I have a RX imprezza 97 it is a 2L non turbo with all the mounts for a intercooler i was wondering if it would be of any benifit/ harm to put a standard intercooler on to get colder air intake or would it restrict flow to much. has anyone ever put a aftermarket air intake system on ive seen ones made from stainless steel but only for newer models any help would be appreciated.

 

Installing an intercooler on a normally-aspirated car would not be restrictive but it also would not be a worthwhile modification. For all of the plumbing you would have to add, it might gain just a few horsepower at high speed, but around town the intercooler would act as a heat sink and absorb the heat from the engine compartment.

A n/a car just does not have the high intake air temps generated by a turbo. The temperature differential after installing an intercooler would not be significant except at high vehicle speed, and this is assuming you have the factory scoop on the hood (bonnet) with rubber intercooler seal to assure a leak-free fit.

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thats what i thought its just i could have gotten one really cheap. im thinking a stainless steel intake from the pod filter. by the way iv just installed a Greddy triple core strut brace and let me say it was worth every dollar.