OK turbo guys, looking for some opinions here. I'm looking at a Delta Fin intercooler, as I can get it pretty damn cheap. Is it worth spending more and going with a bar and plate intercooler? My understanding is bar and plate is more durable and heavier, delta fin/tube and fin has better flow but maybe a little less cooling.

It depends a lot on how much boost you are planning to run. There really isn't a significant need for an intercooler at all below 7psi, and your intercooler type won't make a noticable difference unless you plan to run more than 12psi-14psi. At that point the pressurized air has picked up enough heat to make the added pressure drop of a bar and plate intercooler worthwhile.

OK Thanks. I'll probably be at about 8psi to begin with, but I like to plan for down the road. So if I'll possibly be upgrade turbo later that will allow 20psi, then I want to somewhat plan for that, but at least having an intercooler. It sounds though like I'll be fine with the delta fin for now, since it's good price, and can replace with a bar and plate later if intake charge temp gets too high.

Appreciate the info!

Everything I've read states that the bar and plate is the best. But as NcGalant stated it's probably not necessary. There are plenty of cars out there making good horsepower on regular delta fin intercoolers.

That's kinda what I've seen as well. The only real advantage to the delta fin lies in the weight reduction. And even that's not a huge advantage.

bar and plate should be more resistent to road damage, but to a drag car is probably doesn't matter.

Probly will never touch the drag strip, so I'll keep that in mind. Autocross only.