How much HP does an intercooler add to a Focus ST?
The Ford Focus ST is a popular choice among car enthusiasts for its sporty performance and turbocharged engine. One common upgrade for this vehicle is the installation of an aftermarket intercooler. But how much horsepower can you realistically expect to gain from this modification? Let’s dive into the details.
What Does an Intercooler Do?
An intercooler is a crucial component in turbocharged engines like the one in the Focus ST. Its primary function is to cool the compressed air coming from the turbocharger before it enters the engine. Cooler air is denser, which means it contains more oxygen. This allows for better combustion, resulting in improved performance and efficiency.
Horsepower Gains from an Intercooler Upgrade
While the exact horsepower gain depends on several factors, including the type of intercooler and supporting modifications, upgrading to a high-performance intercooler on a Focus ST typically adds around 5 to 15 horsepower. Here’s why:
- Reduced Heat Soak: A larger or more efficient intercooler reduces heat soak, maintaining consistent power output during extended periods of hard driving.
- Improved Airflow: Aftermarket intercoolers often feature better airflow designs, which can slightly increase horsepower.
- Support for Tuning: When paired with a proper ECU tune, an upgraded intercooler can unlock even more power by allowing the engine to safely run higher boost levels.
Factors That Influence Horsepower Gains
The actual horsepower increase from an intercooler upgrade can vary based on the following factors:
- Stock vs. Aftermarket: The stock Focus ST intercooler is designed for everyday driving and may not perform well under high-stress conditions. Aftermarket options are optimized for performance.
- Ambient Temperature: In hotter climates, the benefits of an upgraded intercooler are more noticeable as it combats higher intake air temperatures.
- Additional Modifications: Supporting mods like a high-flow intake, exhaust system, or turbo upgrade can amplify the benefits of an intercooler.
Is It Worth the Investment?
For enthusiasts looking to maximize the performance of their Focus ST, an intercooler upgrade is a worthwhile investment. Not only does it provide modest horsepower gains, but it also improves reliability by reducing the risk of engine knock caused by high intake temperatures. When combined with other modifications and tuning, the potential for increased performance is even greater.
Conclusion
In summary, upgrading the intercooler on a Ford Focus ST can add approximately 5 to 15 horsepower, depending on the specific setup and conditions. While the gains might not seem massive on their own, the improved consistency and potential for further tuning make it a valuable upgrade for performance enthusiasts. If you’re considering this modification, be sure to choose a high-quality intercooler and consult with a professional tuner to maximize your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much HP can Focus ST handle?
For the record, 400whp is our comfortable limit on a stock engine. Anything more and we recommend reinforcing your engine with better internals. But here's what you need to know. There are many stock engine ST's running around with 400whp for many thousands of miles.
How much difference does a bigger intercooler make?
Larger intercoolers reduce pressure drop, but do not introduce turbo lag. Stock intercoolers use the cheaper tube and fin design, which are less efficient in cooling due to their corners and they introduce more pressure drop.
How much HP does air intake add?
5-20 horsepower
Cold Air Intakes are said to improve your vehicle's performance by 5-20 horsepower. This number will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. While this isn't enough power to put you back in your seat, it will give your car or truck a little pep in its step.
Is it worth upgrading an intercooler?
' and unfortunately, no, a turbo intercooler does not add horsepower to your car. That said, however, it does give you better and more responsive performance as your car has more access to oxygen and it can mean that you can tune your car more aggressively without risking damage to your engine.
How much HP will an intercooler add?
But they do not themselves add horsepower. The greater the temperature drop of the intake air achieved by the intercooler, the more power the engine can generate. An intercooler can dramatically reduce the intake air temperature, and therefore improve engine performance while decreasing the risk of overheating.
How much HP does a cold air intake add?
5-20 horsepower
Cold Air Intakes are said to improve your vehicle's performance by 5-20 horsepower. This number will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. While this isn't enough power to put you back in your seat, it will give your car or truck a little pep in its step.
What is the benefit of adding intercooler?
The principle behind using an intercooler is rooted in basic physics: cooler air is denser than hot air, meaning it contains more oxygen in the same volume. This increase in oxygen leads to more efficient combustion and better overall engine performance.
How much HP does a downpipe add?
10 to 20 horsepower
An aftermarket downpipe with catalytic converters will add 10 to 20 horsepower on average, and that gain is noticeable anytime the turbo spools.
How big is the intercooler on a Ford Focus ST stock?
Back to the intercooler at hand. This unit has a height of 6 inches, and a width of 2.5 inches. From end tank to end tank, the length measures at 26 inches.
Do intercoolers increase turbo lag?
Wastegate Operation: Incorrect wastegate operation can lead to increased lag. Intercooler Efficiency: An inefficient intercooler can slow down the cooling process, contributing the issue.
