Intercooler: Description and Operation

Intercooler:

PURPOSE
Cools air leaving the turbocharger before it enters the intake plenum. By reducing intake air temperature, the intercooler substantially increases efficiency and engine output. It also reduces "knocking" by lowering combustion gas temperature.

LOCATION
Left front corner of engine compartment.

OPERATION
The intercooler is a heat exchanger. Compressed air from the turbocharger is cooled before entering the intake plenum by the flow of ambient air through the intercooler.