These tube & fin cores are very well made. Bar & plate run slightly cooler because they are more restrictive.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cooling-Pro-600x280x70-R32-R33-GTR-Upgrade-Intercooler-/110737204576?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19c873a560
Plazmaman wanted $400 for a 400mm long & $450 for a 450mm long core. Just the cores. No tanks.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cooling-Pro-450x300x76-Intercooler-3-inch-outlets-/370538460411?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5645d034fb
$175 for the above is a bargin.
Cheers !
Bar and plate are said to be 30% better at heat transfer when compared to tube and fin. This allows for the benefits of a smaller intercooler with the same deltaT. This obviously comes at an added cost.
i'm not too sure about "quality", but jasma intercoolers apparently have 2.5" outlets, for $185. i'm currently waiting on a complete kit with piping from overseas, so you're welcome to come check it out when/if it arrives.
Sorry. Haven't been on the forum in a while. I ended up getting a jazma cooler with 2.5" outlets. Actually looks pretty good compared to a lot of other coolers I've seen and for the price it was worth trying it out.
Have you got any pics of your cooler George? I might be interested if the jazma cooler doesn't do the job.