2J intercooler review

[frankiefiesta]

Seems like no one with a 2015 actually has this installed?

Maybe I'm not doing it right...? Did any of you get stuck at this part:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eaVP4EsZRg

Unfortunately, this was around 10 pm, so I couldn't take advantage of daylight to help shoot a clearer video.

Believe me, it's being pushed up as far up as it can go, because of the plastic piece in the video restricting it from going up any more.
And it's being pushed back (toward the radiator) as much as it can go, because the backside of the crash beam is restricting it.

If kicking and whacking it in isn't enough force to get that in, I don't know how this can be considered a "drop-in" IC.
I shouldn't even need to be putting that kind of force to install it...

Lmao dude you remind me of the scene from Zoolander where they are smacking a computer like monkeys to find the files inside

http://youtu.be/Ze3hthGRbRo

Take a screwdriver and pry it into place put the bolt in and make it work.. Seriously, I guess you aren't very mechanically inclined (not that that's bad) if you can't even install an intercooler. This thread is turning into a 2J witch hunt.

If smacking the intercooler doesn't work use logic and find out what needs to be cut/trimmed/removed to make it fit.

 

[frankiefiesta]

Seems like no one with a 2015 actually has this installed?

Maybe I'm not doing it right...? Did any of you get stuck at this part:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eaVP4EsZRg

Unfortunately, this was around 10 pm, so I couldn't take advantage of daylight to help shoot a clearer video.

Believe me, it's being pushed up as far up as it can go, because of the plastic piece in the video restricting it from going up any more.
And it's being pushed back (toward the radiator) as much as it can go, because the backside of the crash beam is restricting it.

If kicking and whacking it in isn't enough force to get that in, I don't know how this can be considered a "drop-in" IC.
I shouldn't even need to be putting that kind of force to install it...

Lmao dude you remind me of the scene from Zoolander where they are smacking a computer like monkeys to find the files inside

http://youtu.be/Ze3hthGRbRo

Take a screwdriver and pry it into place put the bolt in and make it work.. Seriously, I guess you aren't very mechanically inclined (not that that's bad) if you can't even install an intercooler. This thread is turning into a 2J witch hunt.

If smacking the intercooler doesn't work use logic and find out what needs to be cut/trimmed/removed to make it fit.

 

[AzNightmare]

Can you please provide pictures on where these bolts are located? The ones that separate the radiator support.

 

[AzNightmare]

Lmao dude you remind me of the scene from Zoolander where they are smacking a computer like monkeys to find the files inside

http://youtu.be/Ze3hthGRbRo

Take a screwdriver and pry it into place put the bolt in and make it work.. Seriously, I guess you aren't very mechanically inclined (not that that's bad) if you can't even install an intercooler. This thread is turning into a 2J witch hunt.

If smacking the intercooler doesn't work use logic and find out what needs to be cut/trimmed/removed to make it fit.

Missing the point, buddy.
That was for show.

Cause if I didn't do that, some one in here will be like. Did you push it in hard enough? You need to push it up all the way to the top, etc.
"Tight fit" is an understatement as some have also mentioned. It's a "doesn't fit". As clearly shown in the video.
Cause if it fits, whacking it like a monkey with force would have made it fit. Now I'm being told to loosen/remove my crash beam, admitting there is fitment issues?

Speaking of your so called logic, using a screw driver to pry aluminum into a crash beam is retarded. So what you would have done is dent your IC with that approach. The crash beam is steel... it's not going to flex for the IC. Maybe before saying I'm not mechanically inclined, point out exactly how I could make it fit when I've already logically pointed out, and drew a diagram showing where the conflict points are (at the crash beam and the plastic piece) and why it's not fitting. Just remember, your car already had hacked up pieces prior to installation and you custom worked the IC to make it fit on yours.

I can cut things up if I want to (which I might have to). I already mentioned it that I could "macGyver" this. But WHY? Cut my car up for a drop in IC? If I wanted to do irreversible modding, I would have went with J-Line. I guess when you buy products that are falsely advertised, you just let it slide instead of acknowledging you got duped just because you can DIY it?. Sorry, your post was full of idiocy. But I guess you're at least the world's best customer.

Thanks for trying to help though.

 

[Hijinx]

Lmao dude you remind me of the scene from Zoolander where they are smacking a computer like monkeys to find the files inside

http://youtu.be/Ze3hthGRbRo

Take a screwdriver and pry it into place put the bolt in and make it work.. Seriously, I guess you aren't very mechanically inclined (not that that's bad) if you can't even install an intercooler. This thread is turning into a 2J witch hunt.

If smacking the intercooler doesn't work use logic and find out what needs to be cut/trimmed/removed to make it fit.

The point is that it's not quite as WYSIWYG as advertised. For myself, I hate surprises so I'd be a little upset if I had to remove my crash bar... I'm sure a lot of people would be considering the advertisement of the product.

Witch hunt or not, at the end of the day, the fact is that the intercooler is not what is advertised. And hopefully, the product page/advertising/information will be updated to reflect the changes. If not, I hope these threads stick around so people can read the "fine print."

 

[frankiefiesta]

The point is that it's not quite as WYSIWYG as advertised. For myself, I hate surprises so I'd be a little upset if I had to remove my crash bar... I'm sure a lot of people would be considering the advertisement of the product.

Witch hunt or not, at the end of the day, the fact is that the intercooler is not what is advertised. And hopefully, the product page/advertising/information will be updated to reflect the changes. If not, I hope these threads stick around so people can read the "fine print."

I agree with you and I personally am pretty upset over not getting what was advertised. I updated the first page to reflect this so others can see the differences.

I'm going to compile some data on it though, mainly charge air temps, to see if the intercooler is a value or if people should pass on it. I'm currently going through tuning process with Russ and see ~ +20 charge air temps at the top of the power band... On 1 third gear pull. So far not looking promising.

I just had to say something because some people refuse to help themselves. After 4 pages of crying it gets old. Instead they whine and complain on the forum hoping joe will come to Canada and install the intercooler for them.

 

[Hijinx]

I agree with you and I personally am pretty upset over not getting what was advertised. I updated the first page to reflect this so others can see the differences.

I'm going to compile some data on it though, mainly charge air temps, to see if the intercooler is a value or if people should pass on it. I'm currently going through tuning process with Russ and see ~ +20 charge air temps at the top of the power band... On 1 third gear pull. So far not looking promising.

I just had to say something because some people refuse to help themselves. After 4 pages of crying it gets old. Instead they whine and complain on the forum hoping joe will come to Canada and install the intercooler for them.

+20?! Wow... At the end of a run, I'm like at +5-10 on the race cooler. I think Cobb intercooler runs about +10-15 depending on the weather.

 

[frankiefiesta]

Missing the point, buddy.
That was for show.

Cause if I didn't do that, some one in here will be like. Did you push it in hard enough? You need to push it up all the way to the top, etc.
"Tight fit" is an understatement as some have also mentioned. It's a "doesn't fit". As clearly shown in the video.
Cause if it fits, whacking it like a monkey would have made it work.

Speaking of your so called logic, using a screw driver to pry aluminum into a crash beam is retarded. So what you would have done is dent your IC? You do know it's made of aluminum, right? And I think I already mentioned it, but maybe not. Maybe before saying I'm not mechanically inclined, point out exactly at how I could make it fit when the conflict points are at the crash beam and the plastic piece. Just remember, you had to hack yours up to make it fit.

I can cut things up if I want to (which I might have to). But WHY? Cut my car up for a drop in IC? If I wanted to do irreversible modding, I would have went with J-Line. I guess when you buy products that are falsely advertised, you just let it slide instead of acknowledging you got duped just because you can DIY it?. Sorry, your post was full of idiocy. But I guess you're at least the world's best customer.

Thanks for trying to help though.

Yes I realize it's made from aluminum. The point was, make it work dude. my car is a little "hacked up" from a previous intercooler install but not like you make it seem. I've taken some plastics off and trimmed a few pieces but it's not like I did reconstructive surgery. Lol

I honestly think you should put the stock intercooler on and bring the car to a shop for install or buy a smaller intercooler that will give you less trouble. You don't seem very capable of installing it. Sorry

 

[frankiefiesta]

+20?! Wow... At the end of a run, I'm like at +5-10 on the race cooler. I think Cobb intercooler runs about +10-15 depending on the weather.

Yes, you're correct. My friend with a quickspool kit and Cobb IC said he sees 10-14 degree increase.

I have another friend who just installed a pumaspeed turbo. He also runs a Cobb IC. We are going to be comparing charge temp logs since his set up is most comparable to mine. I'm currently running a cyborg turbo

 

[AzNightmare]

Yes I realize it's made from aluminum. The point was, make it work dude. my car is a little "hacked up" from a previous intercooler install but not like you make it seem. I've taken some plastics off and trimmed a few pieces but it's not like I did reconstructive surgery. Lol

I honestly think you should put the stock intercooler on and bring the car to a shop for install or buy a smaller intercooler that will give you less trouble. You don't seem very capable of installing it. Sorry

No. your minor trimmed plastics make all the difference. Because the plastic is one of culprits in why it's not fitting.

I've already put the stock IC back on. My FiST is my daily, so I had to put everything back, mind you that took about 30 mins to put everything back with the bumper. I've asked around, considering people told me the bumper was the hardest part of the project, trust me, I know what I'm doing.

Before you question my abilities, maybe figure out my motives first. You don't know me, so stop making stupid assumptions that I can't perform basic DIY's. Just a FYI, I DIY pretty much everything on my cars. Maintenance, detailing, modding, etc. I don't pay shops to do things that I can do myself.

Like I said before, my motive was to show this isn't a drop-in IC as advertised. (That's not a "how to install IC tutorial" video) If I was expecting to do mods to make it fit, I might have went with another brand that didn't require it. I can custom work it to make it fit, which looks like that's my only option now. But that also tells me that we are in agreement that the IC has fitment issues with the 2015 model... Which goes back to my very original point, even before I made the video to prove it.

 

[AzNightmare]

I agree with you and I personally am pretty upset over not getting what was advertised. I updated the first page to reflect this so others can see the differences.

I just had to say something because some people refuse to help themselves. After 4 pages of crying it gets old. Instead they whine and complain on the forum hoping joe will come to Canada and install the intercooler for them.

I just made my first attempt to install it last weekend and haven't had a chance to work on the car since. I came in here asking for advice, while showing why I suspect the IC was built with fitment issues. Sketched a diagram, made a video. That's far from whining. That's providing evidence.

Look, I highly prefer to get this installed the way it was meant to be installed, the way it was meant to be a drop-in IC. If you buy stuff that is wrongfully advertised causing you to do extra work, maybe you like to suck it up and bend over. I rather make sure everyone knows about the issue and call 2JR out for their mistake.

In your original post, you never even mentioned about how you had to do modifications on the IC to get the IC to be installed. That would have been a pretty big issue (for most people) had you actually been upset about it. Nah, I doubt you were "upset" or cared much for it.

Whatever man, I'll get this installed this weekend when I get a chance. It's apparently solved that this IC has fitment issues on the 2015 model (or the particular IC I got is different in dimensions) so I'm gonna move on to the next phase which is custom DIY or removing the entire crash beam. I don't need your pointless condescending posts.

 

[Mr.Fister]

I have a 16 and it installed fine. I was worried because of the intake issues with other stuff being different between the years but it was all good. Finish was shit and has the same single spot weld on top, but at least it fit.

 

[madfiesta14]

At 74* ambient my charge temps are 9-12 above even at WOT. Not sure how that compares to other ICs.

 

[Phill_owns]

[MENTION=952]frankiefiesta[/MENTION] How are you liking the intercooler? I'm in NJ as well and have not put mine on yet. I'm not expecting miracles for the price but is it decent at least?

Thanks.

 

[frankiefiesta]

[MENTION=952]frankiefiesta[/MENTION] How are you liking the intercooler? I'm in NJ as well and have not put mine on yet. I'm not expecting miracles for the price but is it decent at least?

Thanks.

I'm not on the stock turbo so my car makes some more heat, but I'm seeing charge temps rise up to 17-23 degrees above ambient at the top of the RPM's. It does a good job from idle to 5000 RPM's then just rises like crazy.

This intercooler is definetly a budget option IMO. I would actually suggest a Cobb, mtc (I think that's the name), or Depo intercooler before the 2J intercooler.

If you plan to upgrade the turbo eventually I suggest you just save up for a DHM race intercooler. That's what I'm going to do instead of playing around with other ones

 

[twolf]

Okay, I don't really want to bump this up but I just helped to install this IC on a 2016 tonight.

Or, well, I should say tried to help...

It does not fit. No chance. No amount of loosening the crash bar, etc would have fixed it. It just simply did not fit.

 

[LilPartyBox]

phew, what a read. From what I can gather, the QC issues at this price point extends beyond welds and finish but also the overall dimensions of the unit. How else is it that some owners can just drop it in as advertised, some trim to fit and for others it just doesn't fit at all. 2J obviously needs to pull this IC off of the market and have a long hard look at their workflow and QC. It also doesn't help at all that Joe has either been in a defensive stance or MIA.....and the phone call where he had an out of body experience...speaks volumes.

I'm always suspect of something that claims to be competitive at half the cost. I was ok with sloppy welds but not with missing welds. Ok with unfinished aluminum but not when unfinished means just plain dirty. Especially when others make it out of their shop finished to a decent shine. The QC is obviously in serious neglect over at 2J for their to be such variance in even the minor aspects of construction. I only refer to finish and welds as minor to frame the major QC issue..overall dimensions also seem to be in question here, imo.

I'm in the market for an IC. After this thread, 2J is waaay of the list. I'm very interested to see how the recent Depo IC unfolds...If that turns out to be another "get what you pay for" POS then i think i may just not upgrade my IC, ever. I just can't justify the cost of Cobb or DHM. Great units for sure, but their costs don't line up with my bang-for-buck budget for this car.

 

[Schoolz]

phew, what a read. From what I can gather, the QC issues at this price point extends beyond welds and finish but also the overall dimensions of the unit. How else is it that some owners can just drop it in as advertised, some trim to fit and for others it just doesn't fit at all. 2J obviously needs to pull this IC off of the market and have a long hard look at their workflow and QC. It also doesn't help at all that Joe has either been in a defensive stance or MIA.....and the phone call where he had an out of body experience...speaks volumes.

I'm always suspect of something that claims to be competitive at half the cost. I was ok with sloppy welds but not with missing welds. Ok with unfinished aluminum but not when unfinished means just plain dirty. Especially when others make it out of their shop finished to a decent shine. The QC is obviously in serious neglect over at 2J for their to be such variance in even the minor aspects of construction. I only refer to finish and welds as minor to frame the major QC issue..overall dimensions also seem to be in question here, imo.

I'm in the market for an IC. After this thread, 2J is waaay of the list. I'm very interested to see how the recent Depo IC unfolds...If that turns out to be another "get what you pay for" POS then i think i may just not upgrade my IC, ever. I just can't justify the cost of Cobb or DHM. Great units for sure, but their costs don't line up with my bang-for-buck budget for this car.

Check out the MAP intercooler.

 

[FistSt215]

The Depo IC is identical to Cobb but for half the price . Depo IC is a huge hit in the FosT community so I think it will be good IC . No one will know till some received their IC and do logs

 

[SirSlaughter]

phew, what a read. From what I can gather, the QC issues at this price point extends beyond welds and finish but also the overall dimensions of the unit. How else is it that some owners can just drop it in as advertised, some trim to fit and for others it just doesn't fit at all. 2J obviously needs to pull this IC off of the market and have a long hard look at their workflow and QC. It also doesn't help at all that Joe has either been in a defensive stance or MIA.....and the phone call where he had an out of body experience...speaks volumes.

I'm always suspect of something that claims to be competitive at half the cost. I was ok with sloppy welds but not with missing welds. Ok with unfinished aluminum but not when unfinished means just plain dirty. Especially when others make it out of their shop finished to a decent shine. The QC is obviously in serious neglect over at 2J for their to be such variance in even the minor aspects of construction. I only refer to finish and welds as minor to frame the major QC issue..overall dimensions also seem to be in question here, imo.

I'm in the market for an IC. After this thread, 2J is waaay of the list. I'm very interested to see how the recent Depo IC unfolds...If that turns out to be another "get what you pay for" POS then i think i may just not upgrade my IC, ever. I just can't justify the cost of Cobb or DHM. Great units for sure, but their costs don't line up with my bang-for-buck budget for this car.

Mishimoto is looking really promising.