At first glance, both intercoolers and radiators seem to do the same job - cooling. But in reality, each part has its own distinct function. The radiator keeps your engine coolant temperatures in check, while the intercooler cools the compressed air entering the engine from the turbocharger or supercharger. While both are integral to maintaining optimal engine temperatures, they cater to different aspects of the engine’s cooling needs.
What Exactly Is An Intercooler?
An intercooler is a heat exchanger that cools the air compressed by a turbocharger or supercharger before it enters the engine’s combustion chamber.
- Found on forced‐induction engines (turbo or supercharged)
- Two common types: air‐to‐air and air‐to-water
- Why it matters: Cooling compressed air increases its density, which allows more oxygen into the engine. Better combustion equals more power.
In a turbocharged vehicle, hot exhaust gases spin the turbo, forcing compressed air into the intake. That compressed air gets hot - and that’s where the intercooler steps in. By cooling hot compressed air, the intercooler makes sure you get the most out of your turbo or supercharger system.
What’s A Radiator’s Job?
A radiator is part of the engine’s cooling system that takes heat out of the engine coolant and passes it off to the air outside the vehicle.
- Engine coolant absorbs heat from the combustion process.
- The heated coolant enters the radiator, flows through the tubes, and then through the fins. Air flows around the fins (either due to vehicle movement or a fan).
- The coolant comes back cooler to repeat the cycle.
The radiator is essential for every internal combustion engine whether naturally aspirated, turbocharged or supercharged. Without the radiator working properly, the engine can overheat, lose efficiency, and in extreme cases, fail.
Radiator vs Intercooler
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| Feature | Intercooler | Radiator |
| Main function | Cools compressed intake air (turbo/supercharged) | Keeps engine coolant temperatures in check |
| Where it sits | Often front of vehicle (or top‐mounted in some setups) | Front of vehicle behind the grille |
| Why it matters | Helps boost engine power, efficiency and protects from intake air heat | Prevents engine overheating, maintains performance and longevity |
| Applicability | Only needed in forced‐induction engines | Required in all liquid cooled engines |
| Typical failure risk | Heat soak, poor cooling → reduced power | Coolant overheating → engine damage |
Where You’ll Find Each Component
Intercooler
- Usually mounted near the front bumper or grille for maximum airflow
- Some vehicles use a top-mounted unit (on the engine or near intake manifold)
- Air-to-water types have more flexible locations in the engine bay
Radiator
- Almost always at the very front of the vehicle, just behind the grille
- Positioned to receive airflow from the vehicle’s motion and from the fan
Different Intercooler And Radiator Types
Intercoolers
- Air-to-Air: Simpler, lighter, cheaper. Mounted up front. But longer intake tubing may mean more temperature variation and risk of heat soak at idle.
- Air-to-Water (Air-to-Liquid): More complex (needs coolant lines, pump, extra radiator), heavier and costlier — however offers superior cooling performance.
Radiators
- Downflow vs Crossflow:
- Downflow: coolant enters at the top, flows down through vertical fins - older cars.
- Crossflow: coolant flows horizontally across fins - more common in modern cars.
- Two-row vs Three-row: More rows = more cooling surface, but thicker radiators may restrict airflow. The right balance is key.
How Important Are These Intercoolers And Radiators?
Intercooler
- For turbo or supercharged engines: A high‐quality intercooler means better power, better throttle response, and more consistent performance, especially under load.
- If you drive a naturally aspirated car (no turbo/supercharger), you don’t need an intercooler.
Radiator
- A radiator is absolutely vital for all liquid-cooled engines. A damaged or inefficient radiator can result in the engine overheating, lower power, reduced lifespan, or catastrophic failure.
How Much Do Intercoolers Cost?
Pricing varies widely depending on the vehicle, turbo setup, and intercooler quality. At Eurosport Tuning, we offer everything from basic upgrades to full intercooler kits designed to handle major modifications and high horsepower. Here are a few of our more popular intercooler upgrades:
- Component upgrade: Vibrant Intercooler Core
- Mid-tier bolt-on kit: ECS Tuning MK6 Cast Aluminum Intercooler Upgrade Kit
- High-performance full system: APR Intercooler Kit
Whether you need a replacement or an upgrade, keeping your cooling components in top condition is essential for engine health and performance. Check out our complete range at the links below:
- For intercoolers: check out our comprehensive selection here.
- For radiators: browse our vast selection here.
Can I Install An Intercooler Myself?
While some experienced DIYers might, the job typically requires a good set of tools, mechanical skill, and knowledge of the intake and turbo system. It's not something that should be attempted by an amateur and is best left to a qualified mechanic. Purchasing your parts online and having them shipped to a trusted mechanic of your choosing is always an option - we're happy to help get your parts to your shop of choice, just contact us!
Where Should I Buy An Intercooler?
If you have a turbo or supercharged engine, a well-matched intercooler keeps that intake air cool and dense, leading to better, safer performance.
To ensure you get the best results, always stick with a reputable company that not only has the right parts for your vehicle but is run by enthusiasts with hands-on experience.
At Eurosport Tuning, we don’t just supply the best parts for your vehicle; we are also committed to offering the best service and value around. Contact our in-house experts for more information, and upgrade today!
