SKU: 12971
Vibrant Performance Water to Air Intercooler Core 12in W x 4in H x 4in Thick (12971)
This water-to-air intercooler core from Vibrant Performance measures 12 inches wide by 4 inches high by 4 inches thick for compact turbo and supercharger setups in high-performance vehicles. It suits custom forced induction builds in drag racing and high-boost applications where space limits traditional intercoolers. Water cooling delivers consistent charge air temperatures without relying on vehicle speed or ambient airflow for reliable power gains up to 600HP.
Key Features
- Compact Dimensions: 12in W x 4in H x 4in thick aluminum core fits tight engine bays and custom plumbing layouts.
- Bar and Plate Construction: Heavy-duty aluminum build withstands high pressures and repeated heat cycles in racing environments.
- Optimized Fins: High-efficiency fin design increases surface area for faster heat transfer and lower intake temps.
- Water-to-Air Design: Uses water's heat capacity for better cooling than air-to-air units with installation flexibility anywhere.
- 1.25in Water Ports: Ports positioned on same side simplify hose routing and connect easily to Vibrant heat exchangers and tubing.
Product Notes
- Core only, requires custom end tanks, plumbing, and heat exchanger for complete system.
- Inspect seals and fittings during assembly to prevent leaks under boost.
- Ships in protective foam-lined box measuring 14in x 6in x 6in.
Installation Notes
- Professional installation recommended.
- Fabricate custom end tanks and mounts to match core ports and vehicle layout.
- Compatible with Vibrant Performance plumbing kits and -16AN fittings for secure boost retention.
This Part Fits
| Year | Make | Model | Submodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal | All | Forced Induction Builds | Turbo/Supercharged Drag Racing |
Why Choose Vibrant Performance?
- Established leader in racing exhaust and cooling components trusted by drag teams.
- Precision-welded aluminum components endure extreme boost and heat.
- Complete system options including cores, tubing, and exchangers for seamless builds.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: Is this core vehicle-specific?
A: No, this universal core works for any custom water-to-air intercooler in turbo or supercharged drag cars up to 600HP. -
Q: What material is used?
A: Full aluminum bar and plate with black powder coat finish resists corrosion in high-heat motorsport use. -
Q: What warranty applies?
A: Vibrant offers 1-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects when installed correctly.
Shipping & Handling
- Method: UPS Ground or FedEx Ground
- Availability: In stock - ships same or next business day
- Packaging: Secure foam-lined box 14in x 6in x 6in
- Weight: 7.9 lbs
Forced Induction
Forced induction systems encompass every method of pushing air into an engine at greater than atmospheric pressure, including turbochargers driven by exhaust energy, superchargers driven mechanically by the crankshaft, and prochargers using centrifugal designs belt-driven at higher ratios than traditional roots-type blowers, with each approach delivering a significant increase in air mass per cylinder fill that allows proportionally more fuel to be burned and more power to be produced without increasing engine displacement. Adding 10 PSI of boost pressure to a naturally aspirated engine can increase power output by 50 to 70 percent depending on the engine's breathing efficiency and the quality of the supporting hardware, making forced induction the most power-dense modification available relative to cost and complexity. This collection covers complete forced induction systems, turbocharger and supercharger hardware, intercoolers, blow-off valves, wastegates, and supporting component...
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Intercooler Components
Intercooler components let you build, upgrade, or repair your charge cooling system without replacing the entire intercooler assembly. Quality piping, silicone couplers, mounting brackets, and core upgrades make a meaningful difference in keeping intake temperatures low on high-boost builds and daily-driven turbocharged vehicles alike. Popular Upgrades Frequently ordered intercooler components include upgraded silicone coupler hose kits to replace cracked or blow-off-prone rubber hoses, intercooler core upgrades for higher bar-and-plate or tube-and-fin density, aluminum intercooler piping sets that replace restrictive OEM plastic pipes, and universal mounting brackets for custom intercooler positioning on fabricated builds. What causes intercooler components to fail? The most common intercooler component failure points are silicone or rubber couplers that crack or split under repeated heat cycling, plastic OEM piping that becomes brittle over time, and mounting brackets that fatigue...
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Intercoolers
An intercooler is the single most important component in a turbocharged induction system for supporting power gains from higher boost. By cooling compressed air before it enters the engine, an upgraded intercooler delivers denser, cooler charge air that allows more fuel to be safely injected and combusted, directly translating to more horsepower and torque. Popular Upgrades Best-selling intercooler upgrades include front-mount bar-and-plate aluminum intercoolers for Subaru WRX and STI, Mitsubishi Evo, and Volkswagen GTI platforms, direct-fit top-mount intercooler upgrades for rotary and compact turbo applications, and heavy-duty intercooler upgrades for Ford Powerstroke and Dodge Cummins diesel trucks where factory coolers are prone to failure under load. What is the difference between bar-and-plate and tube-and-fin intercoolers? Bar-and-plate intercoolers use a stacked aluminum plate construction that is more durable and provides superior cooling efficiency but adds more weight. Tu...
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Vibrant
Shop premium Vibrant Performance parts at Black Ops Auto Works, your trusted source for Vibrant exhaust components, resonators, mandrel bends, silicone couplers, hump hoses, AN fittings, PTFE hose ends, fabrication parts, fuel system fittings, and performance plumbing components. Vibrant Performance is known for producing high-quality exhaust fabrication and fluid transfer products engineered for fitment, durability, airflow, and race-ready reliability. Whether you are building a turbo setup, custom exhaust, intercooler piping system, fuel system, hot side charge pipe, or full race car, Vibrant products deliver the precision and performance serious builders demand. Shop Vibrant Exhaust, Fabrication & Performance Plumbing Parts At Black Ops Auto Works, we carry a wide selection of Vibrant Performance fabrication parts and plumbing components for street, race, drift, off-road, and custom builds. Popular Vibrant Product Categories: Exhaust Components & Resonators – Stainless ...
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