This article has been out since 2003. A lot of new members have probably not seen it. Very good data on intercoolers.
http://www.vortexbuicks-etc.com/bob_dick.htm
Table 3 and Table 4 TB Inlet temperatures are probably the most interesting (and easier to read than the graphs). Note that in Table 4, the "TB Inlet" and "Turbo Outlet" data appears to have been accidentally switched. Chart 4 is also very interesting - note how much less pressure drop all of the intercoolers offer compared to stock. Even installing a Dutt neck onto a stock intercooler lowers its pressure drop by 40%.
Use the data, judge for yourself.
True. Proves that even somewhat reliable sources can screw up the data a bit.
I hate getting involved in these types of give and take. The only correct answer is..... will it help? YES. Do you need the help? ????. Can you afford the help? ????.
Of course you'll always hear the stories of how so and so ran 9's on a stock IC!! Means absolutely nothing as far as I'm concerned! Likely took and 8 second motor to do it.
All I know is, when I upgraded to my CAS V4 many, many years ago, even on my somewhat stock build, it allowed me to run much more boost than I could with a stock IC., next best would be streched stock, and best would be a good FM.
Are there trade-off's? some. You'll have to have a cooling system that's up to snuff, and a good cooling fan capacity! (these I have, so overheating is not a concern on mine). Such a good front mount is a bonus for me because I refuse to run alky.
I burn straight 93 octane pump with no other help.
My wot timing is set to 21.8 in 1st and 2nd gears, and 19 in 3rd.
My boost is set to 21# in 1st and 2nd, and 19 in 3rd.
I do all this with no knock or knock retard. My tune has been perfected over quite a bit of time and is very close. If I push the early boost to 23 ish, it's start tickling the knock sensor, so I have a bit of a safety margin.
Max temps I have ever seen (this past summer), during a long hard wot pull, was 99°
So, is it time to upgrade to a front mount. It's a question you can only answer yourself. According to your goals/aspirations.