Let's Talk Intercoolers

[snaponprofile]

Bringing this back from the dead but Its a good read.

I read that a turbo IDI intercooler should have over 1000 square inches. That a right number? Can anyone comment about the quality of these ebay intercoolers? I can get a 7.3 intercooler for $100, am I better off just going for that? I don't want to lose too much boost so are the 7.3 IC's too big for the IDI? I have a 2nd gen. sidewinder.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FMIC...Zp5197Q2em7QQitemZ110523901352#ht_3862wt_1010 - 775.5 sq inches

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/700H...Q5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_3880wt_1010 - 1023 square inches

 

[snaponprofile]

double post.

 

[towcat]

the second IC is close to what I have in my truck.
the first one "looks" too small.
biggest problem with too small of an IC is that it can't shed heat fast enough. it won't hurt your performance, but it won't help much either. that's why you see the racer crowd ice down their IC's between runs.
On a sidebar, it's now 5/2011. the install you see in the early pages is still there and functioning fine. I've changed out the IP a couple of times, but I haven't had to touch anything else from the install. imho, the IC is still the next best power adder to a turbo. it really broadens the powerband and requires no maintenance other than periodic inspection of the hose couplings and washing the bugs off the front of the IC. nothing else to tune/tweak or rebuild.

 

[snaponprofile]

So you noticed a significant power gain? You got yours off ebay?

And this might sound stupid but, is there a side of the IC that the hot air has to go in or does it not matter?

 

[88beast]

ebay coolers are hit and miss some are made for shiny stock ricers making 2 lbs boost and will blow out if you put any real boost to them others are great
i didnt reread the whole thread but iirc heres a summary larger sq in is cooler temps (think rad terms) but you need flow thats what matters the most 3000 sq in but only 200 cfm wont do anything other than cause problems
mel has one from ebay on the moose iirc

 

[88beast]

ebay coolers are hit and miss some are made for shiny stock ricers making 2 lbs boost and will blow out if you put any real boost to them others are great
i didnt reread the whole thread but iirc heres a summary larger sq in is cooler temps (think rad terms) but you need flow thats what matters the most 3000 sq in but only 200 cfm wont do anything other than cause problems
mel has one from ebay on the moose iirc

 

[towcat]

You got yours off ebay?

hell no.
i paid $1300 for the ATS "kit" and the IC is a Spearco unit. i have no regrets on anything i've done to the truck. read up on the thread. it's full of info and insights. it may be an old thread, but the info isn't outdated.
as far as the power gain in concerned, it makes the turbo more usable over a broader rpm and the EGT's that was an issue at one time is no longer a problem whatsoever.

 

[alienturtle]

i know this is an older post that someone brought back but i just want to throw my findings out there. Also im kind of in a different ball park than you guys being a cummins but what the heck.

Before install: with 410 gears and a zf5

max 24 lbs of boost @ max of 1200 deg in 5th full bore
going down the freeway in 5th at about 60mph i tipically see about 5-7lbs of boost and about 700-800 deg and about 2300-2500 rpm

Installed an ebay cxracing intercooler with 3" piping
Max 20 lbs of boost @ max of 950-1000 deg in 5th full bore.
going down the freeway in 5th at about 60mph i see about 4-5 lbs of boost and about 550-650 deg and about 2300-2500 rpm

I know i lost a little bit of boost but that is normal. I feel the truck has more get up and go and requires less throttle to do that same work as before. I am very happy with my intercooler and i wish i had installed it sooner. Also i gained about 2 MPG in fuel and let me tell you. The bottom of my fuel petal has *** with my carpet ALL THE TIME!

Like i said im just posting this for the guys that are thinking about installing an intercooler.. If you have a turbo already the next best thing you can do it make use of that air and COOL IT!

 

[snaponprofile]

Courtesy of Dave S.

26"x 23"x 3.5" spearco Cu inches 2093

26.5"x 21"x 2.5" stock 6.0 cu inches 1391.25

29.5” x 18”x 2.25” Banks. Cu inches 1194

29”x 18” x 2” Superduty 7.3 cu inches 1044


These measurements are the core only.

I can get a 7.3 intercooler for $100, should I go for it? I am not interested in spending over $300 on this project.

 

[towcat]

Courtesy of Dave S.



I can get a 7.3 intercooler for $100, should I go for it? I am not interested in spending over $300 on this project.

do you like your AC?
if so, using a PSD IC will impeade the airflow of your AC.
you will need to remoung your condenser in front of the IC

 

[jonathan]

Courtesy of Dave S.



I can get a 7.3 intercooler for $100, should I go for it? I am not interested in spending over $300 on this project.

i would

 

[snaponprofile]

Not having AC is not a option. Can I just put that stuff in front of the IC?

 

[towcat]

Not having AC is not a option. Can I just put that stuff in front of the IC?

you have some engineering and fab work in front of you. be sure to take lotsa pics

 

[snaponprofile]

Ya, I also have a tranny cooler(I think its small enough 1x12x12). I was planning on fabbing brackets so everything would work. Then I'm gonna take it to a shop and have them bend up some 2.5 inch pipes, get some flex coupling and be done. And I must not forget moving the drivers side battery over to the other side and putting a 6637 there with 4 inch pipe to it.

I'm gonna take lots a pics.

 

[snaponprofile]

I also remember Oreo(fte) has a 6.0 intercooler and he didn't see much over 5 psi with his 093 turbo.