intercooler conversion

[pacn91]

This maybe one of those dumb ideas, but i started to wonder. Can or should a factory intercooler pass fluid. I mean, can a factory intercooler be modified and converted to be used as a transmission cooler?

 

[91-GS]

The intercooler might not be able to hold the pressure. An easy way to test would be to cap one pipe of it and fill it with water from a garden hose. Obviously water would have to be under pressure, so you will have to make a cap that has a fitting for the hose to screw into. Can also use a pressure washer and pump 'er till she blows, measuring the pressure. Compare that pressure to pressure rating of the oil hoses that go to/from the cooler to know if it will hold. Don't use air because you might get hurt when/if it blows up.

Even if it does hold it might not work well as an oil cooler. Sure it might look like one, but since the tubes were meant for air, they are quite large when compared to an oil cooler, therefore not near as efficient. To test for efficiency simply fill the I/C and an oil cooler with boiling water and see what cools down to room temperature faster.

Not saying there is absolutely no way it will work, just saying it might not work as well as something made for cooling oil. A better solution would be to find an oil cooler and mount it where the I/C used to be, if you don't want to have one in the front of car.

 

[pacn91]

good points. I considered the pressure thing and the fluid. I didnt think about the testing yet. I did notice the difference in design as compared to a real tranny cooler. But, I was still curious and i had to ask

 

[91-GS]

Here's some more food for thought: You can build a box big enough to fit the I/C into and install it on the car so now you have two intercoolers. One is the front mount, the other is the 'chiller'. That way when you are at the track, simply fill the box with ice and some water, sprinkle salt on it, and your engine will be getting really nice cold air. Box would have to be small, but should be enough to last few passes. In case you are wondering, salt will make ice melt and get even colder.

 

[CODE4]

This maybe one of those dumb ideas, but i started to wonder. Can or should a factory intercooler pass fluid. I mean, can a factory intercooler be modified and converted to be used as a transmission cooler?

Don't you think that is a little overboard on fluid volume for a trans cooler?

 

[EVO9_Inside]

i bought my b&m oil cooler kit with fittings for 125. seems silly to try to rig something up.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

IF the OP were to build a "chiller" box, it would have to contain the melting ice/water/salt or the guys at your local track will be all over you for leaking fluid. Just food for thought. I also wondered if you could use a stock intercooler for a secondary radiator to keep the engine cooler. Any thoughts on that and I don't mean to highjack a thread.