what's the difference? does it help to have an intercooler for an n/a?

 

A radiator is used to exchange liquid to air as a heat transfer agent. For the engine, it reduces the temperature of the hot coolant. In the heater core, it draws cool air across a small raditor and warms the interior of the car.

An intercooler is needed when a power adder (turbo or supercharger) compresses the intake air - that compression causes a large increase in heat, and the intercooler, which is usually a small radiator as well, is used to cool down the intake air charge, so that it is of maximum density, allowing the most fuel to be added, and keeping the power highest. The new Ford SC'd cars will soon have a even better intercooler setup, where a charge of super cool fluid is passed over the intercooler, allowing even more power for up to a minute or so.