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Bigger intercooler benefits?

Old 25-01-2017, 11:38 PM
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Wessa
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Default Bigger intercooler benefits?

Fella's,
So what would the benefit be going from a standard 2wd sapp cooler to the bigger 4x4 cooler?
Cheers.
Old 26-01-2017, 03:18 AM
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Mad_Mat
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A bigger intercooler will allow more boost as it will help keep the charge temps down. Even on a standard car keeping charge temps as low as possible is a good thing.
Old 26-01-2017, 08:22 AM
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The more efficient the cooler then the lower the intake temps and denser the charge. If you are running anything more than standard power then I think going bigger or more efficient than a 4x4 is important, especially when your climate will be hotter when its summer.

The RS500 had a much bigger cooler for a reason, Ford would not have put all that expense in just to make it look good.

I would look at the Airtec site and see what they offer and maybe monitor the intake temps. I believe you want to aim to keep under 50 degree C and the lower the better.

It was minus 2.5 degrees here yesterday and my intake temp was hovering around 10 C, when I pushed on in low boost (around 400bhp) it was going up to 20 and sometimes 30C, then in high boost I peaked at 45C. This is on a massive 100mm thick Airtec which has a scoop at the bottom and the whole front of my car is sealed to force air through the cooler and then the bonnet is lifted at the rear to let the air out.

I hope this helps.
Old 26-01-2017, 01:45 PM
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cossie2
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dont forget that bigger cooler makes more lag..so adjustments will be needed..
Old 26-01-2017, 08:03 PM
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Wessa
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Originally Posted by Mad_Mat
A bigger intercooler will allow more boost as it will help keep the charge temps down. Even on a standard car keeping charge temps as low as possible is a good thing.
Thanks Mat, im all for more boost
Originally Posted by Caddyshack
The more efficient the cooler then the lower the intake temps and denser the charge. If you are running anything more than standard power then I think going bigger or more efficient than a 4x4 is important, especially when your climate will be hotter when its summer.
The RS500 had a much bigger cooler for a reason, Ford would not have put all that expense in just to make it look good.
I would look at the Airtec site and see what they offer and maybe monitor the intake temps. I believe you want to aim to keep under 50 degree C and the lower the better.
It was minus 2.5 degrees here yesterday and my intake temp was hovering around 10 C, when I pushed on in low boost (around 400bhp) it was going up to 20 and sometimes 30C, then in high boost I peaked at 45C. This is on a massive 100mm thick Airtec which has a scoop at the bottom and the whole front of my car is sealed to force air through the cooler and then the bonnet is lifted at the rear to let the air out.
I hope this helps.
Thanks mate, yeah, does help. I wouldn't have a clue how to intall an intake temp gauge. Oil and plugs about my limit.
Originally Posted by cossie2
dont forget that bigger cooler makes more lag..so adjustments will be needed..
What do i adjust Cossie? is this something i can do or so i need a specialist etc?
Cheers.

I have a good second hand 4x4 sitting in my pile. The small port on the top of the cooler may be a problem as the standard is bend for clearence of the bonnet and the 4x4 is not.



Thanks again Fella's

Last edited by Wessa; 26-01-2017 at 08:05 PM.
Old 27-01-2017, 11:57 AM
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I really wouldn't bother with the 4x4 one, get an after market one in there if you want to improve it.
Old 27-01-2017, 12:25 PM
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I've got an airtec rs500 style one on my stage 3 saph. Fitted in with no mods and works a treat. Running 26psi of boost no probs
Old 29-01-2017, 08:33 PM
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An RS500 style intercooler would be far better than the 4X4 one. In your hotter climate its important to keep the engine and intake temperatures as low as possible. I have also fitted an aftermarket more efficient alloy radiator plus a turbo pre cooler. If you want to increase the boost (mine is 2bar ) you need to do the other things as well.They should be a fit and forget without increasing turbo lag or need for other mods/adjustments.


We have spoken about this before and as I said once you start down the road of looking for more power be prepared for spending quite a lot of money.
Bit difficult to see but alloy rad in front, RS 500 intercooler next and pre-turbo cooler on top of them.
Old 31-01-2017, 09:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Wessa
Fella's,
So what would the benefit be going from a standard 2wd sapp cooler to the bigger 4x4 cooler?
Cheers.
Probably not much - it depends what sort of power and usage the car gets.
If running above stage 1 and hard usage get an RS500 style cooler.
Would not bother installing a std. 4x4 cooler to replace a 2wd cooler.

For those commenting on climate - this is New Zealand - not Australia....
Old 01-02-2017, 08:21 AM
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Hotter climate!! That's a joke. Been in NZ almost two weeks now and have only seen the sun on two or three occasions!!!
In Dunedin at the moment and it's distinctly nippy
Old 01-02-2017, 09:43 PM
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Originally Posted by bigdel
Hotter climate!! That's a joke. Been in NZ almost two weeks now and have only seen the sun on two or three occasions!!!
In Dunedin at the moment and it's distinctly nippy
It is supposed to be high Summer there, thought it could get quite hot!!!!
Old 02-02-2017, 01:30 AM
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I see wessa is based in Christchurch and as you will see from the link below it had a high of 36.1 degrees in December, and our hottest month is not until February. Has been at least 40 in the past. perhaps its a bit chilly at the moment just to annoy bigdel for his holidays. I know when I go camping up north at Xmas it always rains and when I get back to work mid January, its hot as hell.
David

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/new...-high-of-36-1C
Old 02-02-2017, 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by cossynut2
It is supposed to be high Summer there, thought it could get quite hot!!!!
New Zealand has a similar climate to the UK, but normally with better weather!
Old 02-02-2017, 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Heitmann
Probably not much - it depends what sort of power and usage the car gets.
If running above stage 1 and hard usage get an RS500 style cooler.
Would not bother installing a std. 4x4 cooler to replace a 2wd cooler.
For those commenting on climate - this is New Zealand - not Australia....
Thanks mate, don't think i will bother then
Originally Posted by bigdel
Hotter climate!! That's a joke. Been in NZ almost two weeks now and have only seen the sun on two or three occasions!!!
In Dunedin at the moment and it's distinctly nippy
Dunners is always like that

Originally Posted by 4x4kiwi
I see wessa is based in Christchurch and as you will see from the link below it had a high of 36.1 degrees in December, and our hottest month is not until February. Has been at least 40 in the past. perhaps its a bit chilly at the moment just to annoy bigdel for his holidays. I know when I go camping up north at Xmas it always rains and when I get back to work mid January, its hot as hell.
David

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/new...-high-of-36-1C
Originally Posted by Guinnless
New Zealand has a similar climate to the UK, but normally with better weather!

Yeah, thats about right. Should be warming up around now. Xmas this year was a bit on and off up in the Sounds for us.


I'd agree with Guinnless, its alot like the UK weather except when its cold, its colder than the UK and when its hot its hotter here. Clear skys nearly every day here too. The sun is pretty strong here so when its out even on a winters day you can still get burnt


Cossynut2, im with you on the route to emptying the pockets.. Im not going to start that shit..


Cheers Fella's.
Old 02-02-2017, 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by 4x4kiwi
I see wessa is based in Christchurch and as you will see from the link below it had a high of 36.1 degrees in December, and our hottest month is not until February. Has been at least 40 in the past. perhaps its a bit chilly at the moment just to annoy bigdel for his holidays. I know when I go camping up north at Xmas it always rains and when I get back to work mid January, its hot as hell.
David

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/new...-high-of-36-1C
That was why I mentioned the hotter climate in my thread.
Old 03-02-2017, 05:38 AM
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I was running standard 4x4 cooler with T3 @ 19 PSI and switched to Airtec 60 mm RS500 IC and didn't really notice any difference powerwise. Std 4x4 cooler is pretty decent at that level but uprated intercooler is always a good thing to keep inlet temps down. With high boost it's a necessary thing to fit bigger intercooler.
Old 03-02-2017, 01:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Wessa
Thanks Mat, im all for more boost

Thanks mate, yeah, does help. I wouldn't have a clue how to intall an intake temp gauge. Oil and plugs about my limit.

What do i adjust Cossie? is this something i can do or so i need a specialist etc?
Cheers.

I have a good second hand 4x4 sitting in my pile. The small port on the top of the cooler may be a problem as the standard is bend for clearence of the bonnet and the 4x4 is not.



Thanks again Fella's
A engine monitor, such as SECS, Collins etc tells you, it simply uses the ACT sensor.

You won't have to make any adjustments, as your merely lowering charge temp.

Martin
Old 05-02-2017, 10:28 AM
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forgot to reply...after fitting mine it was a bit laggy so went for additional map set up and than it was much better..although on full rpm it was much better..mid range rpm was not so good like on the oe one without mape set up...
Old 05-02-2017, 10:29 AM
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meant to say without map set up..
Old 14-02-2017, 09:57 AM
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Is anyone aware of any testing done on the differences between the 100mm airtec top feed intercooler and the the spec r version of the same shape cooler?
Is the difference in efficiency between the two make the spec r one a considerably better cooler?

Cheers Paul
Old 14-02-2017, 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by turbotrev
Is anyone aware of any testing done on the differences between the 100mm airtec top feed intercooler and the the spec r version of the same shape cooler?
Is the difference in efficiency between the two make the spec r one a considerably better cooler?

Cheers Paul
I believe that due to the materials and the core type the Spec R one is much better.

I have the 100mm airtec and my peak Air Charge temps used to be 50+ degrees on the RS500 style one, they have now dropped to a peak of around 40 degrees but generally seem to rarely go much over the high 20's and early 30s unless I am really spanking it on high boost and on a warm day. I have also put some rubber on each side of the bumper to force air through the core.

I still think the spec R would be an improvement but you need to agree a firm delivery date with him and ask if they are on the shelf or when expected.

Spec R can do a lot of bespoke stuff for you.

My Airtec arrived really well packaged but had a dent on one of the top feeds, it came out easily but I was annoyed as it MUST have been packaged like it, there was no evidence on the box and the bubble wrap type stuff was brilliant.
Old 14-02-2017, 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by turbotrev
Is anyone aware of any testing done on the differences between the 100mm airtec top feed intercooler and the the spec r version of the same shape cooler?
Is the difference in efficiency between the two make the spec r one a considerably better cooler?

Cheers Paul
Do some reading on core type used and you will see why the spec r stuff is better.

Mark
Old 14-02-2017, 11:33 AM
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The garret bar and plate is the core that you want as I understand it.
Old 14-02-2017, 01:19 PM
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Cheers guys, I do take peoples word for it that the spec r is better, but my question is by how much?

Is the effiecncy of the spec r one that much better to warrent extra cost?

And allthough it is better is the airtec one still more than upto the job? Even on a big hp yb?

Cheers Paul
Old 14-02-2017, 02:01 PM
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For me its simples a balance between requirements, price, performance.

A better efficency and flowing intercooler is better period and I think we all know the spec r is the best available, but is it worth it considering the cost and your requirements?
Thats the question we all ask ourselves and only you can judge.

For me I have an airtec 70mm cooler because for my stage 3 and a bit it does what I need at a price point that worked for me.
I Can not speak for the others but the Airtec is certainly well put together but it does seem very heavy and weight is the root of all evil for performance cars..

lots of Intercooler choice available good luck choosing.

Last edited by Mad_Mat; 14-02-2017 at 02:12 PM.
Old 14-02-2017, 03:50 PM
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I would be perfectly happy with my airtec 100 at 500bhp, anything more than that I would work on the advice of my mapper but as air temp is critical on big power turbo cars you can bet that the Ł700-Ł800 extra cost is a wise precaution...after all a 600 bhp by is not a cheap piece of engine sitting in the car, same as you wouldn't run it on Tesco value fuel.

I know that when Mark does my alloy block stroker he will make me get the spec r and I wouldn't want to risk a Ł4.5 k block (Ł10k plus) engine on anything less than the best.

If budget restricts the the airtec 100 is one of the better coolers for reasonable budget IMO.
Old 14-02-2017, 06:51 PM
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Originally Posted by turbotrev
Cheers guys, I do take peoples word for it that the spec r is better, but my question is by how much?

Is the effiecncy of the spec r one that much better to warrent extra cost?

And allthough it is better is the airtec one still more than upto the job? Even on a big hp yb?

Cheers Paul

tbh on a road car airtec is a wise choice imo from what I have seen is the airtec is a bit slower to recover than the spec r so with the extra 600 quid and the pain of the wait it's not worth the grief for the spec r so in real terms by the airtec lol

sorry for the confusion

Last edited by Jay,; 14-02-2017 at 07:09 PM.
Old 14-02-2017, 06:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Jay,
tbh on a road car airtec as imo from what I have seen is the airtec is a bit slower to recover so with the extra 600 quid and the pain of the wait it's not worth the grief
That is Fukin hard to read, Jay...wot u sayin?
Old 14-02-2017, 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Caddyshack
That is Fukin hard to read, Jay...wot u sayin?
Think Master Yoda would be proud
Old 14-02-2017, 07:10 PM
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Edited it lol but just buy the airtec lol
Old 14-02-2017, 07:14 PM
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Oh, that is better, I just killed my cat and ordered an rs500 replica based on what I thought you had posted.
Old 14-02-2017, 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Caddyshack
Oh, that is better, I just killed my cat and ordered an rs500 replica based on what I thought you had posted.

ordered a rs 500 replica ! That's a bit far mate
Old 14-02-2017, 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Jay,
ordered a rs 500 replica ! That's a bit far mate
Lol, I was confused and do whatever you say.......still getting used to shaving all the hair off my head and wearing women's underwear but I think you said that was our little secret?
Old 14-02-2017, 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by Caddyshack
Lol, I was confused and do whatever you say.......still getting used to shaving all the hair off my head and wearing women's underwear but I think you said that was our little secret?

and for fucks sake donthe wear the 24 hrs gurdel for 48 hrs as you you end up with a sprain

Last edited by Jay,; 14-02-2017 at 07:49 PM.
Old 14-02-2017, 07:36 PM
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--
Originally Posted by Jay,
and for fucks sake dont wear the 24 hrs gurdel for 48 hrs as you you end up with a sprain

Last edited by Jay,; 14-02-2017 at 07:49 PM.
Old 14-02-2017, 08:07 PM
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I've got a Pro alloy cooler whats people's thoughts on them?
Old 14-02-2017, 08:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Adam-M
I've got a Pro alloy cooler whats people's thoughts on them?
Gay.
Old 14-02-2017, 08:10 PM
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There ok upto about 450
Old 14-02-2017, 08:18 PM
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Originally Posted by Caddyshack
Gay.
Because mark doesn't recommend them
Old 14-02-2017, 08:25 PM
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One of the Ford mags did a Intercooler group test a few years back and from what I remember the Pro-alloy came out top and the Airtec came 2nd. But that was before the days of these super doopa 100mm top feed mega coolers we can get now.

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