In front or behind...intercooler that is.

[CobraSix]

Okay,

I've decided on my turbo...now looking at intercoolers. I've been looking at the Volvo IC's from the old 740s. They are almost perfect dimensions to fit in front of the radiator, but behind the radiator support so little to no cutting would be involved (good thing!). My question comes in that should the IC go infront or behind the radiator? I know Will put his in the fender well, but again, I want to minimize cutting (demand of the wife for the project to proceed).

I know on my 98 Volvo, the IC is in front of the radiator. I'm guess the reason is that since the IC is an air-air IC, that the charge air will not heat up the cooling air as much and will not effect the radiator as much as if the radiator was in front of the IC. Obviously, I will need an electric fan, so factor that into your equation.

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

Definitely in FRONT of the rad, Slade!

(Good choice, BTW... )

 

[CobraSix]

Good choice on what...the Volvo IC or in front of radiator? I was amazed when I measured that it is almost perfect. The outlets will clear the edges of the radiator by about 1/2". The height is about 1" shorter then the radiator. I may also be able to use a mechanical fan by removing the spacer, but I'm going with an electric fan.

I've always heard that Volvo ICs are among the best of OEM styled ICs.

Slade

 

[66Sprint6]

I have an intercooler out of a 3rd Gen RX7. Im going to take out the hood release and all that and mount it in the grill. Should be interesting, but right now money is an issue
Matt

 

[Does10s]

Yes Slade out in front of the radiator.
Get the biggest elec. fan you can fit in there! Is the fan going to be on the engine side of the rad. or the grill side? I'd highly recommend that you put the elec. fan on the engine side and pull thru the rad. if space allows.
Will

 

[CobraSix]

I want a puller, but it's going to be tight once I get the IC in there. I'm trying to find some options.

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

The 280ZX Turbo did not come with an intercooler and worked fine with the stock level of boost, 7 pounds I think. The length and volume of pipe will also affect lag time. How much boost will you run?

 

[CobraSix]

Until the engine blows up...and then back off 2psi for the new engine...hehe

Seriously though, I want to start at 10psi for now as my static CR is a bit high. Eventually though, I'm planning for 15 or so.

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

Have you decided on which EFI yet?

 

[CobraSix]

Holley Commander 950

Because the new software will operate a wastegate allowing me to control boost and it's still going to be half as much as electromotive, and with a little more support and complete design then a lot of the others.

Slade

 

[Anonymous]

Good choice on what...the Volvo IC or in front of radiator?

Volvo IC...I read the same comments about their efficiency.

 

[Anonymous]

definitely in front of the radiator!!

how much is the Holley Commander 950 going to cost?

looks like a good product from their webpage!

thanks,

roy 8)

 

[xctasy]

Behr of Stuttgart,Germany made these charge coolers to go in front of the radiator. They are bulky, but work very well.

740 Turbos, Lotus Charlton Twin Turbos, 1986-89 Ferrari GTB & GTS Turbos, Porsches and the later T5's ran similar set-ups.

The engine cooling requires a satisfactory wind rush. Puting the charge cooler behinf the radiator would stop the wind rush big time.



One guy did use a 1983 760 T Volvo intercooler on the Ford Mustang 2.3 Turbo, and ran it in front of the radiator. He had a nice trim engine, with a long Fox body hood to package it. See if you can get away with it.

http://silverbackracing.itgo.com/radiator3.jpg

http://silverbackracing.itgo.com/intercooler3.jpg

http://msvorinich.itgo.com/oldindex.htm

You may be able to use the HSC Tempo serpetine drive, and run both the charge cooler and radiator in the space behind the raditor panel, but it'd take a heap of work.

 

[MustangSix]

One of the cheaper, more sought after intercoolers comes in an Isuzu cab over diesel truck. The NPR intercooler is large, thin, and flows well by all accounts.

Here's a good page.