Has anyone used the XS-Power SSAutoChrome eBay intercooler on a Mazda RX-7 FD?

The XS Power intercooler (often referred to as an "eBay core") is a popular budget option for the Mazda RX-7 FD, but its effectiveness depends heavily on your setup and how you plan to drive the car.

Here is a breakdown of what to expect if you run this intercooler:

Performance and Capacity This intercooler is a solid step up from the factory side-mount intercooler (SMIC) and works well for FDs running stock twin turbos at stock boost levels. It is generally considered safe for up to 400 whp, but it is not recommended for serious power modifications or single-turbo conversions ⁷.

Cooling Efficiency and Heat Soak Internally, the XS Power core has significantly fewer cooling fins compared to premium cores like Spearco or M2 ⁴. In the standard SMIC position, it sits directly above the radiator and is prone to heat soaking ⁴. While it can handle street driving and might last a few laps on a track before heat soaking—performing better than some older aftermarket SMICs—it falls short of the efficiency offered by high-end M2 or Pettit units ⁸.

Track Use Limitations This unit is not recommended for track use in the standard SMIC configuration. Under track conditions on a 50°F day with a BorgWarner S360 turbo running ~10psi, intake air temperatures (IATs) climbed dangerously high, jumping from 120°F to 160°F on the straights ⁴.

Installation Tips and Configurations

• Ducting: Proper ducting is critical for this intercooler to function effectively. The Pettit Cool Charge II duct fits perfectly snug against the XS Power core ⁴.
• V-Mount Option: To combat the inherent heat soak of the SMIC location, the core can be flipped and utilized in a V-mount (VMIC) configuration alongside a VMIC-style radiator, which noticeably improves cooling performance ⁴. Methanol injection is another effective workaround to help manage intake temps with this core ⁴.

If you are looking for a modest, budget-friendly upgrade for a stock-twin street car and plan to properly duct it, the XS Power is a capable replacement. However, if you plan to track the car regularly or push higher boost through a single turbo, you should consider a larger, higher-quality core or a full V-mount setup.