Hpi Vs Trust M Intercooler. Hpi Noticably Better Performance?

[sl33py]

Has anyone here got enough experience to unequivocally say that I won't feel the difference between a Trust M bar and plate intercooler compared to an HPI tube and fin model? I'm using the Hypertune piping kit and can choose my core. They said the Trust M will fit fine, but if the HPI will give less pressure loss and/or minimise lag better, I'd prefer it. They can't confirm whether it will fit or not, but said "it should." I'm hoping for a definite answer on here. JustJap didn't wanna measure anything up for me and said they're all the same and that the HPI one is just shinier :| But I'm pretty sure the Trust M is bar n plate and the HPI is tube/fin (or even hybrid), which I like better in principle.

I need to be sure the HPI one will fit if I decide on it. It LOOKS very very similar in shape and position of the in/outlet tanks, but I'm not sure on dimensions, and don't wanna risk wasting the money/having to resell, since Hypertune will do a good number on the core + pipes if I get the Trust core from them same time as the pipe kit.

Setup = R33 GTST, PFC + built in boost controller, 3" turbo back, Splitfires, and several "boring" parts of the engine replaced through wear and tear. Will be getting new pump and other suppors at the same time which are all decided, but this INTERCOOLER choice is the last decision I need to make before dropping the dosh.

Does anyone know for sure if the HPI will FIT, and/or if it will give noticeably less lag or perform better in any way, shape or form? I want this core to be good for if/when I upgrade the turbo later, so don't want to cheap out at this stage, esp since its like $100-150 difference.

I searched, if there's an answer on here please direct me to the thread

[sl33py]

OK... how about educated guesses?

[sly32]

just take which one you like the looks of better, i dont really think you will notice any difference is lag, they will pretty much be the same, as for the hpi intercooler fitting, im pretty sure it would fit, front mounts really dont vary to much in fitting them, i wouldnt worry to much about that, just make sure the pipes line up and are the right size,

JV

[paulr33]

i dont think you be able to notice either difference to be honest

just buy the cheapest core / kit and move on with it

5 years ago brand probably would have made a difference but these days its probably from the same factory

[Kaido_RR]

i dont think you be able to notice either difference to be honest

just buy the cheapest core / kit and move on with it

5 years ago brand probably would have made a difference but these days its probably from the same factory

i think otherwise.

i went from a china core (600x300x76, bar and plate) and custom piping kit, to a trust v-spl kit (600x300x76, tube and fine), and i notice the difference; performance wise.

increases in responds, also the v-spl kit flows much better, as i had noticeable boost increase 1-2psi, in normal driving condition. i did not change anything but the cooler on my car, so personally i think if your doing it on the cheap go head buy the cheap china kit, but if you want to do it right, send the extra cash.

my 15cents

Edited November 6, 2007 by [Michael]

[rev210]

The cheap ass intercoolers aren't a match for the better unit's like the Trust made ones. The end tanks are usually crap for a start.

you get a cheap intercooler when you can't afford a trust/ARC or local ARE made one, don't kid yourself that the cheap intercoolers are as good. They aren't. The gap in performance is still there even though it's narrowed a little over time.

[Blitz]

HPI is a Japanese made kit, the Trust Spec M, is not.

The HPI kit is an excellent kit for the money

[STATUS]

HPI is a Japanese made kit, the Trust Spec M, is not.

The HPI kit is an excellent kit for the money

HPI is Taiwanese also.... another source and rebrand. The trust piping is made in japan the core is not. Tube and fin is generally better hence all the kits i (autobarn $599) now source from greddy are the tube and fin variant of the type M $599.

[sl33py]

Hmmm. I realise the chinese ones may not be crash hot compared to any of the big name ones. Was wondering about the difference between Trust and HPI. I didn't realise Trust did a tube and fin Type M kit, I'll try to get that one.

Thanks guys