Instructions for Removing the Intercooler

The intercooler, or charge cooler, is a heat exchanger of the air/air or air/water type, which cools the air entering the engine to ensure it is at the optimal temperature for combustion. It is installed between the turbocharger and the engine, with the cooling radiator generally positioned at the front of the vehicle or under the bonnet, near a dedicated air intake.

The turbocharger uses the rotation generated by the exhaust gases exiting the manifold to compress the intake air, allowing for superior performance compared to naturally aspirated internal combustion engines. However, the rapid compression of the air increases its temperature, reducing its density and thus limiting the amount of air drawn into the engine.

The high temperatures of the exhaust gases that spin the turbine also heat the turbo, which transfers additional heat to the intake air. The intercooler, through its cooling circuit, reduces the air temperature, thereby increasing its density (cold air occupies less volume than hot air) and increasing, at the same pressure, the amount of oxidiser in the combustion chamber, improving the overall efficiency of the engine in terms of fuel consumption, performance, and reliability (some components are subjected to lower thermal stresses).

With this background, removing the intercooler from the vehicle in question is extremely simple: it is located right on top of the engine and it is sufficient to disconnect the inlet and outlet hoses and the respective fastening screws.