how far can you push a stock intercooler?

[Mikes86Buick]

ok, i've seen all the pictures and basically front mount intercoolers look awesome.... but what are the benefits over stock? i mean, how much boost and power can the stock unit actually handle? other than "possibly" blocking airflow to the radiator are there any downfalls to running a larger front mount set-up?

 

[jasjamz]

It will become a bottle neck in the system. I'd dump it after mid 11's for a better stock location intercooler.