Audi B5 S4 / C5 A6 2.7T RS6 Style Aluminum Side Mount Intercooler Upgrade
Performance SMIC Upgrade | Larger Core | Aluminum End Tanks | Twin-Turbo Cooling
Upgrade the factory side mount intercoolers on your Audi 2.7T Bi-Turbo with a performance-focused, RS6-style aluminum intercooler solution from XS-POWER.
High-Performance Cooling for the Audi 2.7T Twin-Turbo Platform
The legendary Audi 2.7T 30-valve twin-turbo engine is a favorite among performance enthusiasts, from the B5 S4 Quattro to the C5 A6 2.7T. As boost pressure and engine load increase, effective charge-air cooling becomes increasingly important.
The XS-POWER RS6-style side mount intercooler kit is designed as an upgraded replacement for the factory-style SMIC configuration. Featuring larger intercooler cores, aluminum end tanks, and 2-inch inlet and outlet connections, this kit provides a performance-oriented cooling upgrade while retaining the side mount layout.
Whether you are refreshing an aging factory intercooler system, upgrading your Audi S4 B5, or assembling a K03, K04, or custom twin-turbo performance project, these intercoolers provide a strong foundation for an improved charge-air cooling system. Verify piping compatibility for modified turbocharger setups.
Why Upgrade to XS-POWER Side Mount Intercoolers?
- RS6-style performance design: Upgrade-oriented side mount intercoolers for Audi 2.7T applications.
- Larger intercooler cores: Increased cooling core size compared with the factory-style units.
- Aluminum end tanks: Durable metal end tank construction for performance applications.
- 2-inch inlet and outlet: Connections designed for compatible intercooler plumbing.
- Factory-style SMIC layout: Retains the dual side mount intercooler configuration.
- Performance upgrade potential: Supports improved charge-air cooling under demanding operating conditions.
- Street and performance builds: Suitable for compatible OEM-style and modified Audi 2.7T systems.
- XS-POWER quality: A performance-focused alternative to generic replacement intercoolers.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | XS-POWER |
| Product Type | Upgraded Side Mount Intercooler Kit (SMIC) |
| Design | RS6 Style / Factory-Layout Upgrade |
| Engine | Audi 2.7L V6 30V Bi-Turbo |
| Core | Larger Upgraded Cooling Core |
| End Tanks | Aluminum |
| Inlet / Outlet | 2-inch Connections |
| Configuration | Dual Side Mount Intercoolers |
| Installation | Bolt-On Style; Verify Vehicle and Piping Clearance |
| Application | Audi S4 B5 / A6 C5 2.7T Quattro |
Audi Vehicle Fitment and Compatibility
Designed for selected Audi 2.7T 30-valve twin-turbo applications using the factory-style dual side mount intercooler arrangement.
| Model | Chassis | Engine | Fitment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997/2000-2002 Audi S4 Quattro | B5 | 2.7T V6 Bi-Turbo | Verify market and production year |
| Audi A6 Quattro 2.7T | C5 | 2.7T V6 Bi-Turbo | Confirm brackets, hoses and body clearance |
Important: The B5 S4 was sold in different model years depending on market. North American B5 S4 applications are generally 2000-2002. A6 C5 model-year compatibility must be verified against the vehicle and supplied intercooler configuration before ordering.
The Importance of Charge-Air Cooling on a Twin-Turbo Audi
Turbochargers compress incoming air, increasing its temperature. An intercooler helps reduce the temperature of that compressed air before it enters the engine. Effective charge-air cooling is especially important during repeated acceleration, sustained boost, and demanding driving conditions.
A properly matched upgraded intercooler system can help reduce heat soak, support more consistent intake air temperatures, and improve the cooling capacity available to a performance-tuned engine.
Actual results depend on boost pressure, ambient temperature, intercooler airflow, core efficiency, vehicle tuning, and the complete intake system. No specific horsepower gain or temperature reduction is guaranteed.
Popular Audi 2.7T Performance Applications
- Audi B5 S4 2.7T Quattro intercooler replacement and upgrade
- Audi C5 A6 2.7T Bi-Turbo performance cooling projects
- K03 factory turbocharger cooling upgrades
- K04-025 / K04-026 turbocharger conversion projects
- RS4-style and RS6-inspired Audi performance builds
- Modified Audi 2.7T twin-turbo street and track applications
- Replacement of aging, damaged, or inefficient factory side mount intercoolers
Turbocharger references describe potential build applications, not guaranteed direct-fit compatibility with every modified piping arrangement.
Bolt-On Style Installation and Fitment Notes
These intercoolers are intended as factory-layout side mount replacements for compatible Audi 2.7T applications. The design is intended to reduce the fabrication normally associated with a custom front mount intercooler conversion.
- Check supplied intercooler dimensions and mounting points against the original units.
- Verify the 2-inch inlet and outlet connections against existing hoses.
- Inspect factory rubber couplers, clamps, brackets, and surrounding components before installation.
- Confirm clearance around bumper components, ducting, liners, and other accessories.
- Modified turbocharger plumbing or non-OEM equipment may require adjustments.
- Professional installation and a charge-air pressure leak test are recommended.
Fitment advisory: Bolt-on style refers to the intended factory-layout installation. Exact no-modification fitment is not guaranteed for every model year, market, or modified vehicle.
Package Includes
1 Set of XS-POWER RS6-Style Aluminum Side Mount Intercoolers
Dual side mount intercooler configuration, left and right. Additional hoses, mounting hardware, brackets, and accessories are included only if shown or expressly specified in the product photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these intercoolers fit my Audi B5 S4 2.7T?
They are designed for compatible Audi B5 S4 2.7T twin-turbo applications with a factory-style side mount intercooler layout. Confirm your vehicle's production year, hose connections, and mounting configuration before purchasing.
Are these a front mount or side mount intercooler kit?
These are upgraded side mount intercoolers, commonly called SMICs. They retain the dual side mount arrangement rather than converting the vehicle to a single front mount intercooler.
What size are the intercooler inlet and outlet connections?
The advertised inlet and outlet connection size is 2 inches. Verify compatibility with your existing or aftermarket intercooler hoses.
Are the end tanks aluminum?
Yes. These RS6-style upgraded intercoolers feature aluminum end tanks and larger cooling cores.
Will these work with K04 upgraded turbos?
They may be used in compatible Audi 2.7T K04 turbocharger builds. The correct hoses, pressure piping, mounting arrangement, and vehicle tuning must be verified for the specific installation.
Will an upgraded side mount intercooler help reduce heat soak?
A properly designed and installed larger intercooler can increase available charge-air cooling capacity and help manage intake temperatures. Results depend on airflow, operating conditions, boost pressure, and overall system design.
Are these genuine Audi RS6 OEM intercoolers?
No. These are XS-POWER aftermarket RS6-style performance intercoolers intended for compatible Audi 2.7T applications. They are not represented as genuine Audi OEM RS6 parts.
Do I need to modify my vehicle to install them?
The intercoolers use a bolt-on style, factory-layout design. Some vehicles or modified installations may require adjustments to hoses, brackets, ducting, or surrounding components. Always verify fitment before installation.
XS-POWER Audi Performance Parts - Worldwide Shipping
XS-POWER supplies performance turbocharger components, intercooler upgrades, exhaust systems, manifolds, and supporting parts for Audi and Volkswagen enthusiasts.
From Audi B5 S4 and C5 A6 2.7T projects to custom high-performance twin-turbo builds, XS-POWER is committed to delivering performance-oriented hardware at competitive prices.
Worldwide Shipping Available | XS-POWER Performance Parts
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BOLT-ON ALUMINUM INTERCOOLER KIT
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97/00-02 AUDI S4 B5/A6 C5/QUATTRO 2.7T 30v BI-TURBO
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2" Inlet & Outlet
They are Stock Upgrade Side Mount Intercoolers.
Bolt on Replacement, Yes, Bolt-On, without any modification, see below Pictures, with Bigger Core, Aluminum End Tanks.
These are the good ones as seen on AudiZine!!!!
These are NOT the cheap ones talked about with poor finish.