Intercooler Matching

[TeeWX98GST]

I'm going to be running an EVO 16g in the near future and I was wondering what core would be best, or if the stock SMIC can keep up, I'm not sure on boost I was thinking like 18-20 range (I want to make around 350+ streetable whp), anyways how closely does a core size have to be matched with the turbo? Like a huge core on a small turbo will cause alot more lag right? And a small core just wont cool enough. Just looking for opinions on what to run? I was looking at the SBR 24x12x3.5 FMIC kit and was starting to wonder if itd be "too much". Also does polishing your piping/core do anything more than improve looks? Thanks

 

[imagine3163]

The stock side mount will not keep up and will get heat soaked pretty easily. You could also look into a better sidemount. Dejon Powerhouse sells their Super Big side-mount rated at 400 hp which is a direct replacement for the stock sidemount...meaning no extra piping!

DEJON | Powerhouse

 

[2gGSX]

I currently have their "SUPER BIG Side mount Intercooler" on my car and it should be more than enough for a typical 300-350 whp setup IMO.

As far as a big intercooler being mismatched for a smaller turbo, there's no such thing. People are running huge FMICs on T25's and doing fine. If there IS in fact any affect on spool, it's certainly not going to be noticeable.

Polishing is purely for the bling.

 

[CTP]

I lost about 200-300rpm of spool time when going from the stock sidemount to a 28x12x3. The decrease in transient response was just enough to be noticable. I wouldn't worry about it though. The benefits far outweigh the extra lag and you're really going to need a good intercooler if you want to make "350+whp" on a E16g. And just an FYI, you're going to need A LOT more than 18-20psi to make anywhere near that power. You'll be lucky to crack 270whp at 20psi on stock cams.

 

[DSMunknown]

^ Agreed, but upgraded camshafts will uncover the true potential of this turbo.

 

[TeeWX98GST]

As for cams I was thinking about hks 272's, and i have a 2g 7 bolt head sitting in my garage with everything in it and I was wondering how much i could port and polish/build that one or if id be better off just to get a 1g 7 bolt head out of a junkyard or something and do the same.

 

[cturok7]

I really like your approach. I think that your car will turn out really nice by the way you talk about your approach.
It depends if you want that "burst" 300rpm later. Personally, I like it to be ASAP. And yes, cams are a good idea.