Overview

PRL's Tube-and-Fin Intercooler was engineered for the highest cooling efficiency at the lowest possible weight on the Acura DE5 platform — built for drivers who want consistent performance through long sessions, high-speed airflow and repeatable thermal stability.

The tube-and-fin layout runs a series of thin oval tubes through the core with lightweight internal fins that increase surface contact with airflow. Because the tube walls are thinner than a bar-and-plate core, heat moves out of the charge air and into the airstream more quickly, so the intercooler sheds heat at higher vehicle speeds with less thermal mass to overcome. The full assembly weighs 14.4 lb — 35% lighter than PRL's 22.2 lb bar-and-plate — with weight-reduced billet 6061 aluminium end tanks (1.05 lb each, machined down from 19.5 lb of raw billet) and OEM-style O-ring sealing that removes the factory assembly-tab groove known to blow out at elevated boost.

A second version adds a black thermal-dispersant coating to the core's exterior surfaces. Rather than just changing the finish, the coating pulls heat from localized hot spots and spreads it across the whole surface so more of the core actively releases heat into the airflow — improving thermal consistency and recovery between pulls on extended runs, with added corrosion resistance.

Features

• Ultra-lightweight CSF tube-and-fin core, 7.25" × 4.25" × 28.2"
• 14.4 lb total assembly weight — 35% lighter than PRL's bar-and-plate
• Weight-reduced billet 6061 aluminium end tanks
• OEM-style O-ring sealing; removes the factory assembly-tab groove that blows out at high boost
• Faster heat transfer through thin-wall tubing — ideal for road-race and high-speed airflow
• ~75% of bar-and-plate durability — still street-capable, optimized for lightweight efficiency
• Black Thermal Coating option spreads heat across the core for better consistency and recovery

What's Included

• PRL Tube-and-Fin Intercooler assembly
• (2) custom EPDM O-rings
• Rubber edge guard for bumper-to-intercooler sealing
• (4) M8 socket-head cap screws

Fitment

• 2023–2025 Honda Civic Type-R (FL5)
• 2024–2026 Acura Integra Type-S (DE5)

2026 Integra fitment has not been formally tested yet. Currently under CARB review.

Installation Notes

• Installation guide (PDF): Download