Intercooler piping size

[GFORCE1320]

I'm pretty new to the turbo fab stuff.
Just wanted to get some opinions on intercooler tube size.
I was told I need 3.5" tubing on the cold side but after thinking about it (and after buying all 3.5" tubing) I wonder if I should run 4." since it will be going into a throttle body that will have a about a 4." opening anyway.
And after looking at a/w intercoolers I see most big name ones come with 4." in and outs.

And another thing.
I have the biggest a/a core spearco makes, how much power are you guys making on the big air to air intercooler setups?
If going with a liquid to air intercooler will make a big difference then I'll switch to that.
I just want to build it right from the start.

Thanks
Chris

[64duece]

you left out some info :D

[GFORCE1320]

you left out some info :D

Oops..

94mm billet Forced Inductions turbo
LS3 416 cubic inch
Built to the hilt
Super victor intake

[Shearer]

3.5 off turbo to I/C. 4" after I/C.

A/A intercoolers can support plenty of power. Spearco's aren't the greatest cores but they should be able to support a nice chunk of power. If intakes temps rise a lot the core is undersized.

[64duece]

You can step to 4" at the TB and it'll be fine, it's not a restriction. I've done 1200+ hp setups using A/A coolers. You find more power and consistency with the W/A on ice. Might be easier to package aswell.

[GFORCE1320]

Yea, that makes sense. The turbo has 3.5" coming out. I can bump up to 4" before the throttle body.
Thanks!

Now I just have to make my mind up about the intercooler..

[ghettosled]

for drag only the a/l is the way to go..

you'll see minimum 30+ deg temp drops vs. a properly sized air/air which will be closer to ambient air temp. If your air/air is not the most efficient out there, then i woudnt be suprised with much greater results. not to mention you can run an ice chilled trans cooler to help keep that th400 alive with extended staging battles.