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By Shahin Fard
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!
I'm not sponsored or financially incentivised by any of the sellers listed below, all views/opinions are my own.
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:
Performance: Ideal for Stage 4 and 4.5 upgrades, provides around 15-40 bhp gain depending on the model year and stage.
Design:
Fitment: Mounts in the standard location.
Construction: Combines internal cooling and external airflow for improved performance.
Performance:
Fitment:
Proven: Used in Litchfield's World Record Breaking GT-R and other high-performance builds.
Performance: Supports engines up to 1,200bhp.
Construction:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compatibility: Designed for use with ETS Race or Super Race Intercoolers; not compatible with OEM intercoolers.
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 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).
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 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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.