r32 to 33 or 34 i/c upgrade

[timbar32]

Hey guys, just wondering whether it would be worth changing my stock intercooler for an R33 or 34 unit. Do they flow or cool any better? Would I be better off just saving for a front mount? (I know that would be heaps better, but I can't afford it for ages). Also do they bolt straight up? Any info or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks

[paulr33]

i dont think there would be a significant difference between them, the 34 probably flows better. you can get trust cores for the stock sized one (triple core). best bet would be to source a r33 gtr intecooler (front mount) and use that. good for upto 300rwkw

should be able to get it for around $600 without piping

[Black33]

r33 unit is bigger than yours and the r34 unit one is even bigger again.

I upgraded my r33 one to an r34 intercooler and I think it was definitely a good cheap mod, on your 32, an r34 cooler will make a noticeable difference.

[Abo Bob]

I think the surface area is the same but mine is 100mm thick I think.

[Black33]

nah, surface area on r32 and r33 coolers is the same but r33 is thicker.

r34 is then both bigger in area and again thicker (80mm) than the r33 I/C

[Reyne]

Mate, just did it on my 32. I ended up with an extra 2 psi of boost (due to the better flow I assume). Be prepared to modify one of the end tanks and make up your own mounts. Other than that... good cheap upgrade I say.

[Black33]

not sure about r32 to r34, but when installing an r34 cooler on an r33, it is a straight swap - no need to modify anything!

[sewid]

The R33 -> R34 GTT intercooler swap is an excellent cheap mod.

It bolts straight on and the volume increase is definately worth it. The best part though is the better airflow you get through the GTT core since the end tanks are larger and better designed.

The R33 intercooler seems awkward in comparison.

[Black33]

when I installed it, I did a quick volume calc and the r34 I/C is about 1.5 times the r33 one.

I think it was an unreal mod for the $120 I paid (minus how much I can sell my r33 one for).

Only prob is that they can be hard to find.

[timbar32]

Cheers guys. Reyne, what sort of mods are needed to the end tank? Did you do it yourself or have a pro modify it, and how much did the mods cost?

[Reyne]

The 32's i/c pipes route differently to the 33/34's. On one side of the cooler (inlet i think) the pipe goes straight up into the engine bay. On the other side (outlet) the piping heads towards the front of the car on a 32... on a 33/34 it heads towards the back. You've just gotta get someone to re-locate the outlet pipe to the other side of the end tank. Dunno how much a pro would charge to do it, should be about $50 I reckon. Then you gotta mount it... I made my own but you can probly modify the stock ones. Lastly you'll need a 20cm or so length of intercooler hosing. to re-attach the modified outlet to the stock piping. Hope this helps