Process West Black Verticooler Top Mount Intercooler Subaru WRX 2015-2021

Product Fitment:

2015-2021 Subaru WRX

The Process West Verti-Cooler is a complete re-engineering of Subaru intercooling, designed to overcome the inherent limitations of traditional top mount systems. Built from years of motorsport development, this slant-mount intercooler system delivers front-mount-level cooling performance while retaining the responsiveness and packaging of a top mount design.

The Problem: Heat Soak & Airflow “Traffic Jam”

Factory top mount intercoolers sit horizontally above the engine. While effective in short bursts, they trap hot air in the engine bay, creating a “traffic jam” of heat. This leads to:

• Rapid heat soak
• Rising intake air temperatures (IATs)
• Reduced power and throttle response
• Increased ECU timing pull

The Solution: Verti-Cooler Design

The Verti-Cooler solves this with a 15-degree slant-mount (near-vertical) orientation, fundamentally changing how air flows through the engine bay.

Key Advantages:

• Optimized Exit Path: Hot air is directed downward and exits efficiently through the transmission tunnel
• High-Velocity Airflow: A vehicle-specific hood duct forces cool ambient air directly through the intercooler
• Reduced Heat Soak: Continuous airflow prevents heat buildup under sustained load

Massive High-Performance Core

The Verti-Cooler features one of the largest intercooler cores available, measuring:

• 400mm flow length
• 205mm stack height
• 120mm thickness

This large, free-flowing core provides exceptional cooling capacity while maintaining efficient airflow.

Performance & Reliability

By significantly lowering intake air temperatures, the Verti-Cooler helps your FA20 engine operate within optimal conditions:

• More consistent throttle response
• Sustained boost levels
• Reduced heat soak under load
• Improved long-term engine reliability

Track-Tested Performance

During extended track sessions (7–10 minutes of continuous hard driving):

• Verti-Cooler: Intake temps held at ~23°C
• Temperature increase: Only ~9°C over ambient

This level of thermal control is comparable to naturally aspirated systems—an exceptional result for a turbocharged platform.

Dyno-Proven Results

Back-to-back testing highlights the Verti-Cooler’s advantage:

• Stock Intercooler: Temps climbed to ~51°C
• Verti-Cooler: Temps maintained at ~26°C

The improved cooling allowed for:

• More aggressive tuning
• Increased boost levels
• Higher power output and consistency

What’s Included:

• Verti-Cooler intercooler core 
• Vehicle-specific hood duct & splitter
• Specially formed silicone hoses
• Constant tension hose clamps
• Complete installation hardware

Optional:

• Silicone adapter hose for traditional “tube-style” turbochargers

Key Features:

• Innovative 15° slant-mount intercooler design
• Massive 400 x 205 x 120mm core
• Eliminates engine bay heat buildup
• Hood duct system for direct airflow
• Complete bolt-on kit with all hardware included
• Optional turbo compatibility upgrade
• Designed for FA20 WRX applications

Performance Benefits:

• Dramatically lower intake air temperatures
• Increased and consistent power output
• Improved throttle response
• Reduced heat soak during track or spirited driving
• Enhanced engine longevity