I have at the minute a radtec front mount intercooler and was wondering if it is too big for the turbo to spool up efficiently due to the compressed air having to fill up a bigger space. I might be way off here but thought I'd get peoples views / experiences.

 

Hi mate what size turbo do you run? and also what boost pressure?.

You are on the right lines by what you say.

I use the analogy of the straw and paper bag lol

Try and fill a paper bag up with a straw and it takes ages, blow it up
with your mouth and it takes less time.

Was told that by a respectable tuner

 

matt p

what u say is right, but it's not really in the context of intercooler size - more intercooler flow.

 

cheers mate

 

np.

if u think about it - an intercooler is a big ballon that needs filling before the engine can be (as it's before it). THis takes time, so this where a little extra lag can come from.

Now, imagine that intercooler made the air go through a difficult path to go through - this is the equivilant of your small straw. If you have a well designed intercooler, then it's like using your mouth lol.

The Most important design parameter of an intercooler is flow ability, followed by cooling ability.

 

I'm running a hybrid turbo (cosworth exhaust housing, 360 degree bearing, cosworth inlet and internals) at about 15psi.

 

Put a boost guage on your inlet manifold and one on the outlet of your turbo and then you will be able to see any difference in air pressure from one side of the cooler to the other. It will also give you a good idea of pressure drop across the intercooler.