Best Performance Turbocharger Intercoolers of 2026

Robert Reyes Avatar
Robert Reyes
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Performance turbocharger intercoolers are essential components for those looking to increase the power and efficiency of their turbocharged engines. These intercoolers work by cooling and compressing the air that enters the engine, increasing the density of the air and improving overall engine performance. They are particularly useful for high-performance vehicles, as they help prevent overheating and reduce the risk of engine damage. Performance turbocharger intercoolers come in a variety of sizes and designs to fit different types of engines and vehicles, and are a popular choice among car enthusiasts looking to boost their horsepower and torque.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Mishimoto WRX 2015-2018 Top-Mount Intercooler Kit Cover #TOP 1
Mishimoto WRX 2015-2018 Top-Mount Intercooler Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Mishimoto Evo Intercooler 2001-2007 Cover #TOP 2
Mishimoto Evo Intercooler 2001-2007
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Mishimoto WRX Intercooler Kit Cover #TOP 3
Mishimoto WRX Intercooler Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Performance Turbocharger Intercoolers

#TOP 1

Mishimoto WRX 2015-2018 Top-Mount Intercooler Kit

MMTMIC-WRX-15BSL
Silver
Mishimoto WRX 2015-2018 Top-Mount Intercooler Kit Cover
Mishimoto MMTMIC-WRX-15BSL Top-Mount Intercooler Kit Compatible With Subaru WRX 2015-2018 Silver Cooler, Black Hoses

The Mishimoto WRX Intercooler is designed specifically for 2015 and newer Subaru WRX models, ensuring a perfect fit and easy installation. Its cooler measures 24 by 10 by 5 inches, providing a large surface area for effective heat dissipation, which helps keep your engine running cooler and more efficiently. This bar-and-plate construction is built for durability and optimal performance. With this intercooler, you can expect a noticeable boost in power—15 more horsepower and 8 more torque—when paired with a stage 2 tune. It also offers a generous core volume to support vehicles ranging from stock setups to those producing up to 500 wheel horsepower.

What We Like
Compatible with 2015+ Subaru WRX
Large cooler size for heat transfer
Durable bar and plate design
Power gains with stage 2 tune
Supports up to 500 whp
#TOP 2

Mishimoto Evo Intercooler 2001-2007

MMINT-EVO-01XB
Black
Mishimoto Evo Intercooler 2001-2007 Cover
Mishimoto MMINT-EVO-01XB Performance Intercooler Fits Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 7/8/9 2001-2007 Black

The Mishimoto Evo Intercooler is designed specifically for the 2001-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 7/8/9, providing a direct fit for easy installation. With its large overall and core sizes, it increases performance by adding 8 wheel horsepower and 10 wheel torque, while also lowering intake temperatures by 28°F. This efficient temperature reduction is beneficial for vehicles running up to 600 wheel horsepower, ensuring that your engine operates at its best. Plus, with a lifetime warranty from Mishimoto, you can feel confident in your purchase.

What We Like
Direct fit installation
Increased horsepower and torque
Lower intake temperatures
Supports high performance
Lifetime warranty
#TOP 3

Mishimoto WRX Intercooler Kit

MMTMIC-WRX-08SLBL
Blue
Mishimoto WRX Intercooler Kit Cover
Mishimoto MMTMIC-WRX-08SLBL Top-Mount Intercooler Kit Compatible With Subaru WRX 2008-2014 Silver Cooler, Blue Hose

The Mishimoto WRX Intercooler is designed for Subaru WRX and STI models from 2008 to 2014. It features a larger cooler size, measuring 18.5" x 12.5" x 5", which significantly enhances performance by increasing core volume by 80% compared to the stock intercooler. This upgrade can provide you with an impressive increase of +6 wheel horsepower and +8 wheel torque, along with a notable drop in temperature by 12°F, ensuring your engine runs cooler and more efficiently. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind with your purchase.

What We Like
Significant horsepower increase
Improved engine cooling
Durable construction
Lifetime warranty
#TOP 4

CSF 6058 Aluminum Replacement Intercooler

CSF
6058
No Color
No Size
CSF 6058 Aluminum Replacement Intercooler Cover
CSF 6058 Replacement Intercooler

The CSF 6058 Intercooler is designed to fit your vehicle perfectly without the need for any modifications, making installation quick and hassle-free. Made from durable aluminum, it offers reliable performance and long-lasting use. Thanks to advanced 3D scanning technology used during development, this intercooler matches your vehicle’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications for a seamless fit. Plus, it comes with all the hardware you need to install it yourself, giving you convenience and saving you time. This makes the CSF 6058 Intercooler a practical and user-friendly upgrade for your engine.

What We Like
Easy drop-in fit
Durable aluminum construction
OEM-like precision fit
Includes installation hardware
#TOP 5

CSF Radiator 6017 Intercooler for Ford

CSF
6017
Multi
No Size
CSF Radiator 6017 Intercooler for Ford Cover
CSF Radiators 6017: Intercooler

The CSF Radiator 6017 is an OE-replacement intercooler designed to fit Ford vehicles. Its drop-fit design requires no modifications and is built to OE specification. The intercooler boasts 100% TIG welded construction and OEM style tube/fin core that matches or exceeds the performance of the OEM intercooler. It falls under the category of Performance Turbocharger Intercoolers, ensuring optimal performance for your Ford.

What We Like
Drop-fit design requires no modifications
Built to OE specification
100% TIG welded construction
#TOP 6

Mishimoto MMINT-F2D-03KSL Performance Intercooler Kit

MMINT-F2D-03KSL
Silver
Mishimoto MMINT-F2D-03KSL Performance Intercooler Kit Cover
Mishimoto MMINT-F2D-03KSL Performance Intercooler Kit Compatible With Ford 6.0 Powerstroke 2003-2007 Silver

The Mishimoto MMINT-F2D-03KSL Performance Intercooler Kit is designed to directly fit the 2003-2007 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke. The intercooler kit is constructed with bar and plate and features 3.35" core thickness. The 3.0" mandrel-bent aluminum polished pipes eliminate restrictive bends, improving airflow. The intercooler kit includes an inlet measuring 3.25" and an outlet measuring 3". With an overall size of 38.5" x 25.2" x 7.5" and a core size of 25.75" x 21.54", it provides efficient cooling. The Mishimoto MMINT-F2D-03KSL Performance Intercooler Kit comes with a lifetime warranty.

What We Like
Direct fit for 2003-2007 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke
3.0" mandrel-bent aluminum polished pipes eliminate restrictive bends
Constructed with bar and plate and features 3.35" core thickness
#TOP 7

CSF 8048 High Performance Intercooler

CSF
8048
No Color
No Size
CSF 8048 High Performance Intercooler Cover
CSF 8048 18" x 12" x 4.5" High Performance Bar and Plate Intercooler Core

The CSF 8048 Intercooler is specifically designed to fit your vehicle, ensuring optimal performance. With dimensions of approximately 17.78 cm in length, 50.8 cm in height, and 38.1 cm in width, it fits seamlessly into your engine setup. Weighing 11.158 kilograms, this intercooler is sturdy yet efficient, helping to cool the air entering your engine for better turbo performance. Made in China, this product represents quality engineering tailored to enhance your vehicle's turbocharger system, giving you improved power and responsiveness on the road.

What We Like
Vehicle-specific fit
Optimal cooling efficiency
Sturdy construction
Enhanced turbo performance
#TOP 8

CSF 6063 Intercooler

CSF
6063
No Color
No Size
CSF 6063 Intercooler Cover
CSF 6063 Replacement Intercooler

The CSF Intercooler is designed as a direct replacement that fits your vehicle without any need for adjustments or modifications, making installation quick and hassle-free. It offers top-tier quality, ensuring reliable performance and durability in your turbocharged system. Since it uses genuine parts, you can trust that it meets high standards and maintains the integrity of your vehicle’s performance. This intercooler is an excellent choice if you want an easy upgrade that keeps your engine running efficiently while giving you peace of mind with authentic components.

What We Like
Easy installation
High-quality construction
Genuine replacement parts
#TOP 9

Mishimoto MMTMIC-WRX-15BBK Intercooler Kit for Subaru WRX

MMTMIC-WRX-15BBK
Black
Mishimoto MMTMIC-WRX-15BBK Intercooler Kit for Subaru WRX Cover
Mishimoto MMTMIC-WRX-15BBK Top-Mount Intercooler Kit Fits Subaru WRX 2015-2018 Black, Black

The Mishimoto MMTMIC-WRX-15BBK Top-Mount Intercooler Kit is designed for direct fit on 2015+ Subaru WRX models. With a construction of bar and plate, it weighs 24.5 lbs and has a size of 24" x 10" x 5". The kit has a core volume of 613.5 in3, which optimizes heat transfer for vehicles from stock to 500 whp. It offers a proven +15 whp and +8 wtq bolt-on power increase on a stage 2 tune.

What We Like
Direct fit for Subaru WRX models
Optimizes heat transfer for stock to 500 whp vehicles
Proven +15 whp and +8 wtq bolt-on power increase on a stage 2 tune
#TOP 10

CSF 6049 Intercooler

CSF
6049
No Color
No Size
CSF 6049 Intercooler Cover
CSF 6049 Replacement Intercooler

The CSF Intercooler 6049 is built to provide reliable and steady performance, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly without unexpected issues. It’s designed to fit your specific vehicle and suit your driving needs, so you get the right match for your lifestyle. Crafted from premium materials, this intercooler offers long-lasting strength and resistance to wear, giving you peace of mind. Plus, it is made to meet or go beyond strict quality standards, so you can trust it to perform well and last. With the CSF Intercooler 6049, you get a durable, dependable upgrade for your engine’s turbo system.

What We Like
Reliable performance
Vehicle-specific design
High-quality materials
Strict quality standards
Buying Guide Image

How to Choose the Best Performance Turbocharger Intercoolers for Your Car

The Role of Intercoolers in Performance Turbocharging

Turbocharging is a popular way to increase the power output of an engine, but it can also generate excessive heat. To address this issue, performance turbocharger intercoolers are used to cool the air that is compressed by the turbocharger before it enters the engine. This not only helps to prevent engine damage, but it also allows the engine to produce more power.

Types of Performance Turbocharger Intercoolers

There are several different types of performance turbocharger intercoolers, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The most common types are air-to-air intercoolers, air-to-water intercoolers, and hybrid intercoolers.

Air-to-air intercoolers are the most commonly used type of performance turbocharger intercooler. They work by passing the compressed air from the turbocharger through a series of tubes that are surrounded by ambient air. The ambient air cools the compressed air, reducing its temperature before it enters the engine.

Air-to-water intercoolers are less common, but they are also effective at cooling compressed air. They work by passing the compressed air through a series of tubes that are surrounded by water. The water absorbs the heat from the compressed air, reducing its temperature before it enters the engine.

Hybrid intercoolers are a combination of air-to-air and air-to-water intercoolers. They use both ambient air and water to cool the compressed air from the turbocharger. This allows them to provide the benefits of both types of intercoolers in a single unit.

Choosing the Right Performance Turbocharger Intercooler

When choosing a performance turbocharger intercooler, there are several factors to consider. The first is the size of the intercooler. A larger intercooler will be more effective at cooling the compressed air, but it will also be more expensive and take up more space.

Another important factor to consider is the design of the intercooler. Some intercoolers are designed to be mounted in front of the radiator, while others are designed to be mounted in other locations. The location of the intercooler can affect its effectiveness, so it's important to choose a design that is appropriate for your vehicle.

In addition to size and design, the material that the intercooler is made of is also important. Most intercoolers are made of aluminum, but some are made of other materials such as stainless steel or plastic. The material that the intercooler is made of can affect its durability and performance, so it's important to choose a high-quality material.

Finally, it's important to choose a performance turbocharger intercooler from a reputable manufacturer. Not all intercoolers are created equal, and a well-made intercooler will be more effective and last longer than a poorly made one.

Conclusion

Choosing the right performance turbocharger intercooler is essential for maximizing the power output of your engine while also protecting it from damage. By considering factors such as size, design, material, and manufacturer, you can choose an intercooler that is well-suited to your vehicle and your performance goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much HP does intercooler add?

An intercooler does not directly add horsepower to your car. It influences horsepower by allowing the engine to intake cooler air, which can greatly boost performance.

2. Are intercoolers worth it?

While a turbo intercooler does not add horsepower to your car, it does improve performance by providing better access to oxygen. This allows for more responsive performance and the ability to tune the car more aggressively without risking engine damage.

3. Can an intercooler damage a turbo?

Intercooler failure can be linked to turbo damage. Residues from the turbo, such as oil and other particles, can easily clog the intercooler and potentially cause issues.

4. Do I need a bigger intercooler for a bigger turbo?

Swapping out the factory intercooler with a larger or upgraded version is a good way to add horsepower safely in a turbo engine. A bigger intercooler lowers engine inlet temperatures, allowing for denser air charge and increased horsepower.

5. Does a better intercooler add horsepower?

Intercoolers help cool compressed air and reduce the risk of engine detonation. While they can increase horsepower in turbocharged or supercharged cars, they do not make a significant difference in naturally aspirated engines.

6. Is a big intercooler better than a small intercooler?

The size of the intercooler should be precisely matched to the turbocharger's flow rate. A smaller intercooler fills up quickly, while a larger one takes longer to fill. It is important to have the right size for optimal performance.

Editor's Notes

During our performance turbocharger intercooler research, we found 24 performance turbocharger intercooler products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,341 customer reviews through our big data system to write the performance turbocharger intercoolers list. We found that most customers choose performance turbocharger intercoolers with an average price of $723.85.

The performance turbocharger intercoolers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of performance turbocharger intercoolers, including Mishimoto, CSF. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.