intercooler fin: to straighten or not

[4wheelsqueal]

So just received a jdm rs intercooler from a board member (Thanks gmp!) and it has bent fins. Have tried to straighten some sections and have ended up with some of the bent sections pulling off. Am using a jewelers screwdriver and needle-nose plyers and am trying to be as careful as possible but am still ending up with outer sections of fins breaking and pulling off. Am I doing more damage than good doing this?

 

[H05TYL]

I straightened what I could and broke off the ones that were too far gone.

Removing fins will reduce the 'coolers surface area to transfer heat to the ambient air, however even if you had to remove fins across 50% of the core to a depth on 1/4 inch the reduction in surface area will be much less than if you left those fins bent, blocking airflow to that section of the core completely.

 

[4wheelsqueal]

That's what my thought was but wanted to make sure. Thanks!

 

Just a heads up, NAPA typically stocks a radiator/core support comb. Similar to what you use in your hair but made for straightening fins on heat exchangers. They work well too, I have one and use it every now and then, they only cost about 15 bucks too!