Air to Air Intercooler - Advise please
Discussion
I've got a supercharged 2.8 BMW M52TU (dual vanos) running a Vortech V2SQ at 6 p.s.i. boost, seeing me to about 285 bhp.
Looking to increase boost to 7 p.s.i. (>300 bhp) and have been advised by ESS (the original supplier) to fit an intercooler. Their i/c sits on top of the engine and would require the removal of the strut brace - not an option for me.
I've looked at a number of a/a intercoolers and want a few pointers from anyone in the know, answers or views on the following;
Does the i/c sit between the air filter and the s/c or is it between the s/c and the throttle? Need to know to plan the routing. My guess is that it'd be more thermally efficient on the pressure side (after heat addition on compression)?
Are there any 'icing' problems to be expected running an i/c? I get a lot of issues on my bike which runs CV carbs and don't want this hassle with the car.
What tips can I get with respect to mounting the i/c? The car's a Z3 (no jokes please) and there's plenty of space in front of the rad behind the bumper.
I'd be happy to visit a few scrappies to look, but don't know what cars have suitable i/c's that would fit nicely behind the front bumper.
Anyone recommend a good source of large bore silocone hose/pipe? Not much available in Halfrauds etc.
Thanks
Stu
Looking to increase boost to 7 p.s.i. (>300 bhp) and have been advised by ESS (the original supplier) to fit an intercooler. Their i/c sits on top of the engine and would require the removal of the strut brace - not an option for me.
I've looked at a number of a/a intercoolers and want a few pointers from anyone in the know, answers or views on the following;
Does the i/c sit between the air filter and the s/c or is it between the s/c and the throttle? Need to know to plan the routing. My guess is that it'd be more thermally efficient on the pressure side (after heat addition on compression)?
Are there any 'icing' problems to be expected running an i/c? I get a lot of issues on my bike which runs CV carbs and don't want this hassle with the car.
What tips can I get with respect to mounting the i/c? The car's a Z3 (no jokes please) and there's plenty of space in front of the rad behind the bumper.
I'd be happy to visit a few scrappies to look, but don't know what cars have suitable i/c's that would fit nicely behind the front bumper.
Anyone recommend a good source of large bore silocone hose/pipe? Not much available in Halfrauds etc.
Thanks
Stu
Intercooler needs to be sited with its flow path between the outlet (compressed side) of the supercharger/turbo and the inlet of the throttle body.
Preferably fit the i/c at the front of the car in front of the radiator (if possible) to get a cool air supply.
Large diameter hoses (silicon) and clamps etc at Demon Tweeks at Wrexham is one source.
Im sure someone else will be along shortly to provide futher assistance.
Preferably fit the i/c at the front of the car in front of the radiator (if possible) to get a cool air supply.
Large diameter hoses (silicon) and clamps etc at Demon Tweeks at Wrexham is one source.
Im sure someone else will be along shortly to provide futher assistance.
As stated, between blower and TB.
Do you want to buy new, or used ?
Cars like Skyline, Evo have prettty nice intercoolers as standard.
As you are using very low boost, you could also consider looking at some lorries/vans. eg Merc Sprinter, VW's LT range, Renault etc. Some of them do have pretty good size IC's and you might even get some useful plumbing too.
There are a multitide of suppliers of Samco style hosing, but it isnt cheap. If you can find a stainless steel supplier, you can buy "dairy" bends in various sizes, which you can cut and weld together. Superb quality full flow bends.
And despite its bad points, dont forget ebay for IC cores. There are some pretty cheap cores that will work perfectly well. The typical one is about 12" high, 24" wide with 3" pipes in and out of each side. ( core dimensions ).
They arent as good as some cores available, but Ive used them on cars making 500bhp, and Ive seen guys in the US using them on cars with a lot more. So they seem to work OK.
Do you want to buy new, or used ?
Cars like Skyline, Evo have prettty nice intercoolers as standard.
As you are using very low boost, you could also consider looking at some lorries/vans. eg Merc Sprinter, VW's LT range, Renault etc. Some of them do have pretty good size IC's and you might even get some useful plumbing too.
There are a multitide of suppliers of Samco style hosing, but it isnt cheap. If you can find a stainless steel supplier, you can buy "dairy" bends in various sizes, which you can cut and weld together. Superb quality full flow bends.
And despite its bad points, dont forget ebay for IC cores. There are some pretty cheap cores that will work perfectly well. The typical one is about 12" high, 24" wide with 3" pipes in and out of each side. ( core dimensions ).
They arent as good as some cores available, but Ive used them on cars making 500bhp, and Ive seen guys in the US using them on cars with a lot more. So they seem to work OK.
www.lyons-it.co.uk/photo/Intercoolers/index.html
That's an index of what you can get at scrapyards. Personally I like the idea of the non packed design usually seen on TDs.
That's an index of what you can get at scrapyards. Personally I like the idea of the non packed design usually seen on TDs.
also try here for a site almost dediacted to boosted BMW's.
http://boostedbimmers.invisionzone.com/index.php?act=idx
http://boostedbimmers.invisionzone.com/index.php?act=idx
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