Why I Chose the MDR Intercooler for My FL5 (and Why You Might Want To)

[SBX Performance]

Hey guys — just dropped a new blog over at SBX Performance breaking down why we think the MDR Industries intercooler is one of the best upgrades you can do for the FL5 Civic Type R.


Legit core size and airflow gains
Better cooling for tuned or stock setups
Simple install with OEM-like fitment
Backed by real-world testing — not just hype
Not a Chinese drop-shipped rebrand — no generic eBay core with a logo slapped on.
(You would be shocked how many companies do this)
Custom end tanks, engineered design, and proper fitment built from the ground up


If you're chasing more consistency at the track or just want to beat heat soak on spirited drives, this might be the move.


Read it here: https://www.sbxperformance.com/blogs/news/blog-mdr-industries-intercooler-fl5-best-upgrade

Link to the Intercooler: SBX Performance


Let me know what intercooler you’re running or if you’ve tested MDR — curious to hear real feedback from the community.

My next setup with be the PWR Intercooler when I am done with MDR Testing on our FL5. I am by no means saying MDR is the best in this Blog but IMO and research this is what I have concluded.


— SBX Performance

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[blueroadster]

Let me know what intercooler you’re running

J's Racing Hyper Intercooler in my case. I passed on the MDR because of it being B&P and heavy. Here is an intercooler reference thread that I created to support others deciding on what is best for them and their use case.

 

[SBX Performance]

J's Racing Hyper Intercooler in my case. I passed on the MDR because of it being B&P and heavy. Here is an intercooler reference thread that I created to support others deciding on what is best for them and their use case.

Appreciate you posting that information!

The J’s Racing Hyper Intercooler is a legit piece — lightweight, efficient, and proven. Totally understand going that route if weight savings or JDM gear is the priority. We’re actually an authorized J’s Racing dealer, so I definitely support and believe in their products. I have a few of their parts on order for our own build too.


The reason I featured MDR in the blog is because for a lot of FL5 owners, especially those tuned or tracking the car, it hits that sweet spot between performance, price, and OEM-style fitment. Yeah, it’s a bit heavier, but the core size and flow capability make it a solid option if you’re pushing the car harder. it sits right in that middle tier, which makes it an appealing option for guys who want real gains without going full race-spec etc and good for daily driver. J's racing is $2200 now while MDR sits at $1199.


Appreciate you linking your intercooler reference thread too — love seeing the community share real insight to help others choose the right setup for their use case.


Let us know how the J’s core holds up with heat over time, always down to hear real-world feedback. I am going to do a blog every few days, so keep an eye out and please give real feedback as you did! We appreciate it.

As a dealer for J's Racing and MDR and multiple other premium brands anyone can use the code in my initial thread for 5% off MOST products.


Tommy | Owner | SBX Performance

 

[AspecR]

Airtec intercooler over here, chose mine due to the price(cheapest reputable intercooler available at the time), it being black(car looks like it has no intercooler installed) when everyone else was silver or polished only, it is extremely efficient (under the right conditions it’s gotten intake temps to between 9-12 degrees above ambient), the FK2 guys and euro FK8 guys swear by it.
It’s heavy but my car is a street car, if I’m feeling froggy the additional weight can be offset by a lightweight battery and an exhaust.

I was gonna go with MDR until Airtec released theres. Mine is actually the first Airtec intercooler in the US.

 

[SBX Performance]

Airtek intercooler over here, chose mine due to the price(cheapest reputable intercooler available at the time), it being black(car looks like it has no intercooler installed) when everyone else was silver or polished only, it is extremely efficient (under the right conditions it’s gotten intake temps to between 9-12 degrees above ambient), the FK2 guys and euro FK8 guys swear by it.
It’s heavy by my car is a street car, if I’m feeling groggy the additional weight can be offset by a lightweight battery and an exhaust.

I was gonna go with MDR until Airtek released theres. Mine is actually the first Airtek intercooler in the US.

Appreciate you posting this, honestly I don’t know much about Airtek, so thank you for the detailed feedback. I’m definitely going to look into their intercooler more now as a future option and adding it to the inventory after some more research. That efficiency you’re seeing is impressive considering it appears you live somewhere tropical lol and I love that you mentioned the FK2 and Euro FK8 crowd backing it, that carries weight.


Also, I’m with you 100% on the black finish, I was literally planning to paint mine black and throw a white stencil on for that clean or leave it black. Love the stealthy OEM+ look.


And those wheels... You’ve got a really nice setup overall. This was a color option I almost got before they got a CW in stock. Appreciate you sharing the insight and helping give the community more real-world options to consider. You dont hear much about this intercooler or brand in general in the states so its under the radar which is cool.


— SBX Performance

 

[AspecR]

Appreciate you posting this, honestly I don’t know much about Airtek, so thank you for the detailed feedback. I’m definitely going to look into their intercooler more now as a future option and adding it to the inventory after some more research. That efficiency you’re seeing is impressive considering it appears you live somewhere tropical lol and I love that you mentioned the FK2 and Euro FK8 crowd backing it, that carries weight.


Also, I’m with you 100% on the black finish, I was literally planning to paint mine black and throw a white stencil on for that clean or leave it black. Love the stealthy OEM+ look.


And those wheels... You’ve got a really nice setup overall. This was a color option I almost got before they got a CW in stock. Appreciate you sharing the insight and helping give the community more real-world options to consider. You dont hear much about this intercooler or brand in general in the states so its under the radar which is cool.


— SBX Performance

THey're based in Europe and don't have an US distributor so you should definitely look into offering their products. They offer a bunch of great quality performance parts for the FL5(not a big fan of their cold air intake but apparently it is one of the loudest on the market.)

I'm down in South Florida, that picture was taken at a Cars and Coffee. Appreciate the positive words on the car!

It's also paired with the black HPS intercooler piping kit, if anyone has any questions on the Airtek intercooler please do not hesitate to ask. Purchased it from Dream Automotive(was cheaper from them than on Airtek's website.)

 

[SBX Performance]

We are actually on the list to become a dealer for Dream Automotive I will have to check in with them.

That’s exactly the goal of the blog, and future ones I’m working on. We can all learn something new, and I’m definitely not claiming to know everything or be the final word on this stuff. I’m learning right alongside you guys and appreciate info like this being shared.


I didn’t realize Airtec didn’t have a U.S. distributor. I’ll definitely look into getting them added to our lineup if possible because it sounds like there could be a real demand in the future once more people try their products.


Cars & Coffee down in South Florida sounds amazing lol. Today is the first day in New York it actually feels like summer. Last week was Fall lol Appreciate the info and even more for the honest feedback, that’s what helps all of us make better builds.


— SBX Performance

 

[SBX Performance]

Anybody interested in the intercooler the next batch is currently being produced. Order yours now! Will be done by end of June I will give you a special discount code if you add and message us on instagram SBX Instagram Click Here

 

[SBX Performance]

Airtec intercooler over here, chose mine due to the price(cheapest reputable intercooler available at the time), it being black(car looks like it has no intercooler installed) when everyone else was silver or polished only, it is extremely efficient (under the right conditions it’s gotten intake temps to between 9-12 degrees above ambient), the FK2 guys and euro FK8 guys swear by it.
It’s heavy but my car is a street car, if I’m feeling froggy the additional weight can be offset by a lightweight battery and an exhaust.

I was gonna go with MDR until Airtek released theres. Mine is actually the first Airtek intercooler in the US.

Really appreciate you sharing this! The detailed feedback especially on intake temps and stealthy aesthetics is super helpful. We’ve been doing some research on Airtec, and your post was a great nudge for us to reach out to them.


Sounds like they’ve got a strong reputation in the FK2/FK8 Euro scene, and hearing that yours was the first Airtec intercooler in the U.S. is awesome. Definitely awesome!


GOOD NEWS!!!!! They approved US!!!!

We just officially became an Airtec dealer today, actually and I’m planning to order one for myself to test it firsthand. I like to try out parts personally before recommending them, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it performs on the FL5.


Thanks again for chiming in! @AspecR You need anything reach out to me directly and I will hook u up for telling us about this company!



Best,
Tommy @ SBX Performance

 

[AspecR]

Really appreciate you sharing this! The detailed feedback especially on intake temps and stealthy aesthetics is super helpful. We’ve been doing some research on Airtec, and your post was a great nudge for us to reach out to them.


Sounds like they’ve got a strong reputation in the FK2/FK8 Euro scene, and hearing that yours was the first Airtec intercooler in the U.S. is awesome. Definitely awesome!


GOOD NEWS!!!!! They approved US!!!!

We just officially became an Airtec dealer today, actually and I’m planning to order one for myself to test it firsthand. I like to try out parts personally before recommending them, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it performs on the FL5.


Thanks again for chiming in! @AspecR You need anything reach out to me directly and I will hook u up for telling us about this company!



Best,
Tommy @ SBX Performance

Excellent! Glad to hear you reached out and are now an Airtec dealer. It's about time they had a US dealer, you won't be disappointed with the intercooler. In terms of available FL5 intercoolers, it is easily the best value on the market.

Funny enough I was browsing your website recently so I'll be reaching out soon.

Keep us posted on the results with testing their intercooler. Their suite of cooling products looks interesting, I'm considering doing their turbo cooler when I upgrade my radiator later this year

 

[SBX Performance]

Excellent! Glad to hear you reached out and are now an Airtec dealer. It's about time they had a US dealer, you won't be disappointed with the intercooler. In terms of available FL5 intercoolers, it is easily the best value on the market.

Funny enough I was browsing your website recently so I'll be reaching out soon.

Keep us posted on the results with testing their intercooler. Their suite of cooling products looks interesting, I'm considering doing their turbo cooler when I upgrade my radiator later this year

YES they have a bunch of great products I am going to try out for my FL5 and haha ok reach out on here or Instagram @sbx_performance_llc I am usually on. I don't like Facebook. I got you!

For now I am going to use the MDR intercooler and take down notes and compare it etc.

 

[AspecR]

Looks like you chose the perfect time to become n Airtec dealer, they just launched their own catch cans and undertray cooling plate. Ive been looking into catch cans since my car has an upgraded turbo.

 

[SBX Performance]

Looks like you chose the perfect time to become n Airtec dealer, they just launched their own catch cans and undertray cooling plate. Ive been looking into catch cans since my car has an upgraded turbo.

they have some really good stuff and quality from what I’ve been investigating. They just activated my dealer portal so I will be putting the their products on the website shortly I’m going to make a new thread for them in a bit to keep this one on topic

 

[SBX Performance]

Looks like you chose the perfect time to become n Airtec dealer, they just launched their own catch cans and undertray cooling plate. Ive been looking into catch cans since my car has an upgraded turbo.

Im actually ordering the undertray for myself its awesome! ok creating new thread lol

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