Top 19 Nissan GT-R Intercoolers: Prices, Performance and Features

Top 19 Nissan GT-R Intercoolers: Prices, Performance and Features

Shahin Fard

By Shahin Fard

02/12/2024

I started removing the Compare.Parts wrap and in the process looked at the OEM intercoolers, they are a bit meh 🙄 to be honest. Compared to the 120mm Intercooler on my R33 GTR and 100mm Intercooler on my RB26 powered Altezza the R35 GT-R is definitely lacking in the size department.

OEM will probably be fine at 660BHP, but eventually like all GT-R owners I want more power, so getting the Intercooler upgraded is going to be in the car's future, and if I'm feeling brave I'll do a video and post it on Youtube on how to change it with Clarkey who has done it before on his own car. There will probably be a lot of swearing, but it'll be entertaining nonetheless. 

So why upgrade?

For a pure street car, the performance vs cost benefit of upgrading a perfectly good stock intercooler is going to be minimal. It'll reduce your IAT's (Intake Air Temperatures), which will allow colder denser air into your engine. If you, like me, enjoy the occasional track day, these cars get hot, and heat is the biggest killer to any engine. Keeping temps cool is important. Reducing IAT's will probably give you a marginal improvement, but if you are running big power then a stock IC just won't be good enough. 

So firstly, let's start off with the stock Intercoolers...

I've heard through the various whatsapp groups I'm on, that the OEM intercooler end tanks can fail and cause boost leaks, I've not had this problem personally, but looking at the corrosion on my Intercoolers its probably just a matter of time. 

Before we get into it, let's just make something abundantly clear!

Impartial Advice

I'm not sponsored or financially incentivised by any of the sellers listed below, all views/opinions are my own.

Litchfield

Litchfield offer three different intercoolers which differ in performance based on intended use and budget. I've had personal experience with Litchfield having my car serviced by them. I personally know a few GT-R owners who have Litchfield builds (Mark, Asif + Jack) and these cars are phenomenal. I don't know of any other garages that warrantee an engine build, but Litchfield do. I'm not saying others don't, but that's testament to their experience and confidence in their builds. 

I took my GT-R in for a basic service and their facilities are impressive with quite a few GT-R's parked up in various stages of development.  In my personal experience Litchfield were professional, they gave me a rental car to boot around town in for a client meeting and the whole process was pretty painless. 

Here are the three main intercooler options they offer:

Litchfield Super Stock Intercooler

Performance: Ideal for Stage 4 and 4.5 upgrades, provides around 15-40 bhp gain depending on the model year and stage.

Design:

  • Hand-built core with high flow end tanks.
  • CNC-finished inlet and outlet flanges.
  • Thoroughly tested using different core designs to ensure optimal performance.

Fitment: Mounts in the standard location.

Construction: Combines internal cooling and external airflow for improved performance.

Litchfield GT-R Race Intercooler

Performance:

  • Ideal for GT-Rs running over Stage 4, particularly effective for cars over 750 bhp.
  • Tested and proven to perform beyond 1200 bhp.
  • Reduces turbo lag and maintains low temperatures.

Design:

  • Developed with extensive research and testing.
  • Improved throttle response and reduced turbo lag.
  • Utilises high-quality cores from British aerospace suppliers and PWR.

Fitment:

  • Maintains easy fitting and airflow to the radiator.
  • Reduces the length of pipework in the engine bay.

Proven: Used in Litchfield's World Record Breaking GT-R and other high-performance builds.

Litchfield RACE+ Intercooler

Performance: Supports engines up to 1,200bhp.

Design:

  • 33mm thicker than the Race Intercooler.
  • 120% more volume and 71% increase in frontal surface area over the standard intercooler.
  • Enhanced airflow through the upper grill to improve radiator cooling.
  • CNC end tanks crafted from billet aluminium for smooth air transition and durability.

Construction:

  • Manufactured by F1 suppliers, PWR.
  • Optimal fin spacing for maximum airflow and cooling efficiency.
  • Additional ducting to direct air into the intercooler.

Proven: Used in the 2022 Time Attack Championship-winning GT-R and Litchfield's Green Track demonstrator.

Fitment: Compatible with the original Race pipework, requires no additional modifications.

Dimensions:

  • Thickness: +33 mm compared to the predecessor.
  • Volume: 120% increase.
  • Surface Area: 71% increase.

Boost Logic

Boost Logic is popular in the GT-R community, at least in the UK amongst Battalion30five and other GTR car clubs I'm part of. For any non-US customers you'll have to take into account import charges + Sales Tax (VAT) into your price calculation. When you see a BL intercooler tucked behind a front bumper, you know that car is serious business. The price of the Intercoolers listed below do not include the boost pipework which is necessary for the Ultimate Race.

Here are their options:

Boost Logic Street Intercooler Nissan R35 GTR 09+

Performance: Supports up to 1000HP.

Design: Vertical flow design similar to factory intercooler, ensuring low pressure drop and high CFM rate.

Fitment: Largest core fitting within stock ducting, bolt-on replacement retaining all stock brackets and OEM style piping.

Construction: Hand-made with polished end tanks.

Proven: Used in Boost Logic's 203.4MPH record-setting GTR.

Boost Logic Race Intercooler Nissan R35 GTR 09+

Performance: Designed for high boost and high power applications.

Design: Lightweight aluminum end tanks with tailored chambers for optimal air flow and minimal piping.

Fitment: Compatible with factory piping or Boost Logic's one-piece mandrel bent piping kits (polished or black powder coat finishes).

Features:

  • Dimensions: 14″ Tall x 22.5″ Wide x 4.5″ Thick (356 mm x 572 mm x 114 mm)
  • Largest intercooler on the market for high boost applications.
  • Custom tailored tight fin core for maximum cooling.
  • Optional 2.75″ outlet for stock piping (70 mm).

Boost Logic Ultimate Race Intercooler Nissan R35 GTR 09+

Performance: Rated for over 2000whp with significantly more airflow and less lag.

Design: Largest intercooler available, featuring tight fin cores for greater surface area and unparalleled cooling.

Fitment: Requires some bumper beam modification but clears all factory undertrays and wheel well plastics.

Features:

  • Dimensions: 6″ x 21″ x 17″ (152 mm x 533 mm x 432 mm)
  • 3″ inlet and outlets (76 mm)
  • Clears all undertrays and plastics for perfect OEM fitment.

ETS - Extreme Turbo Systems

ETS or Extreme Turbo Systems - are no strangers when it comes to big power GT-R's with cars north of 3000bhp they've built a reputation for building very high powered cars. 

They currently offer four different types of Intercoolers for the GT-R: Race, Super Race, Pro Water/Air and The Fridge. They are the only company we've found so far that offer a Water/Air IC option for drag cars, and the Fridge has limited information but it looks like it comes with custom ducting and a splitter to channel cold air directly into the intercooler. 

As with a lot of the Intercoolers listed so far, they reduce the length of the pipework and enlarge the diameter requiring custom piping. When you factor in the $1500 for the Intercooler pipework this may not be as cheap of an option compared to others. 

ETS 2008–2019 Nissan GT-R Race Intercooler Upgrade

Performance: Designed to support high-horsepower applications, suitable for vehicles with upgraded turbochargers.

Design: Vertical flow configuration enhances cooling efficiency and maintains consistent intake air temperatures across both engine banks.

Fitment: Direct bolt-on replacement that retains the factory bumper beam, bumper cover, under tray, and inner fenders; requires trimming of the factory intake shroud.

Construction: Features 3.0" stainless steel piping, hand-crafted with polished end tanks, and high-quality T-bolt clamps with bridges to prevent slippage.

Proven: Engineered to accommodate substantial power increases, making it ideal for high-performance builds.

ETS 2008–2019 Nissan GT-R Super Race Intercooler Upgrade

Performance: Suitable for vehicles producing between 1,500 to 2,000 wheel horsepower.

Design: Vertical flow configuration ensures consistent intake air temperatures across both engine banks.

Fitment: Requires an ETS piping kit or custom intercooler piping; not compatible with OEM piping.

Construction: Features a large core size for enhanced cooling capacity.

Proven: Engineered to support substantial power increases in high-performance builds.

ETS GT-R "The Fridge" Intercooler Upgrade Kit

Performance: Designed to provide maximum cooling efficiency for high-horsepower GT-R applications.

Design: The largest GT-R intercooler offered by ETS, intended to significantly reduce intake air temperatures.

Fitment: Includes necessary components such as chassis brace, cooling shroud, undertray, and adapter pipes for seamless installation.

Construction: Comprehensive kit with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and optimal performance.

Proven: Engineered for substantial power gains in high-performance GT-R builds.

ETS Nissan GT-R Pro Series Water/Air Intercooler

Performance: Maintains intake air temperatures below 110°F during 2,400whp pulls, effectively supporting high-power applications.

Design: Self-contained water/air intercooler with an integrated ice box and internal sprinkler system for enhanced cooling efficiency.

Fitment: Includes necessary components such as recirculation pipes, silicone couplers, clamps, billet filler necks, foam crash beam, bumper support mount, and mounting tabs for factory lip support, ensuring straightforward installation.

Construction: Custom-designed high-efficiency water/air core; weighs 13 lbs more than the Super Race intercooler (excluding water).

Proven: Achieves intake air temperatures below 110°F during 2,400whp pulls, demonstrating its capability in extreme performance scenarios.

ETS 2008–2019 Nissan GT-R Race Intercooler Piping Kit

Compatibility: Designed for use with ETS Race or Super Race Intercoolers; not compatible with OEM intercoolers.

Design:

  • 3-inch diameter piping ensures optimal airflow.
  • Available configurations accommodate stock, Boost Logic, or GReddy intake manifolds, as well as various throttle body and blow-off valve options.

Construction: Fabricated from 304 stainless steel with a wrinkle black powder-coated finish for durability and corrosion resistance.

Installation: Mandrel-bent design facilitates straightforward installation and optimal fitment.

Performance: Enhances airflow efficiency, contributing to improved engine performance when paired with compatible intercoolers.

HKS Intercoolers for Nissan GT-R (株式会社エッチ・ケー・エス)

HKS is probably one of the most known aftermarket brands in the world. They've been operating for 50+ years and no strangers when it comes to providing performance car parts for JDM cars. My personal R33 GT-R has a whole suite of HKS products. 

They currently offer three Intercoolers for the Nissan GT-R platform, from their documentation/specs their intercooler range is suitable up to 1000PS (989bhp). 

  • Intercooler R-Type Ductless Nissan GT-R (13001-AN014)
  • Intercooler R-Type GT1000 Spec Nissan GT-R (13001-AN015)
  • Intercooler R-Type Nissan GT-R (2007-2010) (13001-AN013)

HKS Intercooler Kit R-Type (Ductless) for Nissan GT-R R35

Performance: Enhances cooling efficiency, reducing intake air temperatures by approximately 20°C compared to the stock intercooler, supporting reliable tuning.

Design: Utilises a thinner core (400 mm × 260 mm × 65 mm) to improve airflow to the radiator, mitigating potential overheating issues.

Fitment: Compatible with 2009–2020 Nissan GT-R (R35) models; installation time is approximately 8–10 hours.

Construction: Weighs 8.0 kg, offering a 1.6 kg reduction compared to the stock intercooler (9.6 kg), thereby decreasing front-end weight.

Proven: Designed to maintain lower intake air temperatures, ensuring safe and reliable performance under increased boost conditions.

Performance: Supports up to 1,000 horsepower.

Design: Vertical flow design similar to the factory intercooler, ensuring optimal balance of left-right bank cooling and efficient airflow.

Fitment: Features the largest core size that fits within the stock layout, with a thickness of 100mm (stock is 65mm), allowing for installation with the stock air guide with minimal modifications.

Construction: Includes two intercooler core assemblies, an intercooler inlet pipe, and silicon hoses, all designed for durability and performance.

Proven: Engineered to complement the GT1000 Full Turbine Kit, delivering superior cooling efficiency for high-powered applications.

Performance: Improves stock performance from 588bhp (596.3ps) to 600bhp (608.6ps) with enhanced cooling efficiency.

Design: Includes a carbon fibre air duct that directs airflow through the intercooler core.

Fitment: Compatible with Nissan GT-R R35 models from 2007 to 2010, the hks intercooler kit requires some minor modifications, such as adjusting the air guide in front of the stock radiator core support and slight bending of the air conditioner pipes.

Construction: The intercooler assemblies feature polished aluminium piping, and the carbon air guide is crafted from matte twill weave cloth.

Proven: Testing at Sendai Highland Circuit and Fuji Speedway by professional drivers showed that the HKS Intercooler Kit maintains engine water temperatures comparable to the stock system, even under high-performance conditions.

Wagner Tuning

Wagner tuning have been producing car parts since 2002, their headquarters are in Dessau-Roßlau in Germany and they have distributors worldwide. Wagner Tuning have several certifications which ensure the parts they produce live up to the reputation of great German Engineering. 

For the GT-R they offer two intercoolers for CBA GT-R's (2008-2010) or the DBA GT-R's (2011-2016). Their kits have very sexy looking carbon fibre shrouds which direct air into the Intercooler. The dyno charts show a 40PS (39BHP) improvement before and after which is pretty significant compared to some of the other Intercooler options reviewed. 

As an EBA (My17) owner its shame they don't have a kit specific for the newer GT-R's but I expect the R&D is significant every time Nissan decide to change the front end of our cars.

Wagner Tuning Competition Intercooler Kit for Nissan GT-R R35 (2008–2010)

Performance: Provides a 76% larger cooling surface and 94% increased charge air volume compared to the stock intercooler, enhancing cooling efficiency and engine performance.

Design: Features two intercoolers with core dimensions of 360 mm × 294 mm × 110 mm each, utilising high-performance tube-fin cores and cast aluminium end tanks optimised for airflow.

Fitment: Direct bolt-on replacement for 2008–2010 Nissan GT-R R35 models; includes carbon air ducts and reinforced silicone hoses for seamless integration.

Construction: Equipped with an anti-corrosion coating for durability and optimal heat dissipation; tested to withstand up to 6 bar of pressure, suitable for racing applications.

Proven: Engineered to deliver consistent and optimal cooling performance, resulting in noticeable power gains and reliable operation under demanding conditions.

Wagner Tuning Competition Intercooler Kit for Nissan GT-R R35 (2011–2016)

Performance: Offers a 76% larger cooling surface and 94% more charge air volume than the factory intercooler, significantly improving cooling efficiency and engine output.

Design: Comprises two intercoolers, each measuring 360 mm × 294 mm × 110 mm, with high-performance tube-fin cores and cast aluminium end tanks designed for optimal airflow.

Fitment: Direct fit for 2011–2016 Nissan GT-R R35 models; includes carbon air ducts and reinforced silicone hoses to ensure proper installation and integration.

Construction: Features an anti-corrosion coating for enhanced durability and heat dissipation; pressure-tested up to 6 bar, making it suitable for high-performance and racing use.

Proven: Designed to maintain lower intake air temperatures, ensuring consistent power delivery and reliability under high-performance conditions.

Airtec

AIRTEC Motorsport's roots started with Fords, under the brand name Autospecialists. In 2002 they launched Airtec Motorsport, they manufacture parts in the UK and offer Worldwide delivery with a catalogue of 1500 products for over 25 different car models. For the Nissan GT-R specifically they offer two intercoolers and an induction kit (presumably to go with the IC kit).

They seem to be the only brand without the GT-R tax, the intercooling piping is included in the price of the kit, so that should be factored into your decision when choosing an Intercooler for your Nissan GT-R.

The two kits they offer are:

  • Motorsport: Suitable Up to 750bhp
  • Motorsport Ultimate: Up to 1500bhp

AIRTEC Motorsport Intercooler Upgrade for Nissan R35 GT-R

Performance: Designed to enhance cooling efficiency for vehicles modified up to Stage 4.5.

Design: Developed in-house with a focus on improved airflow and heat dissipation.

Fitment: Utilises original mounting points for a straightforward installation without the need for cutting or drilling.

Construction: Supplied with all necessary fittings and fixtures to ensure a comprehensive upgrade.

Proven: Extensively tested to provide a significant improvement over the stock intercooler.

AIRTEC Motorsport Ultimate Series Front Mount 'Gobstopper' Intercooler for Nissan R35 GT-R

Performance: Engineered for highly modified Stage 4 and above GT-Rs, offering superior cooling efficiency for track and fast road use.

Design: Features a large-capacity core optimised for maximum airflow.

Fitment: Direct bolt-on installation using factory mounting points; includes necessary hardware for seamless integration.

Construction: Built with high-quality materials to withstand increased boost pressures and high-temperature conditions.

Proven: Developed over two years to ensure optimal performance in demanding applications.

AIRTEC Motorsport Induction Kit for Nissan R35 GT-R

Performance: Alleviates airflow restrictions present in the stock induction system, supporting power levels exceeding 600 bhp.

Design: Increases pipework diameter to 80 mm to improve airflow and reduce restrictions.

Fitment: Includes all necessary fixtures and fittings for installation; requires ECU remapping to accommodate increased airflow.

Construction: Comprises AIRTEC Motorsport foam filters, silicone hose joiners, and enlarged diameter pipework for enhanced durability and performance.

Proven: Effectively supports higher power outputs by improving induction efficiency.

Speed by design

Speed by Design was founded in 2011, its run by Chris Riggs who I personally follow on FB and watch his live broadcasts with cool new products he's working on for the GT-R platform. Whilst they sell parts for the 370z and Tesla S Plaid, they are primarily GT-R focused producing very reasonably priced performance car parts for the GT-R community. I respect Chris's commitment to the GT-R community, and he regularly get's feedback from owners and listens to what GT'R owners want. 

The specific Intercooler options were a little hard to find on his website, this maybe due to legislation in the US, which doesn't impact his International customers, but I've included links directly to the products I found on his website. 

Speedbydesign offer two intercooler kits for the Nissan GT-R platform, their kits include mandrel bent aluminium pipework. 

  • SBD Race Intercooler for Stock Intercooler Piping Kit: Tested up to 1600whp
  • SBD GTR Billet Race Intercooler Kit: Tested up to 1600whp

 

 

SBD Race Intercooler for Stock Intercooler Piping Kit

Performance: Proven to support vehicles achieving 7-second quarter-mile times; suitable for applications up to 1,000 wheel horsepower (whp).

Design: Utilises the stock intercooler piping, simplifying installation and reducing costs compared to complete piping kits.

Fitment: Direct replacement compatible with factory intercooler piping; designed for straightforward installation without extensive modifications.

Construction: Features a high-quality core designed to enhance cooling efficiency and performance.

Proven: Successfully tested in personal applications up to 1,000 whp, offering a cost-effective performance upgrade.

SBD GTR Billet Race Intercooler Kit

Performance: Suitable for builds up to 1,600 whp; utilised in vehicles achieving 7-second quarter-mile times.

Design: Incorporates a Vibrant 22″ × 14″ × 4.5″ bar and plate core with mandrel-bent aluminium piping; piping kit features 2.75″ lower and 3″ upper tubing diameters.

Fitment: Includes all necessary silicone couplers, clamps, and hardware for installation; requires aftermarket blow-off valves, as factory units are incompatible.

Construction: Equipped with 6061 billet end tanks; mandrel-bent aluminium piping finished in black wrinkle powder coat for durability.

Proven: 100% made in the USA; engineered to deliver reliable performance in high-horsepower applications.

GT-R Intercooler PRODUCT COMPARISON TABLE

Here is a table for a quick comparison. It's quite hard to objectively compare the different Intercooler options as there isn't the same data for each one, but I've tried to summarise it as best as I can. My advice is once you've decided what your goals are for your GT-R then you'll be in a better position to pick which is the best option for you.

Intercooler Name Performance Fitment Notable Features
Litchfield Super Stock Ideal for Stage 4-4.5 (750+ BHP) No modification CNC-finished, bolt-on replacement, hand-built core.
Litchfield Race 750–1200+ BHP No modification Used in record-breaking GT-R builds, high-quality core, reduced turbo lag.
Litchfield RACE+ Up to 1200 BHP No modification 33mm thicker, improved airflow, billet CNC end tanks, F1 supplier.
Boost Logic Street Up to 1000 BHP No modification Vertical flow design, largest core within OEM ducting, polished end tanks.
Boost Logic Race Over 1200 BHP No modification Lightweight aluminum end tanks, tailored airflow design.
Boost Logic Ultimate Race Over 2000 BHP Slight modification Largest intercooler by Boost Logic, bumper modification required.
ETS Race High-horsepower applications Slight modification Vertical flow, bolt-on, requires intake shroud trimming.
ETS Super Race 1500–2000 BHP Requires custom piping Enhanced cooling capacity, consistent intake temps.
ETS 'The Fridge' High-horsepower applications Slight modification Custom ducting, seamless installation, superior cooling efficiency.
ETS Pro Water/Air 2400+ WHP Major modification Self-contained water/air system, <110°F intake temps during extreme pulls.
HKS R-Type Ductless Up to 1000 BHP No modification 20°C temp reduction, thinner core for radiator airflow improvement.
HKS R-Type GT1000 Spec Up to 1000 BHP Slight modification Designed for GT1000 turbine kit, carbon fiber air duct.
Wagner Competition (2008-2010) 76% larger cooling surface (vs stock) No modification Carbon air ducts, bolt-on for CBA models, improved charge air volume.
Wagner Competition (2011-2016) 76% larger cooling surface (vs stock) No modification Same as above but for DBA models.
AIRTEC Motorsport Upgrade Up to Stage 4.5 No modification Direct fit, no cutting, includes mounting hardware.
AIRTEC Ultimate Gobstopper Stage 4+ No modification High capacity, optimized airflow, track-proven performance.
SBD Race Up to 1000 WHP No modification Utilizes OEM piping, cost-effective upgrade.
SBD Billet Race Up to 1600 WHP Slight modification Billet end tanks, mandrel-bent aluminum piping, Vibrant bar and plate core.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Nissan GT-R has been out since 2007 and there are a huge number of aftermarket options for this car. I didn't realise there were this many options until I started writing this. If you sell an Intercooler kit for the Nissan GT-R and I haven't mentioned you then get in touch on the contact form. If you end up purchasing an Intercooler as a result of this article then let the company know, we're trying to get our name out there and it'll help us. 

So what option would I personally pick? Probably the Airtec Motorsport Ultimate Series, It's reasonably priced, includes all the required pipework and they provide detailed fitting instructions. 

Shahin Fard

Written by Shahin Fard

Shah is the founder of Compare.Parts, he has been a car enthusiast since he can walk and enjoys building performance orientated cars. Shah currently owns an 660bhp R35 GT-R, 950BHP R33 Skyline GTR and a HKS inspired RB26 powered Altezza.

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