98 V70 T5 Intercooler options

[timmybdaddyof3]

The car is bone stock, and I am in the process of stage 0-ing it, but with Phoenix heat I am having definite heat soak issues. In the end game water/meth injection will be installed, but seeing as I am getting ready to pull all of my hoses (both cooling and turbo) I figure lets address the intercooler while I am there.

*it will be a fairly modified daily driver when I am done

Here are the options I see:
1. the IPD drop in, and the only claim I see is 75mm core ~$675 + does not include hoses etc so really closer to ~$875
2. Snabbs "ultimate upgrade" true FMIC with all the piping - a complete package ~$500
3. Go totally homebuilt - A little bit of engineering, and probably closer to ~$500
4. ***Fill in the blank***

As much as there is not a lot of action in the performance section here, I have trolled the other sites and would appreciate the intellect provided here vs. the boy racer mentality I have seen elsewhere.

But when I install it I am going to chrome it and slap a GREDDY sticker on it because I hear that worth at least 25hp

[matthew1]

I did the same research a couple months ago, before I got a free* used stock intercooler.

Snabb came out looking the best, only because it was complete with piping and clamps, all for a reasonable price. Oh, also the Snaab owner is reported to be a great guy**. I looked on eBay and found a couple in the $200-range, but for IC only. I wish now I'd documented my search so I could have more details for you.

The problem with the several different good-looking IC's on eBay is that, for me anyway, it would not have been an "Order once, install in a day" situation, because I suspected at least one of the pipes I'd have ordered would have been incorrect. It's like building a lego set that you can't touch, and can't see the pieces except in photos.

Important note about IC construction: height*width*depth, where "depth" is dependent on material, density and possibly other factors. Height*width*depth will determine the overall efficiency.

Because you're in Phoenix, I'd max out all three, keeping in mind you must fit it behind the bumper.

Some of them I wanted to buy just because they're just damn pretty from a fabrication appreciation perspective. Maybe get an extra and hang it up on the living room wall.

* THANKS BRETT BORDERS
** via Brett Borders