CAC Buyers Beware

[S Phinney]

I purchased a Spearco CAC about three years ago now. It was their upgraded end tank with the cross pins to help with flex and cracking but it didn't work. There's no telling how long that I've had the cracks. There was two cracks about 5-6" long on the front sides of the CAC. There was also a crack that was between the fins at the end tank and bar. It isn't fixable. I contacted Spearco about it and they were no help at all. The cracks were middle the welds and I thought they might would step up and offer some assistance but I was wrong. Long story short, DON'T BUY A SPEARCO CAC. Hope this helps keep someone from making the mistake that I made. This was on a truck that makes about 50 lbs of boost also.
Shane

 

[duramaxdiesel]

This isn't the first I've heard of Spearco intercoolers cracking. Quite a few other members here had the same thing happen to them. I almost went with them but after talking to people I decided on a BD.

Nick

 

[dmaxfireman]

bummer!

 

[S Phinney]

I went a different direction this time also. I will post some pictures when I get a chance.

 

[DetailsUnlimited]

How much boost on the factory cac until you need a aftermarket?

 

[S Phinney]

There's probable more people running the stock cooler than after market. Cost in itself is one of the main reasons. I'm not sure if there is an exact number but efficiency is one reason to run a after market one. I have found a really good CAC and at a price that beat the he-- out of any other on the market. It has been used in situations up to 140 psi and hasn't failed yet.

 

[doug9940]

That was one of my considerations when I was in the market for an intercooler. I decided on Banks partially becuase of their end casting design. I just don't trust that thin sheet metal. Aluminum will work harden and can become brittle over time.

 

[S Phinney]

The metal isn't what is cracking. Its the welds. This time I went with a cast end tank with extruded bars. It appears to be a very good unit. I hope to see some improvements in performance. I really believe that the Spearco has been cracked since before my built motor. That explains why I can't seem to hold boost. Its been falling off by at least 8lbs from peak numbers.

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[chrisuns]

Isn't alum very hard to weld in the first place?

 

[S Phinney]

It just needs to be welded with a Tig and using argon gas to shield it from oxidation.

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[Schwinn68]

what kind did you go with this time? Was it a used unit or new?

 

[S Phinney]

The Spearco was bought new and I went with a C G and J HP unit this time.

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[Schwinn68]

The Spearco was bought new and I went with a C G and J HP unit this time.

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did you get the standard or the high performance? was it a direct bolt in? Looks like a good unit and the price is very tempting!

 

[S Phinney]

I got the HP version. It has been used on the fastest Pro Street truck out there and it sees 140 lbs of boost without any failures.

did you get the standard or the high performance? was it a direct bolt in? Looks like a good unit and the price is very tempting!

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[custom8726]

I got the HP version. It has been used on the fastest Pro Street truck out there and it sees 140 lbs of boost without any failures.



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Just looked up CG&J, never heard of them before. How much does the H.P version cost additionally? The standard unit price seems very reasonable...

 

[duramaxdiesel]

Wow you're not kidding about the price being reasonable! Does anyone have any more experience with them?

Nick

 

[S Phinney]

The HP version cost $895.00 plus shipping. There probably isn't a lot of guys on the forums with experience with them. They are very well made. I will post up a actual picture of one for you.

Wow you're not kidding about the price being reasonable! Does anyone have any more experience with them?

Nick

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[sweetdiesel]

Wow glad I never bought the spearco!

I like my BD and got a good price on it


Hope your new one works better for you.... And thanks for the heads up

 

[S Phinney]

Here are a few pictures of the new one.

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[ChevyTruckGuy78]

im just wondering how well it is over the stock charger is it worth the $$$