Credit: Isaiah Adams

Found some old screenshots in my import album… Don’t ask me any questions, just take a look for yourself. If it makes sense to you and you’ve got a 4th-gen, live near a pull-it yard or a 5.5 part-out, and you’re planning a 3.5 6-speed full swap on a budget with DIYs… here you go!

Credit: René Saran

Out of the two eBay options I had, I chose this intercooler with the angle, but I wanted something better. As some of you may know, there are only about four same-side intercoolers available on the market, offering limited options and not much room for upgrades. I wanted to use a Garrett core, but none of the sizes fit my needs, so I ended up with a Vibrant core, which I got at a significant discount.

To keep the same piping setup, I used AutoCAD to create the measurements for the end tanks and had them cut on a plasma table from 3/16-inch aluminum. From there, with a few bends, my buddy laid down some impressive welds to recreate my eBay intercooler on steroids, now featuring the Vibrant core. I’ll be trimming about 1.25 inches off the straight section of my pipes, but that’s pretty much all I need to do to make it fit with the longer core length.

Check out the inside fins on the eBay intercooler—very sparse and lacking louvers.

Credit: Jon Jainarine

Notes:

• Manifold and intake ports blocked off.
• PCV valve removed and replaced with AN adapter from Bull Boost (Color Fittings also makes a PCV delete kit for VQs).
• Front valve cover PCV outlet mated to a 5/8 barb to AN 10 adapter (Aeroflow and Autoplum makes these – picture under post with part number)

Credit: Kane Johnson / Shawn Williams

Credit: Kane Johnson / Shawn Williams

Torque Solution Fast Response IAT Sensor is the perfect choice when converting to a speed density setup or just needing to replace your existing IAT sensor.  You will need a weld-on 3/8 bung on your intake.

Price: $15.99
Order Link: https://www.torquesolution.com/product-p/ts-es-iat-gm.htm

Sensor Specifics:

• Typical Voltage Supply: 5V DC
• Operating Temperature: -40 C to 135 C
• Sensor Body Material: Brass
• Hex Size: 18.90 mm (3/4″)
• Thread Size: 3/8″ – 18 NPTF w/ Thread Sealing Compound
• Sealing Pressure: 200 kPa

Interchangeable With The Below Part Numbers:

• AC Delco / GM Part #’s: 25036751, 5S1007, AJ0005, TS10077, 213-190, 25037334, 213190, 213192, 25037034, 25037225, 5744430, 8250373340, SU107, 8250367510, 213191, 25036950, 25095187, 3854527, 38545273
• AEM 30-2010
• Haltech HT-010204

Credit: Kane Johnson / Shawn Williams.

Installed Benchmark Audi ignition coils, 10AN bungs on the valve covers, and a Torque Solution fast-response IAT sensor in the charge pipe on this Turbo 4th gen today.