R53 – eBay / MTC intercooler

eBay Intercooler Review & Water Spray Setup

This is my real-world experience with the popular “eBay cooler” – a budget-friendly top-mount intercooler option for the R53. Both @r53budgetbuild and @R53HomeBrew ran this same setup, later adding a “Hobo” diverter plate to improve airflow and water spray jets for additional cooling.

The Intercooler

This is the eBay intercooler fitted with MTC silicone boots:

Hobo Diverter Plate

The diverter plate helps direct airflow through the intercooler core for improved cooling efficiency:

Performance Comparison: eBay vs Nissens GP

Having tested both the eBay cooler and the Nissens GP intercooler back-to-back (monitored via intake temperature readings with the eyeball and using the right foot), here’s what I found:

eBay Intercooler

• Construction: Feels heavier and more robust than the Nissens GP
• Peak temperatures: Lower maximum intake temps during hard pulls
• Recovery time: Noticeably slower to recover after heat soak
• Overall: Better thermal capacity but slower cooling between pulls

Nissens GP Intercooler

• Construction: Lighter weight
• Peak temperatures: Slightly higher temps during sustained hard pulls
• Recovery time: Much faster return to baseline temperatures
• Overall: Quick recovery between pulls but less thermal capacity

💭 My Verdict: Despite the Nissens GP’s impressive recovery times, I prefer the eBay cooler for its lower peak temperatures and it looked better quality or at least the ones we got. The slower recovery is a trade-off I’m willing to accept for better performance during extended hard driving.

Silicone Boots: OEM vs Aftermarket

While colored silicone boots (like the MTC boots pictured) certainly look the part, I have some practical observations:

• Fitment: Standard OEM boots are easier to install
• Sealing: OEM boots appear to seal more reliably
• Cost savings: Keeping stock boots and clamps saves money for other modifications

💡 Tip: There’s a common modification to trim and tighten the OEM clamps for an even better seal, though I haven’t found it necessary yet.

Water Spray System

If you’re running a diverter plate and want to take cooling to the next level, consider adding water spray jets. This clever modification repurposes the rear washer bottle and stalk to spray water directly onto the intercooler during hard driving.

🔧 View the water spray setup on Instagram

Upgrade Path

1. Stage 1: eBay intercooler with standard boots
2. Stage 2: Add Hobo diverter plate for improved airflow,
3. Stage 3: Install water spray system for additional cooling either on the plate or somewhere near it.

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💭 Summary: The eBay intercooler offers excellent value for money with lower peak temperatures than the Nissens GP, though recovery times are slower. Combined with a diverter plate and water spray system, it becomes a highly effective budget cooling solution for spirited driving.

Testing Methodology

Note: Testing was conducted through real-world driving with intake temperature monitoring. No data logging equipment was used – observations are based on live temperature readings after swapping between intercoolers and heat soaking the car – this is my experience with my backside in the seat going out and having a bit of fun glancing down at the intake temps.