TO INTERCOOL OR NOT TO INTERCOOL!

Hi all,
Ive been baffled with BS and need some non-sales feedback from the experienced folk out there.
I am considering fitting a turbo to my 96 80 series 1HZwith 160,000 on the clock.

I am fairly keen on getting the turbo but not so sure about shelling out the extra dollars for an intercooler as it is a fair outllay of cash in one hit, not to mention getting approval from swmbo .

I do a fair bit of long distance driving and most of my trips are up the northern part of the country(kimberley ,NT cape york etc) where the temperature is a little higher than here in Perth WA.

I dont want to jeprodise the reliability of my 80, and i am unsure if not having one will put extra stress on the motor leading to a shortened engine life.
I am intending on setting the boost around the 8 to 10psi range

There are also the differing opinions of front versus top mounted.

Ive heard that the top mounted as well as being a heat soak can also make general engine servicing more difficult- is this correct?

any feed back would be aprreciated, especially from those who have done a bit of travelling up north with a turbo fitted to their vehicle.
( i have checked the archives )

Thanks