An intercooler, often referred to as a "charge-air cooler," is a heat exchange device employed in turbocharged and supercharged engines.

The intercooler plays a crucial role in cooling the air compressed by the turbo or supercharger, lowering its temperature and enhancing air density before it reaches the engine. This cooling effect enables you, or your tuner, to run a more aggressive tune and maintain higher power levels over extended periods. It's important to note that while a tune is not mandatory when installing a performance-upgraded intercooler, it can further optimize your engine's performance.