So, at work today I saw something very interesting. A 2011 sonata 2.0t came in to the shop, I was checking out the turbo system as I always do with every turbocharged car that comes in, and I saw the intercooler piping was bed lined. Obviously Hyundai had a reason for doing this, as bed line isn't cheap. It supposedly dissipates heat, but I am interested in some actual evidence. Maybe this is something DSM's can benefit from.

You sure it wasn't black wrinkle powder coating? It has the same texture as bed liner and is popular on newer models...

I'm positive.

If it is, and it is from the factory, there has to be a reason they felt this would help. I honestly think the IC pipes would retain heat. I don't see how that would keep heat out.

The only thing I would do is bed line the lower IC pipe since it is close to the ground and exposed to gravel and other debris.

I would powedercoat, anodize, or use that Eastwood radiator black paint. The Eastwood black radiator paint is mad expensive, but the stuff is great. Over $100 for an aerosol can.

Just in case this is brought up in future reply's on this thread, dark paint/material alone will not retain heat because of it's color. If we didn't use hoods and the engine bay was exposed to sunlight, then this would be a possibility.

It might be lizard skin on it, basically looks like Rhino line, but helps keep heat away from piping

interesting. a coworker of mine has a 2.0t sonata, i will check it out at work next time i see him and bring back my opinions on my findings.

regardless, i highly doubt it has any relevant impact or else we would have heard about it long before in the dsm world. rhino line your lower intercooler pipe because its close to the ground??? why? because of stones or something? its a stainless steel pipe if your running aftermarket! why waste time and money on rhino lining a freakin pipe? lol just my $.02

well, you are correct sir. there is definitely some sort of rubber/synthetic spray coating on all of the intercooler piping, even up onto the diverter valve. very interesting. Not sure why this is....one would assume that a thin black coating of a synthetic resin of some sort would only absorb heat, and not deter it. maybe it is for aesthestic reasons? keep with the all black and plastic, no-metal-showing theme of under the hood? keep the pipes from getting scratched and deteriorated?

also noticed the intercooler is mounted vertically next to the rad and fan. thought that was kind neat for a factory set up.