I'm going into my 2nd month as a new owner on a used 2012 F150 FX4 Ecoboost. Is it wrong of me to want to upgrade my intercooler first? I noticed many folks that upgrade the intercooler have already done intake, exhaust, tunes, etc. What I'm aiming for is too keep the air cooler than stock. Not necessarily looking for HP increase but cooler air will help in the HP dept.

 

You are on track an intercooler will not only help efficiency, but it can also reduce the chance of having a condensate issue. It's the priciest, but the Full Race intercoler is the best IMO.

 

Have you seen any tests on lone intercooler mod's such as measurable temperature differences?

 

Only what the vendors have provided. The gains are really seen after heat-soaking. For example, Full Race state 10 degrees above ambient after 5 runs on the dyno. The OEM intercooler was 70 degrees above ambient.

Largest gain was @ 3750rpm. +20hp and +30tq, keep in mind that is paired with tuning.

 

I'd Do these steps

1. Intercooler
2. Down Pipes with factory cat back (nice whistle but doesn't sound like a honda)
3. Good Set of tunes (5 Star, Mpt)

Id save the money on the intake. The factory intake is pretty damn good, Most use a drop in AEM Dryflow Filter and call it good.