of a turbocharged engine. When air is compressed by a turbocharger, it heats up. However, warm air contains less oxygen – which is detrimental to combustion.

The intercooler cools this air before it enters the engine, resulting in:

  • More oxygen per unit volume

  • More efficient combustion

  • More power and less chance of pinging

How does an intercooler work?

The operation is simple but crucial.  Compressed (hot) air  from the turbo flows through the intercooler, where it is cooled by airflow (in air-to-air mode) or coolant (in air-to-water mode). The cooled air then flows to the intake, where it is forced into the engine under pressure.

The colder the air, the better the combustion – and the more power you get from the same amount of fuel.

Types of intercoolers

At  JT Products  we distinguish two main types:

  • Air-to-air intercoolers  – most common; simple, effective and lightweight

  • Air-to-water intercoolers  – more compact and efficient for high power or limited space

In addition, you can choose between:

  • OEM intercoolers  (standard, often limited in cooling capacity)

  • Upgraded front-mount intercoolers (FMIC)  – ideal for tuned engines

  • Custom intercoolers  – tailor-made for specific applications

Why choose an intercooler upgrade?

✔️  Lower intake air temperatures
✔️  More and more stable power at full load
✔️  Better protection against knocking/detonation
✔️  Higher reliability with tuned turbos
✔️  Tighter throttle response and smoother engine character

An undersized or inefficient intercooler can cause heat soak – where the air becomes so hot that performance plummets or damage occurs.

JT Products – Intercoolers with performance in their DNA

At  JT Products  , you'll find high-quality  intercoolers and intercooler upgrades  from top brands like Wagner Tuning, Mishimoto, and Airtec. We offer both  plug-and-play solutions  for popular platforms and  custom kits  for motorsport and tuning projects.

Our expertise will help you choose the right size, connection, and flow capacity – all for optimal results.

Frequently asked questions about intercoolers

Can I install an intercooler myself?
That depends on the vehicle. Many kits are plug-and-play, but some require modifications to the bumper or pipes. If in doubt, leave it to a specialist.

Does an intercooler make my car louder?
Not directly, but in combination with other upgrades (such as an open intake or a blow-off valve), the intake noise can increase.

Do I need an intercooler upgrade without tuning?
For heavy-duty use or in hot climates, an upgrade can be beneficial even without tuning – for increased stability and durability.