Air to Air or Air to Water?

OK I still havent chosen an intercooler because some claim to have a higher density of fins than others which help cooling etc... but at what point does this not really matter? the more dense the fins the harder it is to get ambient air to pass through at lower speeds (on the street).

im looking at a 31x12x3 intercooler right now that is really cheap (off brand) and its a little worrying because its so cheap. I also want something that isnt going to give me problems.
 
you are thinking to hard about this.

Just go with a 3" and you will be fine. I have a cheap $100 xs power IC and it works great.
 
alright, hah. I know im thinking too much into this... I just dont want to end up with a piece of shit Ill have to replace soon. the 3" it is, it will be easier to fit.

thanks!
 
I don't want to stray off topic, and I hope this post brings more info to this thread. What sort of IAT2's (downstream air temps) are you guys with A/A setups seeing?? Furthermore are you using other means to cool the intake air via methanol etc?? Do any of you guys real world info or just info from a few dyno pulls?? I know for a fact there is a big difference between making a pass down the track or just a quick pull in 4th gear on a dyno.

Reason I ask is I have an A/W setup and montior my donwstream temps quite a bit, and I know what to expect based on IAT1's (outside air temps), adding ice to the mix, etc etc.

I thought I read someone mention in this thread about having IAT2's at or below ambient.....which would be unreal. If you were racing in the fall and had IAT1's of like 45*, you telling me you could get IAT2's lower than that :seizure: That would make some serious power!!!

Anyway, sorry if it's off track a bit, I am just trying to get some more info.

--Joe
 
Depends on the compressor efficiency and the boost level as well as the intercooler size. I have never seen a A/A intercooler drop temps below ambient. Usually fairly close if its well sized. On the dyno though its really tough to get those intercooler working well becuase the amount of fan you need is just insane to generate even a 20mph head wind.




soap said:
I don't want to stray off topic, and I hope this post brings more info to this thread. What sort of IAT2's (downstream air temps) are you guys with A/A setups seeing?? Furthermore are you using other means to cool the intake air via methanol etc?? Do any of you guys real world info or just info from a few dyno pulls?? I know for a fact there is a big difference between making a pass down the track or just a quick pull in 4th gear on a dyno.

Reason I ask is I have an A/W setup and montior my donwstream temps quite a bit, and I know what to expect based on IAT1's (outside air temps), adding ice to the mix, etc etc.

I thought I read someone mention in this thread about having IAT2's at or below ambient.....which would be unreal. If you were racing in the fall and had IAT1's of like 45*, you telling me you could get IAT2's lower than that :seizure: That would make some serious power!!!

Anyway, sorry if it's off track a bit, I am just trying to get some more info.

--Joe
Click to expand...
 
soap said:
. What sort of IAT2's (downstream air temps) are you guys with A/A setups seeing?? Furthermore are you using other means to cool the intake air via methanol etc??
Click to expand...

On a couple of passes at ubly , my temps from the IAT in my upper plenum start at around 100 on an 80 degreee day. By the end of the run they were between 118 and 130 @ 30+psi .
 
soap said:
I don't want to stray off topic, and I hope this post brings more info to this thread. What sort of IAT2's (downstream air temps) are you guys with A/A setups seeing?? Furthermore are you using other means to cool the intake air via methanol etc?? Do any of you guys real world info or just info from a few dyno pulls?? I know for a fact there is a big difference between making a pass down the track or just a quick pull in 4th gear on a dyno.

Reason I ask is I have an A/W setup and montior my donwstream temps quite a bit, and I know what to expect based on IAT1's (outside air temps), adding ice to the mix, etc etc.

I thought I read someone mention in this thread about having IAT2's at or below ambient.....which would be unreal. If you were racing in the fall and had IAT1's of like 45*, you telling me you could get IAT2's lower than that :seizure: That would make some serious power!!!

Anyway, sorry if it's off track a bit, I am just trying to get some more info.

--Joe
Click to expand...

If you read my first post you will see my results with my A/W setup. Thats with no ice or anything ans street driven (read heat soaked).

I will for sure be posting differences when I get the A/A up and running. the only way I have ever seen temps LOWER than ambient with an A/A is with some other form of cooling (N2o intercooler spray, meth, etc). most ive seen are about 20-30* above ambient at full boost with no other help
 
Sean said:
Depends on the compressor efficiency and the boost level as well as the intercooler size. I have never seen a A/A intercooler drop temps below ambient. Usually fairly close if its well sized. On the dyno though its really tough to get those intercooler working well becuase the amount of fan you need is just insane to generate even a 20mph head wind.
Click to expand...

I agree alot depends on the specific setup. And further, that is why I asked for real world data. It is impossible to simulate the cooling effects and loading of a vehicle when sitting on rollers. Thanks for the input.

TRBOBUICK said:
On a couple of passes at ubly , my temps from the IAT in my upper plenum start at around 100 on an 80 degreee day. By the end of the run they were between 118 and 130 @ 30+psi .
Click to expand...

No fair.....turbo's are too efficient :sad: A 20*-30* increase over the run is very good for +30psi!!

avbcon12 said:
If you read my first post you will see my results with my A/W setup. Thats with no ice or anything ans street driven (read heat soaked).

I will for sure be posting differences when I get the A/A up and running. the only way I have ever seen temps LOWER than ambient with an A/A is with some other form of cooling (N2o intercooler spray, meth, etc). most ive seen are about 20-30* above ambient at full boost with no other help
Click to expand...

That makes more sense. My IAT1's are always at ambient, and worst case (at the drag strip) my IAT2's are typically about 20 degree's more on the big end.

Thanks guys!!

--Joe
 
I used the ends of the 90* for my straight, and you will be cutting and of different *'s
 
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Honestly, if you want nice stuff that will weld good, and want some real nice couplers. dont get kits off ebay, just my opinion tho.

nice couplers and tbolt calms will cost you more, but they work alot better and are better looking.
 
youre right, I want better but who carries them?

that kit on ebay is 14 guage so it shouldnt be too tough to weld. maybe going with 1/8" wall (10 guage) would be best though.
 
I forget the one place, but i know wolf carries the tubing, i got my couplers/tbolts from motivisity and detroir flexable metal or something like that.

Give sean a shout, he will know better than me.
 
Anyone know of a good place that can fab up the tubing from the supercharger to the intake with the intercooler in there?
 
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