Danger of having an exposed intercooler
 

Hello every one I am new to the forum. I've looked many things up on here but just now made an account. Alright to my question, having an exposed intercooler is a popular style and i really like the way it looks. What i want to know is removing the grill and just having the intercooler highly increase the chances of a rock or something flying up and damaging it? I'm not sure if they are tougher than radiators and will turbo my car in the future.

White

You answered your own question.

If the intercooler is completely exposed, it increases the chances of it getting hit. The grill provide an extra layer protection.

risk vs. reward

There's a difference between a show car and a race car and a car you commute to work with, hopefully not behind a truck full of gravel. You know the roads and conditions you drive in better than we do.

If you want to get revved at by ricers at stop lights, exposed intercooler is the way to go.

Less danger than an exposed radiator/oil cooler in my opinion!

The stock grill has big holes, doesn't offer much protection from small-medium road debris, and pops out pretty easily, on the other hand mine did manage to stop some large track debris that probably would have torn my oil cooler right off its mounting bracket without a grill.

I also recommend leaving the grill (or an aftermarket mesh in place). You can also drive responsibly and not tailgate, that'll drastically reduce the chances of rocks and debris being kicked up into the front of the car.

The stock grill won't stop rocks. So keeping it in to prevent gravel damage makes no sense. It will on the other hand slow down truck tires or dead animals if they end up on their way to the intercooler.

Driving behind a trailer hauling hay was always fun back when I was boosted.

High velocity rock/debris hit on highway. Can't tell from pic but big dent in plate!
'Nuf said?

^ scary. That looks like it might have been small enough to pass right through the stock grill (esp. the BRZ one)

How does having the grill in stop this? Oh wait it doesnt.
My intercooler is stronger than your plate anyway.

Or smash it's way through anyway. Saw it coming and it was pretty big but had no where to go to avoid it and WHACK! Only had the car couple of weeks and was pissed. Got home walked around and there it was almost dead center of plate. Few inches left or right would have been nasty.

Stop it, not likely. Slow it down or deflect it maybe.
Of course your intercooler is that great I am sure you would have nothing but the best!
Not saying for a second not to have it exposed and when/if I go down that road I will have it open.
The OP asked about the risks and that IS a risk no matter how good your equipment is.

You should do it like how they do outside oil coolers in japan

http://blog.bespokeventures.com/wp-c...ec4b8e87_o.jpg