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Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: myke_w on August 30, 2007, 01:22:16 pm

Title: best / most efficient intercoolers? How to tell?
Post by: myke_w on August 30, 2007, 01:22:16 pm

Can we get a list of the best / most efficient inter coolers going? I'd be interested in air - air and air - water applications.

Also any information that helps to determine efficiency would be useful..

Title: best / most efficient intercoolers? How to tell?
Post by: xud9te on August 30, 2007, 04:26:02 pm

Well, you would have to test each 'cooler in the specific application (or one application for all tests) to achieve a satisfactory comparison.  

Basically if a 'cooler is over 80% efficient and has less than a 8% pressure drop accross it, then its a good one for the application (discounting charge volume - i.e. as long as its not too big).

Testing for temp is simple.  Insert a k-type thermocouple before and after the IC and record the temp drop.  

Testing for pressure needs a boost guage connected before and after the IC.  Without making an adapter that fits in the IC hoses with a fitting for a pressure reading, the compressor output and any manifold pressure connection (LDA?) can be used, but his will also record pressure drop in the intake piping.

Title: best / most efficient intercoolers? How to tell?
Post by: myke_w on August 31, 2007, 12:57:46 pm

is there a particular range of inter coolers that are best when used in our applications? I have a massive Volvo inter cooler, but it seems like that would cause way too much lag, I also have a smic from a tdi and it' seems pretty small, maybe too small to make any difference..

Title: best / most efficient intercoolers? How to tell?
Post by: jtanguay on August 31, 2007, 01:22:32 pm

Quote from: "myke_w"

is there a particular range of inter coolers that are best when used in our applications? I have a massive Volvo inter cooler, but it seems like that would cause way too much lag, I also have a smic from a tdi and it' seems pretty small, maybe too small to make any difference..

a small intercooler can be great on our cars.  the only issue is getting enough airflow to take the heat away.  you can use a fan, a hood scoop, or some even use misting systems to help dissipate heat.

if you can fit the volvo intercooler, i think the cooling capacity will offset the increase in turbo lag.  one thing that will most definitely increase turbo lag, is a set of really badly placed intercooler pipes and some sharp bends.

Title: best / most efficient intercoolers? How to tell?
Post by: nogama3 on September 01, 2007, 05:42:21 am

i have an intercooler fitted to my aaz golf mk3 where it appears that it does not get much cooling :
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b193/nogama3/04082007005.jpg)
i made a recent beach trip (150 miles) and when i got there i checked the temp of the pipes to and from the intercooler:
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b193/nogama3/04082007001.jpg)
and the one from the turbo to the intercooler was very hot and the one from the intercooler into the inlet manifold was slightly warm and i was surprised on how effective the intercooler was.
i have managed to purchase a front mount intercooler from a sharan i beleive:
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b193/nogama3/golfintercooler.jpg)
which should fit into the front bumper and should help cooling the air further.