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In the section we're directed to ("Can an intercooler be too big?"): "YES ! In street driven applications, an intercooler can definitely be too big, maybe not for 'attitude', but for maximum performance. It is not an argument to say that Joe Blow's RX2 runs 9.6 @ 132 with a monstrous intercooler because that car may run 9.4 @ 134 with an intercooler that is engineered very close to the overall requirements of that combination. The same may be said for Fred Nerks TX3 that runs 13.8 @ 100 with his headlight to headlight monster intercooler jumping out of the grille. The car may run 13 flat @ 110 with a properly engineered intercooler/pipe setup. This is because if a 13,500 cu. cm. core drops the intake temperature to 40° c. @ 1.5 psi. "static" pressure drop, a 9,550 cu. cm. core may drop the temperature to 41°c @ 0.82 psi "static" pressure drop, & I know which will produce more power !" And earlier (in "cooling capacities" section) he discusses the cost and benefit of surface area: "Note that usually, the more surface area, the higher heat transference, but also the greater pressure drop." In the first quoted section, he points out that a significantly larger IC may result in a lower temerature (by 1 degree C), but with a much more significant pressure drop.
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