CSF High-Performance Intercooler System for Ferrari 488 / Pista / F8 [8210]

CSF High-Performance Intercooler System for Ferrari 488 / Pista / F8 [8210]

CSF highlights the Ferrari 488 as a landmark model, marking Ferrari’s return to turbocharged mid-engine performance since the iconic F40. Featuring the Ferrari F154 CB / CD / CG engine, also used in the Pista and F8, this platform showcases significant performance potential, further enhanced by forced induction. However, high intake air temperatures (IATs) from factory turbos producing up to 35 PSI limit tuning capabilities. Recognizing the demand for upgraded cooling solutions, CSF, in partnership with PWR, introduces the first high-performance intercooler system for the Ferrari 488 / Pista / F8. Building on their success with intercooler systems for vehicles like the Porsche 911 Turbo, Lamborghini Urus, and Audi RS6 / RS7, CSF and PWR deliver advanced cooling technology to unlock the Ferrari’s untapped potential. Collaborating with World Motorsports and tuning experts M-Engineering, CSF rigorously tested the system to ensure optimal performance, addressing heat soak issues and enabling reliable high-boost tuning for track and street applications.

Design & Engineering

• CSF’s Ferrari 488 / Pista / F8 intercoolers are meticulously engineered for precise OEM replacement, utilizing all factory mounting points, shrouds, and fans for a seamless “drop-in fitment” without requiring any cutting or modifications. To ensure proper sealing, CSF pre-installs high-density foam, mirroring the factory design. Unlike typical aftermarket intercoolers that rely on increased size for improved efficiency, the CSF by PWR intercoolers achieve exceptional performance through an ultra-efficient core. Manufactured by PWR, these cores are the same technology used in intercoolers supplied to the majority of Formula 1 race teams, delivering unparalleled cooling performance within the constraints of the factory dimensions.

PWR Intercooler Core Technology

• CSF’s Ferrari 488 / Pista / F8 intercooler cores are custom-designed and manufactured by PWR to deliver unmatched efficiency. Featuring two rows of rolled cooling tubes with inner fins, these advanced cores outperform traditional bar-and-plate or tube-and-fin designs, effectively eliminating heat soak and significantly lowering intake air temperatures (IATs). This ensures consistent, maximum performance under demanding conditions and supports vehicles with increased power levels from modifications and tuning. Ferrari’s F154 engine, a marvel of engineering, produces 660 hp and 560 lb-ft in the 488, and up to 710 hp and 568 lb-ft in the Pista and F8, requiring around 35 lbs of boost. Despite the efficiency of the twin-scroll turbos, they generate extreme heat, with post-turbo air temperatures exceeding 200°F. While the factory intercoolers reduce these temperatures, they often fail to prevent ECU timing pulls and power losses. The CSF by PWR intercoolers resolve this limitation, allowing the engine to maintain optimal performance consistently, even during extended high-performance use.

CNC Machined Billet End Tanks

• Similar to other CSF by PWR products, the Ferrari 488 intercoolers feature 100% TIG-welded machined billet aluminum end tanks. While the stamped aluminum and brazed-with-gasket design of the OEM units is stronger than the typical crimped-with-gasket setups often seen in intercoolers, there is still room for improvement. The billet and TIG-welded construction far exceeds the pressure limits of these OEM designs. This feature not only enhances aesthetics but also offers improved longevity and durability. The CNC-machined billet end tanks are built to withstand increased boost pressures from bolt-on modifications, higher-performance tunes, and upgraded turbochargers.

Dyno Testing

• CSF reports significant performance gains across the entire RPM range with its Ferrari 488 / Pista / F8 intercoolers. Testing was conducted on a vehicle equipped with downpipes, Pure Turbos, and tuned by M-Engineering. Even without any tune adjustments, adding the intercoolers delivered notable improvements, particularly at higher boost levels where turbo heat generation is greatest. While the benefits are more pronounced on modified vehicles, the intercoolers also provide substantial performance enhancements in stock configurations.
• Results:
  • CSF observed an interesting comparison in the pressure readings between the CSF and OEM intercoolers on the hot side. While initially surprising, the difference is easily explained. The increased cooling efficiency of the CSF intercoolers allows the turbo on that bank of cylinders to produce more boost. This occurs because the vehicle’s ECU detects lower-than-expected intake air temperatures (IATs) and adjusts by permitting additional boost—along with the associated heat. This mechanism highlights the power gains provided by the upgraded intercoolers. Just as the ECU reduces boost and timing when IATs are too high, it allows for increased performance when temperatures are lower, unlocking additional power.

Specifications

• Number of Tubes:
  • CSF: 27
  • OEM: 18
• Tube Height:
  • CSF: 3mm rolled tube
  • OEM: 4mm
• Fin Height:
  • CSF: 4.85mm
  • OEM: 7mm
• Weight:
  • CSF: 9.35 lbs
  • OEM: 11 lbs
• Design:
  • CSF: 100% TIG welded CNC billet end tanks
  • OEM: Stamped aluminum brazed w/ gasket

Features

• Sold as a pair (left & right intercoolers)
• Eliminates heat soak and lower intake air temperatures (iats) for maximum performance in high-performance and race conditions
• Formula-1 performance grade cores by pwr (2-row cores feature rolled tubes w/ inner fins)
• 100% tig welded cnc machined billet end tanks for maximum strength & durability
• Made in the USA at PWR North America
• OEM style inlet/outlet connections for precise fitment with all oem components
• Raw billet aluminum finish
• Available in thermal black heat dispersion powder-coating finish
• Precision machined integrated bpv / bov connection
• High density foam installed for OEM fit & finish
• Integrated OEM style fan shroud
• True plug-and-play “drop-in fit” installation, requires absolutely no modifications
• R&D and performance testing by industry-leading tuning companies m-engineering and world motorsports

Applications

• Ferrari 488 GTB: (2016-2019) – 3.9L TT V8 F154
• Ferrari 488 Pista: (2019-2021) – 3.9L TT V8 F154
• Ferrari F8 Tributo: (2020+) – 3.9L TT V8 F154

Notes

• Additional installation steps for 488 pista / f8 

ABOUT CSF

The Racing & High Performance Division of CSF Inc. is dedicated to designing and producing the world’s most advanced, efficient, and dependable cooling solutions. CSF offers a broad range of state-of-the-art cooling systems, with over 250 distinct applications. These include high-performance all-aluminum direct-fit radiators, intercoolers, and oil coolers, as well as bespoke manufacturing tailored for racecars, power sports, off-road vehicles, marine, and industrial applications. Every cooling solution from CSF is meticulously crafted to ensure optimal engine temperature management, even in the most rigorous driving scenarios. With a legacy spanning over 50 years and more than 40 million cooling units distributed worldwide, CSF is widely regarded as a luminary in the industry.