[Wolf1]

At what point is intercooling practical? If the air discharged by the supercharger is too hot, the intercooler lowers the air temperature so the engine can accept that boost level without detonation. If the supercharged air is cool enough for 6 psi boost, then intercooling is not necessary. Intercooling is more practical with the less efficient Roots type superchargers at any boost level, as they heat the air more than a Twin Screw or Centrifugal. Therefore, the Centrifugals and Twin Screws, being more efficient, do not require intercooling in the 6-8 psi range, nor is it beneficial. However, for 12-16 psi racing applications with race fuels, a case can be made for intercooling.