Intercooler flow numbers

[Mitchel63]

I have always assumed that the more CFM, the better, but last night I was checking out some FMIC's and came up with a few questions. Basically, how much flow do you REALLY need? The AHP stage 2 FMIC has a Spearco core with a flowrate of 760 CFM....they say it will support 400+ horsepower. Is this true??? Assuming that it is, why are so many people buying the Victory Performance FMIC that flows over 1300 CFM? Wouldn't extreme underuse of your intercooler create lag? It seems like it would take a HUGE turbo to fully utilize the VP FMIC. There is a chart in the intercooler section at www.hahnracecraft.com that also makes me wonder. It says a flow rate of 572 CFm will support 400 HP and 858 CFm will support 600 HP. I guess I just don't understand all of these HUGE intercoolers on street cars. So would something like the AHP intercooler with a flow rate of 760 CFM be plenty for a guy with goals of 350-400 HP?

 

[larryd]

I dont thnik the amount of CFM being to high would create a lag issue. Lag actually happens when the intercooler size itself is to big, like putting a big fmic on a T25. Even then you can crank up the boost and make use of the intercooler.

 

[SpoolinV8killa]

I know Im being getto... but i have 3 92+ supra intercooler cores that I am putting together. Is this a bad idea. I dont know how pressure drop would affect this or how well it will flow. Its gonna be extremely large intercooler. Im using a 60-1 and nitrous aswell. The motor has je 9:1s and crower rods... crower head package. VPC-GCC... I ran out of money for the intercooler.

Do you think this intercooler set up is a bad idea or good idea?

thanks for your input

 

[Kevin Jewer]

You would have to put them in parrallel to avoid ridiculous pressure drop. It still may suck. And I am not quite sure how you are going to fit an IC that is roughly 30x10x SIX inches thick I would save up and at the very least buy the core/tanks, and cut cost by making your own piping setup.

 

[Irks]

Triple supra I/Cs are way too big IMO. Dejontool puts together 3 stock 1st gen I/Cs, which fill up the front mount area. Supra I/Cs, being nearly twice as big, and much thicker, will cut air flow to the radiator signifigantly, and are probably way too big unless you're trying to run something like a T88 only at the strip...

 

[Mitchel63]

Originally posted by larryd
I dont thnik the amount of CFM being to high would create a lag issue. Lag actually happens when the intercooler size itself is to big, like putting a big fmic on a T25. Even then you can crank up the boost and make use of the intercooler.

But no matter what turbo you have, if you are not flowing enough air as the intercooler was made to handle....it would create lag. Who is actually flowing 1300CFM, like the Victory Perfomance FMIC was designed to do? And why would you want to go THAT big if a flow rate of 800 and some can support 600HP????

 

[Mitchel63]

Also, wouldn't intercooler size be in direct corelation to CFM?

 

[Kevin Jewer]

Size isnt everything. You have to also consider what type it is, bar and plate, tube and fine, etc. How many rows, and what diamter, etc. The capacity and design of the end tanks... You are better off with too much flow than too little. When I first installed the VP IC, It seemed that lag had gone up a bit. But I still get 25 psi by ~3600 rpm like I did before.

 

[Black_90TSI]

I am "planning" on putting a green on my car. I already have a RRE FMIC. Am I going to have to get a bigger FMIC to support the turbo. thx

 

[AWDGSXownsU]

i have a friend with 2 stock side mount ic welded together to make his bomb diggetty FMIC. its pruven too. runs mid 12's all day long. you can check it out at www.sddsm.org go under cars and then click on sean cook's car. there is a pic of his "ghetto fabed" fmic.

Manny
92 GSX

 

[Trbogrl]

Just so you know, I ordered my full exhaust and a stage 2 IC from AHP and it took more than 3 months to get to me. Also, he doesnt give you the good t bolt clamps and the reducer connector he gave me proceeded to melt and create a massive boost leak because it gets too hot right next to the manifold. So if you want that IC any time soon, I wouldn't order from him.

 

[Big Woo]

Amen trbogrl I to ordered a FMIC from AHP in April of 2002 I received it sept 28 2002. Had to get the BBB involved to get my IC. A freind of mine who ordered at the same time as I did is still waiting. He is no crook, but he does take his time. I have no complaints on the connector or clamps I got though.