The Flashark Intercooler + Piping Kit for the 2009–2015 Chevrolet Camaro LS3 V8 is a complete, front-mounted intercooler conversion package designed for single-turbo NA-T (Naturally Aspirated to Turbo) swap builds. The kit delivers the same proven configuration as the leading competitor — with key Flashark upgrades in build quality, component spec, and customer support.
The problem it solves: Adding a turbo to your LS3 Camaro generates massive heat in the intake charge. Without an intercooler, the hot, dense air causes KR (knock), reduces power, and risks engine damage. The Flashark intercooler kit drops intake air temperatures dramatically — keeping your LS3 safe, responsive, and making real power at the target boost level.
The AC advantage: This kit is engineered to retain your factory air conditioning (AC) system. Unlike some budget conversions that require AC compressor removal, the Flashark layout preserves daily-drivable comfort in your Camaro — making it a true street / strip build.
Complete bolt-on kit with everything needed to plumb your turbo to the throttle body. Designed for a turbo mounted in the front driver's side corner position.
Why Do You Need an Intercooler?
The physics of turbocharging:
Atmospheric air → Compressed by turbo → Heats up dramatically → Less dense = less power → HOT Intake Air
A turbo compresses air, which generates heat. Without an intercooler, the hot compressed air enters your LS3's cylinders — reducing volumetric efficiency and potentially causing knock (detonation). In severe cases, this leads to power loss and engine damage.
The intercooler sits between the turbo discharge and the throttle body:
Ambient Air → Turbo Compressor → Intercooler (removes heat) → Cool Dense Air → LS3 Cylinders → Safe power, no knock
With a properly sized intercooler:
- Intake air temps drop significantly (reducing knock tendency)
- Volumetric efficiency increases → more power per cycle
- You can run more aggressive timing and higher boost safely
- Engine longevity improves under sustained high-load operation
Package Includes
- 1x Aluminum Intercooler, with Mounting Brackets
- 1x Aluminum Intercooler Piping Kit
- 1x Set of Silicon Hose
- 1x Set of T-bolt Clamp
- 1x Blow Off Valve
- Necessary Installation Hardware (Gaskets, Clamps, Bolts)
What This Kit Does NOT Include
⚠️ Important — Order separately:
- Turbocharger
- Exhaust manifold / Turbo exhaust elbow
- Downpipe
- Fuel system upgrades (injectors, fuel pump)
- ECU / Tuning
This kit handles one job: the intercooler and intake piping between your turbo outlet and your LS3 throttle body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this kit fit a 2012 Camaro SS with a turbo mounted in the passenger side corner? A: No — this kit is engineered for turbo placement in the driver's side front corner. If your turbo is mounted elsewhere, you will need custom piping fabrication.
Q: Can I install this without removing my factory AC system? A: Yes — this kit is AC-Retained. The mounting brackets are designed around the factory AC compressor. No AC delete is required.
Q: Does this include a turbocharger? A: No. This kit handles the intercooler core and intake piping only. You will need to source your turbocharger, exhaust manifold, downpipe, and fuel system upgrades separately.
Q: What size turbo can this intercooler support? A: The 3" (76mm) inlet/outlet and 3" depth bar & plate core supports turbo builds in the 400-800 whp range on an LS3. For builds targeting 800+ whp, consider a larger front-mount or a dedicated race intercooler.
Q: Will this fit with the factory Camaro radiator and cooling fans? A: Yes — the front-mount layout is designed to mount in front of the radiator, integrating with factory cooling components. Some trimming or relocation of factory bracing may be required on certain model years.
Q: What fuel system do I need for a safe LS3 single-turbo build? A: At minimum: larger fuel injectors (ID1000 or similar), in-tank fuel pump upgrade, and an ECU tune. We recommend consulting with a tuner familiar with LS3 turbo builds before applying boost.
Q: Do I need a tune after installing this kit? A: Absolutely yes. The intercooler itself doesn't require tuning, but the turbo system absolutely does. We recommend a dyno tune with a tuner experienced in LS3 forced-induction builds.
Q: Does Flashark offer technical support for turbo swap builds? A: Yes. Email us at support@flasharkracing.com with your build details (turbo size, fuel setup, target boost) and we'll help you verify the kit is right for your application.
| Year | Make | Model | Engine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2015 | Chevrolet | Camaro SS | LS3 V8 6.2L | ✅ Fits |
| 2009–2015 | Chevrolet | Camaro | LS3 V8 (non-SS trims) | ✅ Fits |
❌ Does NOT fit:
- 2016+ Camaro (6th gen — different engine bay)
- Camaro with LT1/LT4 (2016+)
- LS1/LQ4/LQ9 swapped Camaros (different intake manifold config)
- Turbo mounted in any position other than the front driver's side corner
3" Bar & Plate Intercooler Core
Bar & plate construction handles higher boost pressure than tube-and-fin designs. The 3" depth core provides maximum heat dissipation surface area — keeping your LS3's intake charge as close to ambient temperature as possible under sustained high-load driving.
Polished Aluminum Piping — Not Cheap Tubing
The complete aluminum piping kit replaces messy DIY silicone-and-coupling setups. Mandrel-bent tubing maintains consistent internal diameter throughout — no bottlenecks, no turbulence at transitions. Polished finish looks show-quality in the engine bay.
5-Ply Silicone Couplers + T-Bolt Clamps
Every connection uses 5-ply reinforced silicone rated for high boost pressure. No cheap 2-ply stuff that blows out under 10 psi. T-bolt clamps provide even, uniform clamping force that worm-drive clamps can't match.
50mm BOV — Turbo Protection Standard
The included 50mm blow-off valve vents excess boost pressure during gear changes, protecting your turbo compressor wheel from dangerous backpressure spikes. Spring-loaded, no vacuum line required for basic operation.
AC-Retained Design
Keep your factory air conditioning. The Flashark mounting kit is engineered around the factory AC compressor — no removal, no delete, no rerouting of AC lines. Your Camaro stays cool when you're not making passes.
Turbo Placement Note
This kit is designed for a turbocharger mounted in the front driver's side (left-hand) corner of the engine bay. If your turbo is mounted elsewhere, significant custom fabrication of the piping routing will be required. Verify your turbo placement before ordering.