NON-Intercooled Turbo

[The Foos]

Hey Folks,

I have a 1G AWD turbo and it has been running like crap at high throttle (more than 1/3 throttle)...also, if it gets above 5 psi or so, it runs like crap too...

I traced this problem to a giant intercooler leak (pressurized the intake system and found it)...

Unfortunately, I don't have the option to fix this right. I have one of two options: live with crappy high throttle drivablity and ####y foot it around OR bypass the intercooler (straight from the turbo to the intake) with a "Lowe's special"...

Obviously, I'm thinking about the Lowe's special...has anybody done this and with what kind of results...and yes, I know I will see a loss in power and the potential for detenation is higher...

I know those draw backs, so please, if all you have to offer is to tell me I'm a moron, don't bother to respond...If you have done this or dealt with this problem before, please let me know how much boost I can run, should I strictly use high octane pump gas, etc...

Thanks for any good advise in advance...

Scott

 

[boostvr4]

You can get used 1g intercoolers for under $30 at most junk yards (I've found a few). Also check dsmtrader. I wouldnt run without one. Maybe weld it?

 

[98spyderboost]

Well in theory, you will have a bit less power than if it were working correctly. It should work tho.

Any other input?

 

[The Foos]

My concern about sourcing a used intercooler is that it will most likely have holes in it as well...this is my second dsm, and I happen to have an extra intercooler in my shed...it has holes in it too, and has the outlet pipe corroded off...

So, I figure if I source another used one, I will be out more money and exactly back to where I am currently...

Thanks for the advise though...

 

[boostvr4]

You could always ask to have it pressure tested before you buy it. I wouldnt rig a dsm, there a pain in the ass as it is.

 

[half-cocked]

Have a welding shop cut the end tank off the leaking one and weld it on the one with a bad outlet. You might be ok with the 'Lowes special' right now if you turn your boost down (assuming you aren't running stock boost) because its winter. When it warms up you might start getting some knock from elevated intake air temps.

 

[Defiant]

I have a 1G AWD turbo and it has been running like crap at high throttle (more than 1/3 throttle)...also, if it gets above 5 psi or so, it runs like crap too...

I traced this problem to a giant intercooler leak (pressurized the intake system and found it)...

Unfortunately, I don't have the option to fix this right.

Maybe not completely "right", but it is the sort of repair that JB Weld is good at. If you have to bridge some space, use some fiberglass window screen as a matrix.

 

[99gst_racer]

I've seen many turbod' 420a's run without an intercooler, but they were only pushing 5 PSI. I would recommend running intercoolerless at stock (or higher) boost level. I'd either have your intercooler welded and repaired or I'd buy a new one. The chances that you get another intercooler with holes is slim. I'd recommend buying one off of eBay or here on the classifieds.