Damaged cores on IC

[SDS135]

So I found someone local selling an AMS IC (wow it's big) and when I went to see it he told me he ran over something that hit the bottom side of the IC (will post pictures), dented it and damaged the first row of cores. Just want to know how big of a deal it is.

Doesn't look repairable because it's not like something hit the IC from the front but from below.

Should I still get it or just forget it?

Thanks (pictures coming as soon I'm home).

[johngrossi]

i would forget about it.. doesnt seem worth it to me due to risk of cracks/leaks

[SDS135]

as promised

[Kämpä]

Looks very usable still. Pressurize it, if there are no leaks, then you are golden!! Could be a very good pick up if its cheap!

[SDS135]

Originally Posted by Kmp

Looks very usable still. Pressurize it, if there are no leaks, then you are golden!! Could be a very good pick up if its cheap!

Assuming I get it pressurized and it holds. Am I losing any significant cooling capacity with the existing damage. I could bend the fins back on the face but not any further (would probably cause more damage if I tried and create a leak).

[Kämpä]

Originally Posted by SDS135

Assuming I get it pressurized and it holds. Am I losing any significant cooling capacity with the existing damage. I could bend the fins back on the face but not any further (would probably cause more damage if I tried and create a leak).

If you were to buy it, i would leave it as is and not try to bend it back, you may damage it more. Honestly i have seen intercoolers in much worse shape. That intercooler is not that bad. As far as loosing cooling capacity because of it, no you won't. Aluminum is a great temp conductor no matter the shape of the fin. If anything you are loosing like 0.5% of its surface if you want to look at it like that.

[SDS135]

But I should pressurize before buying? I'll have to see how I can do that and find out what it's suppose to withstand. Any thoughts? Probably best to check with ams...

[Rowdy]

Pressurize it to 20psi.. thats well beyond what the stock turbo setups will produce. I used to have a rig for pressure checking things. cap one end.. have a pressure line with a regulator and gauge on the other and fill it to 20psi and then let it sit and see if it bleeds off quickly.

Judging from the pictures it looks ok, but you never know!

[Dmacc]

Originally Posted by Rowdy

Pressurize it to 20psi.. thats well beyond what the stock turbo setups will produce. I used to have a rig for pressure checking things. cap one end.. have a pressure line with a regulator and gauge on the other and fill it to 20psi and then let it sit and see if it bleeds off quickly.

Judging from the pictures it looks ok, but you never know!

Pressurize to 22psi if you plan on running straight e85 and pushing the stock turbos.

[Tiago@VRSF]

You should definitely do a boost leak test, I'd go up to 30psi and make sure it holds. I've seen damage like this where the inner charge rows aren't effected but the seal is still compromised.

[RimasRS]

I think that is nothing... Do pressure test and take it

[Mit_Boost]

Only way I'm buying that is if it's somehow cheaper than the VRSF $400 IC

[marc@x-ph.com]

^+1, I was to ask how much you're getting for. And yes, you definitely need to pressurize it.

[SDS135]

$500 was asking got down to 450... But I'm from canada... Things are more expensive here. And I need to buy and then test. Is it worth the risk. Seller used it like this and said there was no issue.

[ChrisCote]

you have to test then buy. it is not worth the risk buying then testing

[Mit_Boost]

Originally Posted by SDS135

$500 was asking got down to 450... But I'm from canada... Things are more expensive here. And I need to buy and then test. Is it worth the risk. Seller used it like this and said there was no issue.

PM Tiago or Dzenno from ProTuning Freaks (he's from Canada), I'm sure either of them can help you source a brand new FMIC priced in that area.