Stepped intercooler - hangs too low, doesn't quite line up...common?

[carcar123454321]

I bought a stepped intercooler 5" (MAD-013) and didn't really realize it was stepped at the time (in a hurry and just got the car).

Anyone have issues installing these stepped intercoolers? Mine hangs down almost an inch lower than stock (and the tabs are an inch higher so it makes since it would hang down lower. Also one of the screw holes doesn't line up.

I change to the BMS E chassis one that isn't stepped....looks like it fits right in.

[Brandon_2011_135i]

The stepped ones require some trimming of some black plastic for them to totally fit. The top of the intercooler is probably hitting, near the corners. I got the ARM Motorsports one and it said this in the install instructions

[markslc1]

I recall having to buy longer screws from arm Motorsport to get my MAD one to hang right. Stock screws were not enough.

[carcar123454321]

Thanks all.

How much better is a stepped vs non-stepped if I'm just going to stage 2+ max (MHD)?

[wheela]

I can't say by how much, but people report better results with stepped. Presumably, the extra surface area you get with stepped cools the charge better than a deeper intercooler that isn't stepped.

[N55e82Simon]

Originally Posted by carcar123454321

Thanks all.

How much better is a stepped vs non-stepped if I'm just going to stage 2+ max (MHD)?

If you want to run the car hard longer then little bursts on and off freeways etc the stepped is going to help keep the heat soak down. IAT will stay higher longer on the non stepped version so trade racing or canyons etc just won’t do as well. It’s all relative but since you have it I think trim the tabs and it will fit. Then you have the better option for a bit of sweat equity.
But if you don’t really push the car it’s not going to be much different then a aftermarket fmic with will be better and stronger then the factory installed intercooler.