SKU: 12973
Vibrant Performance Water to Air Intercooler Core 12in W x 5in H x 5in Thick (12973)
Vibrant Performance Water to Air Intercooler Core SKU 12973 measures 12 inches wide by 5 inches high by 5 inches thick for powerful cooling in high-boost forced induction vehicles. This universal bar and plate core fits custom turbocharged and supercharged drag racing setups providing stable intake air temperatures. Water cooling delivers consistent results without dependence on vehicle speed or outside air flow supporting applications up to 700HP.
Key Features
- Compact Dimensions: 12in W x 5in H x 5in thick design installs easily in tight engine bays for drag cars and performance builds
- Bar and Plate Construction: Aluminum build withstands high boost pressures and repeated heat cycles in racing environments
- Optimized Fin Design: High density fins increase heat transfer surface area for lower charge air temps
- Water to Air Operation: Uses water circulation for reliable cooling independent of ambient airflow or road conditions
- Power Handling: Rated for 700HP turbo or supercharger systems in high performance applications
Product Notes
- Core only requires separate plumbing heat exchanger water pump and fittings for full system
- Compatible with Vibrant Performance tubing kits and universal heat exchangers
- Thick 5in core depth maintains low pressure drop while rejecting heat effectively
Installation Notes
- Professional installation recommended.
- Needs 12-16 GPM water pump and 19 row heat exchanger minimum for peak performance
- Mounting hardware sold separately uses standard bolt patterns on core sides
This Part Fits
| Year | Make | Model | Submodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal | All | Forced Induction Vehicles | Turbocharged Supercharged Drag Racing |
Why Choose Vibrant Performance?
- Trusted brand in drag racing and motorsports components
- Heavy duty aluminum materials built for extreme conditions
- Engineered cores tested in high horsepower competition vehicles
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: Does this core fit specific vehicles or is it universal?
A: Universal design works in any custom forced induction setup including drag cars turbo LS builds and supercharged street performance vehicles -
Q: What material is used in construction?
A: Full aluminum bar and plate with stamped end tanks for strength corrosion resistance and lightweight performance -
Q: What warranty coverage applies?
A: Vibrant Performance offers limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects when installed and used properly
Shipping & Handling
- Method: UPS Ground or FedEx Ground
- Availability: In stock - ships same or next business day
- Packaging: Secure cardboard box 16in L x 9in W x 9in H
- Weight: 12 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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