About B58 cooling
Heat is what makes a tuned B58 lose power on a hot day. The B58 cools its intake air with a water-to-air intercooler built into the intake manifold. That coolant is cooled by a heat exchanger behind the front bumper. When the heat exchanger cannot keep up, intake temps climb and the tune pulls timing. You feel it on the second or third pull, or in a Texas summer.
The upgrades on this page, in the order most owners buy them:
- Heat exchanger. The first cooling mod for any tuned B58. CSF says its Gen 2 unit uses a 2-row 68mm core versus the factory 1-row 25mm core.
- Auxiliary radiators. Larger replacements for the small radiators in the front corners of the car. They add cooling capacity on hot days and at the track. On Gen 2 BMW and the Supra, the car uses two.
- Intercooler manifold. A replacement intake manifold with a much larger built-in intercooler core, from Wagner Tuning or CSF. For high-boost and big-turbo builds.
- Transmission cooler. A larger cooler for the ZF 8-speed. It helps keep trans temps down with tuned torque and launch control.
None of these parts need a tune to install. Most are direct-fit, but radiators and coolers are best done by a shop.
Gen 1 (F-series) and Gen 2 (G-series and Supra) cooling parts are different. Order by engine and check your VIN.
The intercooler manifolds on this page are sold for race use:
For off-road / competition use only. Not legal for use on public roads in the United States, including California.
How to choose
- Good: heat exchanger. The first cooling mod most tuned B58 owners buy. Do this one first.
- Better: add aux radiators. More total cooling capacity for hot climates and track days.
- Best: intercooler manifold. A much larger intercooler core for high-boost builds. Wagner claims up to about 28°F lower intake temps for its Gen 2 manifold.
Add a trans cooler if you run launch control, track the car, or have a tuned 8-speed in a hot climate.
FAQ
What is the first cooling mod for a tuned B58?
The heat exchanger. It cools the coolant that runs through the intercooler, so it has a direct effect on intake temps. It is a direct-fit part that does not need a tune.
Do I need two auxiliary radiators?
On Gen 2 BMW and the A90/A91 Supra, yes. The car uses two, and the CSF and CTS Turbo prices listed here are for one each. Some Gen 1 cars have one and some have two, so check your VIN.
Do I need a transmission cooler?
If you run a tuned ZF 8-speed hard, it helps. A trans tune like xHP raises torque limits and adds launch features, which adds heat. A larger cooler keeps temps in check, especially in hot weather or at the track.
What is an intercooler manifold?
It replaces the stock intake manifold, which has the intercooler built in, with one that has a larger core. It is a bigger job than a heat exchanger and is aimed at high-boost or big-turbo builds. The ones listed here are for off-road / competition use only.
