intercooler looks like on last legs

[churp]

hi, i have noticed that my diesel intercooler looks like its about to fail and its covered in black gritty like shoe polish thing, it also has a large dent in the side of it.
How do i know if/when it is failing or has failed?
is it best to replace like for like or would changing to a front mounted intercooler be better (any advantages).

[Dave Avant]

You must have been poking around underneath to see it as it can't really be seen.

A front mounted cooler will give advantages as there is a greater oportunity for more air flowing over it. As where it is tucked away in the corner of the bumper the air flow only comes from the small grill next to the front fog lamps. But the only benefits of a front mounted large intercooler will be gained when its be tuned with a custom map or different turbo etc. If you only have it std or even a 'general' remap you won't gain anything from the FM intercooler.

Also as its alloy with water etc getting onto it it can get dirty and get that black stuff on it. You get the same black stuff on the aircon pipes etc. Aluminium attracts it. Give it a squirt with an engine cleaner or alloy wheel cleaner to clean it up. Intercooler only fail when they get a hole in it, but you may notice lack of performance and a hiss from boost leak. Also not sure how you have a large dent in the side as its well out of the way unless you car has been in an accident!?

[churp]

i was replacing my air con rad yesterday, so i had the front of the car off and thats when i saw it, large dent is on the side of the bumper side (right side as viewed from front) near the bottom, when i say its large it is, its at least an inch crushed in and around 6 inches long, wish i had got a picture of it now.
to get in fast what sort of price are these if need to replace, part only as i will fit it myself.
The car will remain stock as i really use all the performance now.