There's loads of info around on upgrading intercoolers and turbos to get 200bhp plus, but I'm after some opinions on the 'modest' options 
I have a 2006 T5, 2.5 (AXD engine) with 173k miles. I've owned it from new and looked after it well. I fully recognise it's a van, and I don't want to turn it in to a sports car! But my intercooler has ruptured and needs replaced. The way I see it I have 3 options:
Option 1: Cheapie replacement
Looks like I can get a 3rd party replacement for anything from £120 and I can fit it myself. That way I keep going with my 130bhp van
Option 2: 'Uprated' intercooler like Airtec, Forge, Wagner or Forge
I don't mind paying the £500 for a decent upgrade if I get something from it, but if get no performance improvement or fuel efficiency (as some have suggested) then I don't see the point. I'd rather keep the £400 difference and drive another 100k miles until the new one blows up!
Option 3: Start on the slippery slope of more power
If I get the upgraded intercooler it would probably be with the notion of getting a bigger turbo (most likely when/if the original one packs in). With a remap too this is looking like a £1000-£1500 endeavour. If it gave me a great van for years to come I'd pay it, but given the great reliability I have had for years and years I am very reluctant to push it too hard and draw trouble on myself.
So, the big question is, I suppose, is it worth seeking more power in a 17 year old van, or do I put it back together cheaply and as it was and hope to get another 170k miles out of it!
TIA...
I have a 2006 T5, 2.5 (AXD engine) with 173k miles. I've owned it from new and looked after it well. I fully recognise it's a van, and I don't want to turn it in to a sports car! But my intercooler has ruptured and needs replaced. The way I see it I have 3 options:
Option 1: Cheapie replacement
Looks like I can get a 3rd party replacement for anything from £120 and I can fit it myself. That way I keep going with my 130bhp van
Option 2: 'Uprated' intercooler like Airtec, Forge, Wagner or Forge
I don't mind paying the £500 for a decent upgrade if I get something from it, but if get no performance improvement or fuel efficiency (as some have suggested) then I don't see the point. I'd rather keep the £400 difference and drive another 100k miles until the new one blows up!
Option 3: Start on the slippery slope of more power
If I get the upgraded intercooler it would probably be with the notion of getting a bigger turbo (most likely when/if the original one packs in). With a remap too this is looking like a £1000-£1500 endeavour. If it gave me a great van for years to come I'd pay it, but given the great reliability I have had for years and years I am very reluctant to push it too hard and draw trouble on myself.
So, the big question is, I suppose, is it worth seeking more power in a 17 year old van, or do I put it back together cheaply and as it was and hope to get another 170k miles out of it!
TIA...
