Author Topic: Fitting intercooler mk1 golf (A1) (Read 3863 times)

redbaron · « **on:** February 16, 2007, 06:27:59 am »

Hello all, i have just bought an intercooler from a Saab 9000 Cdi that will hopefully be sitting in front my radiator. My question is that when i offered it up it sits a little high. It is possible/safe to cut into the lower crossmember bit (the bit the rad sits on) to accomodate the intercooler?

IF not what is the best way to do it?

Cheers

BlackTieTD · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2007, 06:48:50 am »

i'f you are going to cut the lower cross brace, i'd weld in another support bar. many guys weld in a bar from frame rail to frame rail that ties into the front engine mount for extra support. there is even a bolt-on piece that attaches at the bumper mounts. i'd look into one of those solutions before cutting any material away from the cross brace itself. cheers.

scopefrfd · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2007, 08:12:56 am »

A few yrs ago you were really liimited in intercoolers..it was either trying to fit an oem model in or pay big bucks for a custom IC.

Today your best bet is to buy an intercooler from ebay...you can buy a welded aluminum intercooler to fit in front of the rad. They're not Spearco's but I'm sure they're just as good as an OEM unit and can probably take more boost. most oem units were designed to run 10-12psi. I know volvo IC have problems leaking when you get up around 20+psi...many have to add straps to hold them together

RabbitJockey · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2007, 02:34:13 pm »

word for like 50 bucks you can get a half decent intercooler off ebay then jus t pay a shop to do the piping if you don't wanna do it

knowtwodrugs · « **Reply #4 on:** February 17, 2007, 07:58:05 am »

So there's enough room between the rad and the grill to mount an intercooler? I never thought of that. Which intercoolers fit well in there? I mean if I get one off ebay, which ones should I be looking for?

scopefrfd · « **Reply #5 on:** February 17, 2007, 08:02:51 am »

you want something around 8-10" H and longer than the rad so you can get the IC tubes by the rad. 2" thick would be plenty...you can also find a reverse flow where the outlets are on the same side..may be easier to route that way but the intercooler will not be as efficient, always compromises.

A dodge starion IC is a nice oem IC for a A1. tuff to find though...