Description
Overview
Our Tube-and-Fin Intercooler was engineered to deliver the highest cooling efficiency and the lowest weight possible for the Honda FL5 platform; built for drivers who demand consistent performance during long sessions, high-speed airflow, and repeatable thermal stability.
The tube and fin layout uses a series of thin oval tubes that run through the core with lightweight internal fins to increase surface contact with airflow. Because the walls of these tubes are thinner than those found in a bar and plate core, heat moves out of the charge air and into the surrounding air stream more quickly. This design allows the intercooler to shed heat at higher vehicle speeds with less thermal mass to overcome. The reduced weight improves responsiveness while the efficient tube structure supports strong heat transfer over extended sessions.
Black Thermal Dispersant Coating
We're also offering a version of the Tube and Fin Intercooler that features a specialized black thermal dispersant coating applied to the exterior surfaces of the core. Unlike a standard finish, this coating is designed to improve how heat moves across and away from the intercooler. It pulls heat from localized hot spots and spreads it more evenly across the entire surface, allowing more of the core to actively release heat into the airflow.
In extended driving conditions where temperatures stay elevated, this helps the intercooler shed heat more efficiently and recover faster between pulls. The result is improved thermal consistency during long sessions, along with added corrosion resistance and surface protection.
Bottom line: For extended track sessions or sustained spirited driving, this intercooler provides the most stable, consistent cooling performance in our lineup.
To see the full comparison between this unit, the OEM core, and our bar-and-plate intercooler, you can view our complete testing breakdown on the PRL Tech Blog.
Key Features
Ultra-Lightweight CSF Tube-and-Fin Core
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Core dimensions: 7.25" × 4.25" × 28.2" (184 mm × 108 mm × 716 mm)
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Total assembly weight: 14.4 lbs (35% lighter than our 22.2 lb bar-and-plate)
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Faster heat transfer through thin-wall tubing, ideal for high-speed airflow and road-race environments
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Approximately 75% of bar-and-plate durability—still excellent for street use, but optimized for lightweight efficiency
Weight-Reduced Billet End Tanks
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CNC-machined from custom 6061 aluminum extrusions
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Sculpted internal geometry maximizes flow while removing every gram of unnecessary mass
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Final end tank weight: 1.05 lbs (down from 19.5 lbs in raw billet)
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Lightened mounting bosses and machined ribs for structural trimming and clean aesthetics
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Thinner-than-standard mounting flanges, secured with the included M8 socket-head bolts
OEM-Style O-Ring Sealing (Improved for Boosted Applications)
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Uses OEM-style O-ring grooves for reliable, consistent sealing
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Removes the factory assembly-tab groove known to blow out at elevated boost levels
Engineered for Maximum Efficiency
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Designed for high heat transfer, low pressure drop, and the lightest weight possible
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Perfect for drivers focused on road racing, endurance sessions, and overall cooling consistency.
Fitment
What’s Included
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PRL Tube-and-Fin Intercooler Assembly
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(2) Custom EPDM O-rings
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Rubber edge guard for bumper-to-intercooler sealing
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(4) M8 socket-head cap screws
*Note: Currently under CARB review
