Intercooler Efficiency Calculator

Summary

Enter inlet air temperature, ambient temperature, and boost pressure to calculate intercooler thermal efficiency and cooled charge air density.

How it works

1. Enter the air temperature leaving the turbo/supercharger compressor (inlet to intercooler).
2. Enter the ambient air temperature outside the vehicle.
3. Enter the boost pressure (gauge) in your preferred unit (psi or bar).
4. Optionally enter the measured intercooler outlet temperature to get the actual efficiency.
5. The calculator derives thermal efficiency, outlet temp at a given efficiency, and charge air density ratio.

Use cases

• Evaluate whether a factory intercooler is adequate for a power upgrade.
• Compare two intercooler cores by their efficiency ratings at the same inlet conditions.
• Estimate charge air density gain when sizing an intercooler for a turbo build.
• Determine the outlet temperature to plan intake manifold and fuel tune requirements.
• Verify intercooler performance on a dyno by logging inlet and outlet temps.
• Calculate how ambient temperature affects power on a hot day vs a cold day.

Frequently Asked Questions