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Unlocking Hidden Power: The Apexi SuperCooler Upgrade
For car enthusiasts who crave more power and reliability from their engine without breaking the bank, the Apexi SuperCooler has become a go-to upgrade. Priced around $400, this cooling system enhancement promises a genuine 15 horsepower gain while significantly improving the engine’s resistance to overheating. But does it deliver? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore exactly how the Apexi SuperCooler works, what you can expect in terms of performance, installation, and real-world results, and why it’s considered one of the best bang-for-buck modifications in the tuning world.
What Is the Apexi SuperCooler?
The Apexi SuperCooler is an aftermarket intercooler designed primarily for turbocharged and supercharged vehicles. Its core function is to lower the temperature of the intake air before it enters the engine’s combustion chamber. Cooler air is denser, meaning more oxygen can be packed into each cylinder. That extra oxygen, when combined with the correct fuel mixture, produces more power—typically a 10–15 HP increase on a properly tuned engine.
Beyond power, the SuperCooler’s primary advantage is its ability to maintain consistent intake air temperatures under sustained boost, which directly combats heat soak—the enemy of turbocharged engines. By reducing the risk of heat-related power loss, the SuperCooler helps the engine perform at its peak even during aggressive driving or track sessions.
Key Benefits of the Apexi SuperCooler Upgrade
Proven Horsepower Gains of 15 HP
The manufacturer claims a 15 HP increase, and independent dyno tests have largely confirmed this figure for many applications. The gain comes from the SuperCooler’s larger core volume and improved fin design, which allows for greater heat exchange. Unlike some coolers that only help at high speeds, the Apexi unit shows measurable gains even in stop-and-go traffic because of its low-restriction internal flow path.
Superior Overheating Resistance
Heat soak occurs when the intercooler itself becomes saturated with heat from the engine bay, causing intake air temperatures to rise. The Apexi SuperCooler uses a bar-and-plate construction (versus cheaper tube-and-fin designs), which offers higher thermal capacity and faster recovery between pulls. This means your engine sees cooler air for longer periods, reducing the likelihood of detonation (knock) and allowing more aggressive ignition timing.
Built for Durability
Constructed from cast aluminum end tanks and a robust core, the SuperCooler is pressure tested to withstand boost levels well beyond typical street tunes. The welds are reinforced, and the mounting brackets are designed to resist fatigue from engine vibration. Many users report the cooler lasting through years of daily driving and occasional track abuse without leaking or degrading.
Direct Fitment for Many Platforms
Apexi offers specific SuperCooler models for popular vehicles such as the Subaru WRX/STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Nissan GT-R, and many Mazda MX-5s, Honda Civics, and Ford Focus STs. Each kit includes necessary brackets, hoses, and clamps, making it a true bolt-on upgrade that requires minimal fabrication.
Installation Guide: Installing the Apexi SuperCooler Yourself
One of the reasons the SuperCooler is so popular is its straightforward installation. Most mechanically inclined owners can complete the job in a weekend with basic hand tools. Here’s a more detailed step-by-step breakdown:
Tools and Materials Needed
- Socket set (metric and standard, depending on vehicle)
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Torque wrench
- Jack and jack stands or ramps (for under-car access)
- New coolant (if the cooler is coolant-related) or simple hose clamps
- Shop manual for your specific vehicle (recommended)
Step 1: Disconnect the Battery
Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal to avoid any electrical shorts or accidental airbag deployment while working near the front of the car.
Step 2: Remove the Front Bumper or Grille
Most vehicles require removal of the front bumper fascia or grille to access the intercooler. This typically involves removing a few plastic rivets, bolts, and clips. Place all fasteners in a labeled bag to avoid confusion.
Step 3: Drain the Cooling System (If Necessary)
If your vehicle uses a water-to-air intercooler (rare), you’ll need to drain the system. For air-to-air intercoolers (common), skip this step.
Step 4: Remove the Stock Intercooler
Unbolt the factory intercooler from its brackets. Disconnect the inlet and outlet hoses or pipes. Some stock units are attached with rubber hoses that may be tough to remove – carefully pry them off with a flathead screwdriver. Inspect the old intercooler for debris or oil residue, which can indicate a failing turbocharger seal.
Step 5: Install the Apexi SuperCooler
Position the SuperCooler in the same location as the stock unit. Slide the supplied silicone hoses onto the inlet and outlet ports, ensuring they seat fully. Use the supplied clamps and tighten them to the manufacturer’s specified torque (usually 4–6 Nm). Bolt the cooler into the factory mounting points – you may need to transfer rubber bushings from the old cooler.
Step 6: Reassemble the Front End
Reinstall the bumper or grille, making sure all clips are engaged. Reconnect the battery. Double-check that no tools or rags are left near moving parts.
Step 7: Test for Leaks and Function
Start the engine and let it idle. Check all hose connections for air leaks using a soapy water solution (bubbles indicate leaks). Go for a short test drive, monitoring intake air temperature (IAT) via an OBD2 scanner or aftermarket gauge. You should see IATs drop noticeably compared to the stock cooler, especially after a few runs.
Performance Testing: What to Expect After the Upgrade
To verify the gains, enthusiasts typically perform dyno pulls before and after installation. Many independent tuners report consistent gains of 12–18 HP on stock turbo setups. The biggest improvement, however, is in consistency: after multiple dyno runs, the Apexi-equipped engine retains more power than the stock unit, which often suffers from heat soak after just two or three pulls.
Temperature monitoring reveals that the Apexi SuperCooler can reduce peak IATs by 15°F–25°F (8°C–14°C) compared to factory coolers under similar driving conditions. That reduction directly translates to a lower risk of knock, allowing tuners to add more spark advance or increase boost pressure safely.
Cost Analysis: Is the Apexi SuperCooler Worth $400?
At approximately $400, the Apexi SuperCooler sits in the mid-range of aftermarket intercooler prices. Let’s break down the value proposition:
| Factor | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Horsepower per dollar | Approximately $26.67 per HP (based on 15 HP gain) – better than many bolt-on intakes or exhausts. |
| Installation cost | DIY = $0. Professional installation typically adds $150–$300. |
| Long-term savings | Reduced knock risk can save your engine from costly rebuilds. Cooler intake air also helps maintain fuel economy under boost. |
| Resale value | A quality intercooler is a desirable mod that can increase your car’s resale price by $200–$400. |
Considering the durability and performance, the SuperCooler offers excellent value. It’s cheaper than a full exhaust system or a turbo upgrade, yet it can unlock significant power safely.
Comparing the Apexi SuperCooler to Other Options
The market offers several alternatives, from budget-friendly universal cores to premium units like the Garrett or Mishimoto. How does the Apexi stack up?
- Budget units ($150–$250): Often universal fit with thin tube-and-fin cores. They can leak or bend under high boost. No direct vehicle-specific brackets – requires custom fabrication.
- Mid-range ($350–$500): Includes the Apexi SuperCooler and similar from brands like Godspeed or CX Racing. The Apexi stands out for its bar-and-plate core and direct-fitment kits.
- Premium ($600+): Brands like Garrett and Mishimoto offer larger cores and lifetime warranties. However, for street and moderate track use, the Apexi provides 90% of the performance at 60% of the cost.
Check the official Apexi USA page for model-specific details and dyno charts.
Real-World Owner Experiences
We scoured enthusiast forums and spoke with several owners. A common thread: the SuperCooler is a “set it and forget it” mod. On a 2015 Subaru WRX, one owner reported that after swapping the stock top-mount intercooler for the Apexi SuperCooler, his engine saw IATs drop from 130°F to 105°F on a hot summer day. He also noted that his car no longer felt “mushy” after multiple hard pulls. Another owner of a Mitsubishi Evo X praised the cooling recovery between autocross runs, claiming he could run full boost without the timing pull that plagued his car with the stock intercooler.
Some critics point out that the Apexi SuperCooler is not the largest on the market, so for heavily modified engines producing over 400 HP, a larger core might be necessary. But for stock or mildly tuned turbo cars (up to 350 WHP), it’s an ideal match.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To keep your Apexi SuperCooler performing at its best:
- Clean the core annually: Use a low-pressure hose and a soft brush to remove bugs, dirt, and oil residue. Avoid high-pressure washers that can bend fins.
- Inspect hoses and clamps: Silicone hoses can degrade over time. Check for cracks or swelling every 12 months and replace if necessary.
- Check for debris behind the cooler: Leaves and plastic bags can block airflow. Remove them during regular washes.
- Listen for boost leaks: If you notice a loss of power or a hissing sound under boost, tighten all clamps or replace damaged hoses immediately.
Conclusion: Why the Apexi SuperCooler Remains a Top Pick
The Apexi SuperCooler upgrade delivers on its promises: a reliable 15 HP gain, markedly improved overheating resistance, and straightforward installation—all for around $400. It’s a rare blend of affordability and real performance that any enthusiast can appreciate. Whether you’re daily driving, hitting the drag strip, or tackling a road course, this cooler will keep your engine running stronger and safer. If you’re looking for a single modification that offers the best balance of power, safety, and value, the Apexi SuperCooler is hard to beat.
For more detailed information and to see if the SuperCooler fits your vehicle, visit Apexi USA or browse reviews on forums like NASIOC and Evomoto.