CSF High Performance Heat Exchanger for 12C & P11 McLaren MP4-12C / 650S / 675LT

CSF’s Turbocharger Heat Exchangers for the McLaren MP4-12C and 650S / 675LT are engineered to address the inherent limitations of the factory charge-air-cooling system. While the OEM coolers are adequate at stock power levels, they become overwhelmed by the increased heat generated from larger turbochargers and elevated boost pressures. CSF’s upgraded units are purpose-built as a true plug-and-play, drop-in solution, providing substantially greater cooling capacity and quicker recovery from heat soak. Featuring a larger, more efficient core paired with CSF’s proprietary cooling technology, these heat exchangers extract significantly more heat from the charge-air stream. The result is reduced intake air temperatures under both high-performance driving and power-enhanced applications. Their 100% TIG-welded, all-aluminum construction further enhances durability and long-term reliability in demanding environments. Installation requires no cutting or permanent modification, preserving the integrity of the vehicle. Each set includes upgraded metal rock guards for added protection against road and track debris. With this package, CSF delivers a top-tier cooling upgrade for McLaren owners who demand maximum performance, protection, and quality.

Design & Engineering

• CSF recognizes the McLaren M838TE engine as a standout example of modern twin-turbo V8 engineering, capable of producing remarkable horsepower for its displacement. However, overall performance is constrained by the amount of heat that can be extracted from the charge-air system, with the factory front mount heat exchangers becoming the primary bottleneck. To address this, the objective of CSF’s upgrade is to reduce intake air temperatures (IATs) at higher boost levels and deliver faster recovery from unavoidable heat soak. CSF’s engineering team meticulously developed the most efficient heat exchangers possible that still integrate seamlessly within the OEM housing pods.

OEM VS CSF

• The factory heat exchangers are very well designed and efficient like most of the systems on these McLarens. However, they were optimized to function at factory power and boost levels so there was definitely room for improvement. Both the factory and CSF heat exchanger cores have 39 Cooling Tubes and 40 Fin Rows. However, the CSF units feature a 54mm 2-Row core. This is a huge upgrade over the 1-Row core found in the factory coolers. The CSF core also utilizes CSF’s Exclusive B-Tube Technology which increases the heat transfer by approximately 15% over regular oval welded tubes. In addition, the super-efficient multi-louvered fins maximize airflow through the core for the best possible performance.

5-Pass Design

• CSF’s heat exchangers employ a 5-pass design that significantly increases coolant dwell time within the charge-air system, maximizing heat rejection. With each pass through the core, more heat is extracted, allowing coolant to return to the charge-air coolers at a temperature as close to ambient as possible for consistently lower intake air temperatures and improved performance.

Plug and Play Installation

• CSF designs its heat exchangers to integrate seamlessly into the factory pods, requiring no cutting or modification. The original equipment foam strips are reused to properly seal and seat the heat exchangers within the pods, optimizing airflow and overall cooling efficiency.

Features

• Significantly reduces intake air temperatures (IATs) for maximum performance (with Faster Heat Soak Recovery)
• 2-Row – 54mm ultra high-performance core
• New 5mm tall ultra efficient fins with a multi-louvered design
• 5-Pass core design & OEM Style inlet / outlet connections
• Cooling tubes with CSF’s exclusive B-Tube technology
• Pre-plugged 1/8th NPT temperature sensor ports
• 100% All aluminum TIG-welded construction
• Includes detachable rock guards
• Satin black finish for OEM+ look
• True plug-and-play “drop-in fitment”

Applications

• McLaren MP4-12C: 12C (2011-2014)
  [M838T – 3.8L V8 twin-turbo]
• McLaren 650S: P11 (2014-2017)
  [M838T – 3.8L V8 twin-turbo]
• McLaren 675LT: P11 (2015-2017)
  [M838TL – 3.8L V8 twin-turbo]

Notes

• There is overlap on 650S and 675LT applications, CSF recommends confirming the correct part with a McLaren dealer using the vehicle’s VIN. The difference between the two is core height: CSF #8212 is approximately 59 mm taller than CSF #8213.
• Sold individually, all applications require two heat exchangers (Left & Right)
• Compatible with spider models

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.