Refining a Titan - Intercooler Pipe Kit R&D, Part 1: Stock Evaluation

Refining a Titan - Intercooler Pipe Kit R&D, Part 1: Stock Evaluation

Over the last month we have been going all out on the Titan XD, and we are pleased to report our progress on the hot- and cold-side intercooler pipes. As with most development projects, we first examined the factory components in order to see how we might improve them. At first glance, the intercooler pipes appear to be your average factory aluminized steel pipes. Further inspection, however, revealed that these pipes were not in good condition. The hot-side pipe had a bit of oily film coating the inside and worse still, the cold-side pipe had a startling coating of rust. Yes, you read that right; the pipe that supplies cool air to this brand-new truck's turbo is coated with rust.

Titan XD engine bay
Titan XD engine bay

Stock Nissan Titan XD intercooler pipe
Stock Nissan Titan XD intercooler pipe

Stock Nissan Titan XD intercooler pipe
Stock Nissan Titan XD intercooler pipe

Stock Nissan Titan XD intercooler pipe
Stock Nissan Titan XD intercooler pipe

Needless to say we immediately went to work mapping out the shape of our pipes on the CMM (coordinate measuring machine) to move this project along ASAP. The diameter of the factory piping is sufficient for the Titan XD at this stage of modification, so we are planning to keep the piping at 2.5" in diameter. Our intercooler piping will eliminate a few slight bends for a smoother flow, and more importantly, the all-aluminum construction will eliminate this rust issue. Take a look at what our intercooler pipes will look like, and let us know what you think!

Titan XD Intercooler piping
Titan XD Intercooler piping

Titan XD Intercooler piping
Titan XD Intercooler piping

Coming Up!

In our next post we will take a look at what goes into fabricating our prototypes and how well they fit on the Titan XD.

Stay Tuned!

-Sara