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Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: zyewdall on September 08, 2005, 08:29:20 pm

Title: how does an intercooler work
Post by: zyewdall on September 08, 2005, 08:29:20 pm
Forgive my naitivity, but exactly what does an intercooler do.  I know it cools the incoming air after the turbo, in order to get a higher charge density at the intake manifold.  But does it just allow you to dump more fuel in and give more power for a given engine size, or does it actually increase efficiency as well by cooling the air?  I was just looking at the turbo setup on my 4D55 today, and there's a several inch section of 2" hose between the turbo outlet, and the intake manifold inlet and I was thinking "I wonder if I could add an intercooler in there..., and if I would get better mileage, or just more power, if I do?"  I'd also have to turn up the fuel screw to take advantage of the higher charge I imagine.

Did any of the VW turbos have an intercooler (old ones, not the TDI)?  I know the 2.5 liter 4D56 (which never made it to the US) came with one, but not mine.