Bar and plate intercooler cores function identically to the tube and fin core, with the exception that charge air travels through rectangular shaped passages that have more surface area, thus improving cooling of the air charge. The advantage to using this type of intercooler is that because the bar and plate core design affords up to 35% larger surface area for cooling, a physically smaller intercooler can be used and still retain the cooling efficiency of a larger tube and fin design. This is important for a builder who has a vehicle with a small opening in the front of it or where there are immovable obstructions present. However there is only one disadvantage to the bar and plate design. The bar and plate intercooler is heavier due to the larger surface area and denser fin design.  The benefits of more overall power will quickly dissolve the weight issue in most tuner minds.