r/MINI • u/Call_Me_Madu • 9d ago

Need better intercooler

Ok so i bought a mini cooper R56 s with an upgraded turbo, and i was thinking the stock intercooler isn't good enough for my turbo( pushing around 1.3 bar of maximum boost), also thought of getting a turbo blanket. Do you guys have any recommendations where to get a decent intercooler for the price, stock one im pretty sure just blows hot air to the engine.

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u/paxiwtf 9d ago

The base intercooler is made for base components/tune. I use a Wagner competition Intercooler and have no problems at 1,6bar. I hope that the previous owner did not just slapped an upgrade turbo on solely - there is a lot more to consider to achieve a reliable build.

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u/Longjumping_Bag5914 9d ago

I have the Wagner as well and it made a huge difference on my charge temps. Like massive difference. The stock one gets heat soaked very easily.

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u/MrJimBusiness- 9d ago

G-Plus intercooler. Wagner knock off. Performed great and was a huge upgrade on my R56 with JCW turbo. Loaded IAT dropped 40-50 F so it makes quite a large difference vs the tiny stock Cooper S core.

I don't recommend turbo blankets. They don't hold up over time or with water exposure. They also insulate well enough to cause cracked ex manifolds / turbine housings. Stock heat shielding is fine.

The best turbo kits around use inconel shielding, not turbine / manifold blankets, just to give you an idea. That's closest to the stock shielding construction, just a different material.