I would think that the amount of back pressure caused by intercoolers would vary from one installation to another. Perhaps, on average, it is true that the amount of backpressure attributable to the intercooler would offset horsepower "gains" due to cooler (more dense) indicution air.
However, it is certainly conceivable that some intercoolers could be more "free-flowing" and would not fully offset the power increase. This would primarily be a function of intercooler size and/or effeciency.
Back on the subject of CHT's, detonation, etc. If I am understanding correctly, CHT's are primarily a function of internal cylinder pressure (which, in turn, is influenced by the timing of the combustion event), but detonation margins are more heavily influenced by IAT?
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