CSF Thermal Black High-Performance Intercooler System for Audi SQ7 / SQ8 [8280B]
CSF introduces the *CSF by PWR Twin Intercooler Set* for the 2020+ Audi SQ7 and SQ8, addressing the increased heat and component strain caused by performance tuning. These SUVs, popular for blending practicality with driving excitement, often undergo upgrades to boost power, with some examples exceeding 800hp. However, higher boost levels demand improved cooling solutions. Building on the success of the CSF intercoolers for the Lamborghini Urus, RS Q8, and Cayenne Turbo, this kit offers a true “drop-in fit” for the SQ7 / SQ8, eliminating the need for modifications. Developed in collaboration with Pacific German and manufactured at PWR North America using Formula 1 cooling technology, this advanced intercooler solution ensures reliable performance for enthusiasts seeking high power output, such as those using Unitronic tuning suite, which pushes these SUVs to 765bhp and beyond.
Design and Engineering
- CSF has meticulously designed and engineered the SQ7 / SQ8 intercoolers for an exact OEM fit, utilizing all factory mounting points for a seamless “drop-in fit” installation. No cutting, modifications, or aftermarket shrouds or hoses are required, and all OEM components can be reused. The intercoolers are available in two finishes: a raw billet aluminum or a Thermal Black Heat Dispersion Cerakote finish. The Thermal Black coating enhances cooling efficiency, dissipating heat approximately 15% faster than the raw billet option.
OEM VS CSF by PWR
- CSF has incorporated the charge pipe directly into the design of the top end tank, utilizing an aluminum welded pipe to replace the factory bolt-on plastic component sealed with an inner O-ring. The OEM O-ring design has been identified as a potential factory flaw, with many owners experiencing failures in their stock systems. These failures often lead to boost leaks and trigger a check engine light—an unexpected issue in such modern vehicles.
- PWR Intercooler Core Technology:
- CSF utilizes the same advanced intercooler core technology in the SQ7 / SQ8 application as in its air-to-air systems for the Urus, RS Q8, Cayenne Turbo, RS6/RS7, and Porsche 992 Turbo / S, all of which have demonstrated outstanding results. These cores outperform traditional bar-and-plate designs by effectively eliminating heat soak and significantly lowering intake air temperatures (IATs). This ensures maximum performance during extended, demanding driving conditions and in vehicles with increased power levels from modifications and tuning. The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 in the SQ7/SQ8 is prone to heat soak and rising IATs with the OEM intercoolers, leading to ECU timing reductions and a noticeable loss in power. The CSF by PWR intercoolers resolve these issues, enabling consistent and prolonged optimal performance even under high-stress conditions.
CNC Machined Billet End Tanks
- As with other products developed through its partnership with PWR, CSF’s new SQ7 / SQ8 intercoolers feature 100% TIG-welded, CNC-machined billet aluminum end tanks. This represents a significant upgrade over the OEM crimped plastic composite end tanks, providing enhanced strength, durability, and longevity for high-performance applications. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, the billet end tanks are engineered to handle increased boost pressures from bolt-on modifications, advanced performance tuning, and upgraded turbochargers.
Dyno Testing at Unitronic
- Unitronic, one of Canada’s leading Audi/VW tuners, specializes in performance parts and software upgrades, including ECU and DSG tuning for popular Audi / VW models. During development of their tuning software, Unitronic identified the SQ7 / SQ8 intercooler limitations and strongly recommends pairing the CSF by PWR intercoolers with all stages of their performance software. The SQ7 / SQ8’s stock output of 503 bhp and 596 lb-ft can be significantly enhanced with Unitronic’s tuning. Stage 1 software boosts the 4.0L Twin Turbo V8 to 685 bhp and 682 lb-ft—already exceeding the factory RS Q8. Stage 1+ increases this to 717 bhp and 714 lb-ft, while Stage 2 achieves an impressive 765 bhp and 764 lb-ft. The true advantage of CSF’s intercoolers lies in their ability to combat heat soak, maintaining consistent power and temperatures even during repeated high-performance runs. Testing on similar RS6 coolers demonstrated that OEM intercoolers quickly lose performance after several dyno runs, while CSF intercoolers remained consistent from the first run to the fifth. This reliability is critical for track, drag, and high-performance road cars, ensuring no power loss due to heat soak.
Specifications
- Number of Tubes:
- Tube Height:
- Fin Height:
- Weight:
- CSF: 9.5 lbs (each)
- OEM: 9.5 lbs (each)
- Design:
- CSF: 100% TIG-welded CNC billet end tanks
- OEM: Crimped w/ gasket plastic end tanks
Features
- Sold as a pair (Left & Right Intercoolers)
- Eliminates heat soak and lower intake air temperatures (IAT) for maximum performance in high-performance and race conditions
- Formula-1 performance grade cores by PWR (2-Row Cores features Rolled Tubes with Inner Fins)
- CNC machined billet end tanks
- 100% TIG welded vs OEM crimped plastic 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
- Thermal black finish
- Available in a raw billet aluminum
- Finished in CSF’s thermal dispersion cerakote
- True plug-and-play “drop-in fit” installation requires absolutely no modifications
- 1-Piece welded charge pipe vs OEM bolt-on pipe with o-ring
Applications
- Audi SQ7: (2020+) – 4.0L TT V8
- Audi SQ8: (2020+) – 4.0L TT V8
About CSF
Back in 1947, a father and his three sons embarked on a business venture by setting up a small retail shop dealing in automotive parts. The family business blossomed over the years, evolving into an automotive garage specializing in radiator repair, and later, a radiator manufacturing facility. By 1975, the family-owned brand CSF was established, marking a milestone as the first to introduce import applications into the American automotive aftermarket, in line with the influx of Honda, Datsun, and Toyota vehicles. By 2009, the fourth generation of the CSF family joined the business, which had by then become a leading name in the import and domestic radiator and condenser markets, selling over 650,000 units that year despite an economic recession, and totaling over 35 million units to date. CSF’s portfolio expanded to include a diverse range of cooling systems, including commercial trucks, industrial and agricultural applications, marine coolers, intercoolers, pressure caps, and a pioneering Racing & High Performance Division. Today, CSF’s Racing & High Performance Division is renowned for designing and manufacturing advanced, efficient, and reliable cooling systems for a wide array of applications, from high performance all-aluminum direct-fit radiators to custom systems for racecars, power sports, off-road, marine, and industrial use. With over 50 years of experience and more than 40 million cooling systems sold worldwide, CSF has rightfully earned the industry title of “THE COOLING EXPERTS.”
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