Since I apparently have more money than I know what to do with, I've purchased the SVC intercooler (also planning on doing a hidden winch). I'm good with my choices, so not looking for any comments on that. What I am interested in is whether or not folks have been happy with leaving their aftermarket intercooler plain instead of blacking it out. I've looked at a bunch of pictures, and it looks like the intercooler is w/o a doubt unsubtly visible through the grill. IRL, those of you who haven't blacked it out: in your opinion does it look good, just OK, or wish you had blacked it out?
Would love to hear about temps before / after cerakote. Ceramics are actually considered an insulator. I would assume that the ceramic coating, although cosmetically durable, would reduce heat transfer capability of the intercooler.
No disagreement, there. I did ask that they shoot the fins as minimally as possible to get color, but not like a full on protective coating. I think they did a good job. They also put in the effort to hand prep so that I wouldn't have to worry about sandblasting material in the intercoolor.
Pics. Don't mind the CC module on the intercooler - I was mindlessly following instructions, forgot that I wasn't replacing the bumper. I moved that back down to its original spot. The truck looks completely stock from the front - can't see the intercooler unless you are looking for it. Next step is the hidden winch.