Wagner Tuning High-Mount Intercooler Installed

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

There doesn't seem to be much info out there about this intercooler. I guess it's a fairly new product.

https://www.wagner-tuning.com/produ...-fuer-ford-bronco-2-7-ecoboost-200001200.html

This won't be a step by step, or very scientific as far as the results. Sorry I'm lazy..

My main reason for doing this is to add a hidden winch. I may write that post up one day, we'll see.

Biggest issue is that it didn't come with any instructions so I had to figure out how to make it work with what they sent. The manufacturer was unable to provide them as well. I heard from the supplier I bought it from that Wagner is working on an install video.

Main things to know is that I had to buy a rivnut install tool ($9 at Advance Auto). And I also had to remove the grill shutters and cut some of the plastic in the back of the support to make room.

Only thing I would improve on (other than including instructions) is that the hose fasteners are just standard hose clamps. I may upgrade to stronger ones from Mishimoto or similar.

As far as temps after the install everything has been great. No issues, including the a/c still working great even when not moving.

The hoses were a bit of a head scratcher. They didn't quite line up for me, and there was an extra quick connect type of piece that I didn't use. I assume this is because it's meant to work with either the 2.3 or 2.7. I have the 2.3. I was able to modify them very easily to work for me.

An added bonus is that my stock intercooler was half plugged up from all the mud I tend to dive into.

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[Chrome_Pony]

Nice writeup and clean work. Happen to get any shots of the plastic trimming you had to do?

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

Nice writeup and clean work. Happen to get any shots of the plastic trimming you had to do?

Thanks!
I thought I did but I can't find the pics unfortunately.

 

[pwaicon]

Thank you for posting this install. I have been looking at this intercooler. However, like you said there are no installation instructions. Looking at the pictures it appears like this one will meet my needs.

I had moved my ACC to the lower center of my gill when I installed a new bumper, this was the only location where the ACC functioned without any issues. From the pictures it looks like the grill shutter frame stays with some trimming and you just remove the grill shutters, this will work for my application since my ACC is mounted to the shutter frame.

I was looking at this one and the Mishimoto one, this one seems like a much simpler installation. Plus the Mishimoto one moved the ACC to the driver’s side of the grill, which I didn’t want to do. Thanks again for sharing!!

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

Thank you for posting this install. I have been looking at this intercooler. However, like you said there are no installation instructions. Looking at the pictures it appears like this one will meet my needs.

I had moved my ACC to the lower center of my gill when I installed a new bumper, this was the only location where the ACC functioned without any issues. From the pictures it looks like the grill shutter frame stays with some trimming and you just remove the grill shutters, this will work for my application since my ACC is mounted to the shutter frame.

I was looking at this one and the Mishimoto one, this one seems like a much simpler installation. Plus the Mishimoto one moved the ACC to the driver’s side of the grill, which I didn’t want to do. Thanks again for sharing!!

No problem! Yeah I had been keeping an eye on the prices of the mishimoto high mount since it was the only one I knew of but didn't want to pay over $1,100. Stumbled across this one after doing another random search, and was like well the price isn't bad comparatively, and I actually like it a lot better. I didn't like how the Mishimoto had those hard lines that were really wide next to the bumper. Wouldn't have really hurt me any but I like this install a lot better. Like I said definitely a lot of trimming and fitting and trimming and fitting to not take too much out the first time.

Luckily I didn't have any ACC stuff to worry about. One thing I forgot to mention is I did have to trim my inside LOD bumper support brackets.

 

[pwaicon]

No problem! Yeah I had been keeping an eye on the prices of the mishimoto high mount since it was the only one I knew of but didn't want to pay over $1,100. Stumbled across this one after doing another random search, and was like well the price isn't bad comparatively, and I actually like it a lot better. I didn't like how the Mishimoto had those hard lines that were really wide next to the bumper. Wouldn't have really hurt me any but I like this install a lot better. Like I said definitely a lot of trimming and fitting and trimming and fitting to not take too much out the first time.

Luckily I didn't have any ACC stuff to worry about. One thing I forgot to mention is I did have to trim my inside LOD bumper support brackets.

I ordered one, I think it will work out for my needs. Also, apparently it's not CA CARB compliant so that may be an issues for some people.

You mentioned upgrading the clamps. I think I am going to do that, what size diameter are the hoses?

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

I ordered one, I think it will work out for my needs. Also, apparently it's not CA CARB compliant so that may be an issues for some people.

You mentioned upgrading the clamps. I think I am going to do that, what size diameter are the hoses?

Nice! Hopefully if will work for you.

Not sure on the clamp size, that's the main reason I haven't upgraded yet. There are a few different sizes, I need to measure each of them and see what to order. I'll let you know if I do.

 

[Freebird32]

As far as temps after the install everything has been great. No issues, including the a/c still working great even when not moving.

What numbers are you seeing on gauges? water temp/oil temp. I am assuming outside summer ambient is 70-100?

i installed a BAMF winch bumper with a Warn. a recent trip through hills of Virginia on rte 81 up and down hills with cruise control set at 70 saw temps of 180-206. Outside was as high as 90. My stock 2.7 intercooler is in factory position. I am in Florida with 90-100 degree days and still nothing high in my gauges. Enough air through vents and over /around winch keeps things normal. A/C works fine.

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

What numbers are you seeing on gauges?

Yeah like I said nothing real scientific, unfortunately I didn't get a chance to really monitor the temps before the install to compare. But I kept an eye on them afterwards just to make sure nothing looked crazy. I'm in Northwest Florida as well, after the install my ACTs were averaging about 20° warmer than ambient. Coolant was hovering right in the mid to high 190s depending on what I was doing which I think is about average. Oil temp look normal as well, and I have a manual so no clue on trans temp. This was all with a mix of 75-80 interstate driving, and super slow offroading.

Like I said my factory intercooler was about a third clogged with mud from all my previous excursions. I would hose it off every time I cleaned the Bronco, but apparently it was just shoving everything towards the back. Even trying to blow air through it only got sand in my face. So I'm definitely looking forward to this one staying free flowing a lot longer.

 

[l88m22vette]

That is one big-ass intercooler

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

That is one big-ass intercooler

Yeah I'm really impressed with it. I monitored the boost the first week and didn't notice any loss or much lag. I have the ProCal if that makes a difference.

 

[Clouder]

I ordered one, I think it will work out for my needs. Also, apparently it's not CA CARB compliant so that may be an issues for some people.

You mentioned upgrading the clamps. I think I am going to do that, what size diameter are the hoses?

What size rivnuts are needed? Also I live in CA so when you say not carb compliant what does that mean exactly? It’s just a bigger better intercooler so why would this matter?

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

What size rivnuts are needed?

The ones that came with the kit were M8. I picked this up for around $10 at O'Reilly's.

 

[ScLeCo]

Your pictures were very helpful. Thank you.
If you have Tricky Dick frame horn reinforcements you will have to do a bit of grinding.
I also had to remove all but two of my shutters and had to cut about 1/2 inch of plastic off the back side of the remaining two.
The hoses are for sure intended for the 2.7 and they fit perfectly.

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

Your pictures were very helpful. Thank you.
If you have Tricky Dick frame horn reinforcements you will have to do a bit of grinding.
I also had to remove all but two of my shutters and had to cut about 1/2 inch of plastic off the back side of the remaining two.
The hoses are for sure intended for the 2.7 and they fit perfectly.

Nice! Good to know about the hoses.
I have the LOD frame supports and had to trim them as well.

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