Originally posted by InsaneCivicSedan
Think about it like this... Turbos run off of exhaust gasses to make power. The turbo, being that it is basically one piece, retains all of that heat from the exhaust, and it spreads to the compressor side, which drastically increases the temperature of the charge in the compressor. I would imagine intake temps. increase from 100, up to 300 degrees, just from the time it enters the compressor inducer, to the time it exits.... An intercooler is neccesary to cool this air, to efficiently AND safely make the power from that compressed air... Its basically just a supporting mod... That would be like, banning bottle heaters on nitrous fed cars.... Granted, the dry ice thing might create an unlevel playing field, because when put into perspective, thats almost the equivalent of nitrous guys using blow torches to heat their bottles, which as far as I know is illegal by all sanctioning bodies...
Bottle heaters are used to bring bottles up to pressure, torches can weaken the metal, it's a safety issue, not a power adder issue.
While I'm still undecided on this one, I would like to point out that a turbo can be used without any type of intercooler at all, just the boost levels have to be low, or an alternate fuel needs to be used. So I guess in a twisted way, an intercooler could be considered some sort of power adder, especially if using an additional chemical/substance to make more power. I think the turbo cars would still be able to do well with air to air, and it may make things a little more competetive for the nitrous cars. Hmmmmmmmm............