Cooling Problems with Spearco FMIC Core?

[orangedsm]

I'm ready to do a custom FMIC setup. I know, I don't need it, but I want it, so I'm gonna get it. I see plenty of Spearco FMIC's on ebay for $300 and I know a guy who will do all my piping for $100.

The Spearco IC's they are selling are Bar and Plate core, does this cause and cooling problems vs a tube and fin core? I won't have the money yet for a new Radiator, so please let me know. The FMIC I am looking at is: 24.5x6x3 , not huge, but the biggest turbo I will get in the future is a Big 16g anyways.

Any info on these questions or input on install issues would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Bd1000Eclipse]

i hope you dont plan on using this on a stock turbo...

 

[orangedsm]

No it will be used on a Big 16G. I ordered the intercooler already, and as soon as my stuff on ebay sells I'll be buying the turbo and 550's.

Now back to my original question, will this intercooler cause any cooling problems? I figure not just because it has a fairly small footprint, but the 3" thickness worries me a little.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Bd1000Eclipse]

no, shouldnt cause any problems, air flows through it or over it to the radiator.. fitment might be a problem depending on the size of the intercooler.

 

[orangedsm]

24x6x3, actually it's the smallest one I could find made by Spearco.

 

[Bd1000Eclipse]

im looking to an intercooler for my 91 tsi, where are u getting it from, and how much, what about piping?

 

[orangedsm]

Getting the intercooler from a seller on ebay (say what you will, but I love ebay) for a great price and having the piping all fabricated by a friend's dad, he did my 3" exhaust turbo back for $145 w/ muffler (great quality too). But he will be doing all of the IC piping for about $75. If you live anywhere near Seattle, WA I can set you up.

 

[BoostinAWD]

I just picked me up a bar and plate intecooler off of ebay for $209

Core dimensions are 11.5 tall x 32.5 wide x 4 thick. You could probably find a better one for cheaper if you just keep your eyes open.

 

[orangedsm]

Well, call me a ricer if you will, but the looks of the intercooler were really important to me and I was being real picky about the intercooler size, shape, etc. 32" long just seems too long you wouldn't be able to see the endtanks. I want people to know I have an intercooler. So the one I bought was a Spearco 24" x 6" x 3" (says Spearco on the IC too, pretty cool if ya ask me) and I got it for $310. I like everything about it, and since temporarily I will be using it on the 14b I didn't want a HUGE intercooler.

 

[Awdboost]

There is a few things you can do to overcome the heat problem. But the best one is to get new fans or if you can cut a big hole out of your bumper but that only look good on 1997-99 eclipses. Also you can look into getting a 1990 oil cooler from the junk yard. Also you can upgrade you radiator. But I wouldn't worry abou it untill you see your car run hotter.

 

[KenTSIII]

Sorry.. but the FMIC cores listed on Ebay w/ the big "Spearco" spray painted on them... are not really spearco cores at all. Spearco doesn't make cores in the dimensions that are advertised. Are they worth $300.. prolly... just be aware that they are being mis advertised as spearcos. More than likely they are cut down garret or some sort of truck core... WD cost on just a bare core (no tanks) in those dimensions from spearco is more than $300.. just FYI.

 

[Unreal]

Anything in front of the radiator will cause the car to run hotter. I've never seen a DSM with a nice FMIC with a/c that could stay cool in the summer without taking other steps to get it to run cool.

$300 for IC, lets say $100 for end tanks, $100 for pipes, and $100 for couplers and t-bolts. Thats getting close to what you could have just bought a nice kit already.

 

[pballernh]

Originally posted by KenTSIII
Sorry.. but the FMIC cores listed on Ebay w/ the big "Spearco" spray painted on them... are not really spearco cores at all. Spearco doesn't make cores in the dimensions that are advertised. Are they worth $300.. prolly... just be aware that they are being mis advertised as spearcos. More than likely they are cut down garret or some sort of truck core... WD cost on just a bare core (no tanks) in those dimensions from spearco is more than $300.. just FYI.

The cores on ebay have been cut up and welded together to make diff sizes.

 

[pballernh]

BTW, over on mach v, a few people have purchased some of these cores and posted pics. They stated the cores looked awesome. The welds looked great and so didn't the endtanks and all.