S/S vs T/B IC

[E85]

Hi, I'm a n0ob so I can't post in the performance/tech forum yet...

Anyway, I need a new IC and I have to choose between a S/S or T/B IC.
I understand that S/S gives better cooling and T/B gives better flow.
Of course I want the best of both worlds but there is a catch.
I need the Connections to be on the same side.

Thus the question is how does a S/S IC that doubles back on itself compare to the T/B IC? (Flow in through the top half, Make a U-turn at the other end and flow out through the bottom half)

This will take things to the extreme making it a VERY long IC.
Of course I'll go with a bar/plate IC, there really is no other way.

To minimize flow restriction I'll need the best flowing IC on the planet.
Which brand gives best flow? Least pressure drop...

Opt #2 the T/B IC:
To get enough cooling I'll accept a core with a slightly higher resistance.
Wchich brand will give great cooling without to much flow restriction?

Given these options, how will they compare?
Which core from what brand should I choose?

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

I have the Greddy T/B flow intercooler that enters and exits on the same side and I have had no issue's with it. Even here in Arizona I was seeing very nice intake temps. Only reason I use it is because I'm using a T28 so it makes for easier and rather short piping. Just a 180 and its right there. An I'm still running the stock location UICP and all of the are heatwrapped. Just something I do. What brands were you looking at? What mods? What gen car? Would help a lot if you would fill out your profile please.

 

[JayRolla]

Either or have been proven to work just fine. I like the S/S design better for flow, and the T/B design for easier fitment. All madders what you want really. Both will work great.

 

[No_Skillz]

I've never heard of a S/S IC that doubles back on itself and I don't think it'd be practical. If you think about it, it's the same cooling area as a T/B IC but the flow would be crap since the air has to make a 180* turn in the system.

 

[GVR4592]

Top to bottom has the potential to flow better but distributing air to all parts of the core is very difficult. It requires custom tanks with baffles to distribute the flow evenly.

Here's a good article that might help with your decision:

http://www.are.com.au/techtalk/intecoolersMR.htm

 

[E85]

Thnx.
I've been looking at the Spearco 2-115 core.
Do you have any other suggestions? I want a Bar/plate IC...

 

[VelocitàPaola]

I've never heard of a S/S IC that doubles back on itself and I don't think it'd be practical. If you think about it, it's the same cooling area as a T/B IC but the flow would be crap since the air has to make a 180* turn in the system.

I have a S/S IC with the inlet and outlet on the same side. It's the Hahn Big FMIC. They did considerable research on the subject, and it supposedly outlflows quite a few other brand name ICs.

 

[MyBeatGSX]

It would seem like a S/S flow with inlet and exit on the same side would have the worst flow possible. You have the already smaller flow area of a S/S (compared to T/B), and now you have it cut in half.

So a 8" tall same side S/S IC would only flow as good as a 4" standard S/S, plus the extra restriction from the 180* turn at the end. I've seen other styles that let the air flow through the full 8" and then bring it back through a very thin separate passage along the top of the IC with no fins in it, but it still has to make a 180* turn.

T/B supposed flows the best because obviously it gives you the largest surface area to distribute the flow, but like GVR4 said, then you run into distribution problems.

I still think a standard S/S is the best of both worlds. You can get a taller one >8" that will flow well and still have good distribution and the air blows straight across, no need to make a turn.

 

[VelocitàPaola]

So a 8" tall same side S/S IC would only flow as good as a 4" standard S/S, plus the extra restriction from the 180* turn at the end. I've seen other styles that let the air flow through the full 8" and then bring it back through a very thin separate passage along the top of the IC with no fins in it, but it still has to make a 180* turn.

This is similar to Hahn's design, only they have a built-in return passage with a cross-sectional area equal to that of about a 2.5" pipe. So, no restrictions there...

Plus, I think you guys are making too big of a deal out of a 180* bend. If you think about it in terms of total bends in the IC piping system, there is almost always more than 540* or even 720* of bends total. Plus in this IC pipe, the flow radius is very wide... it isn't some tight 180* bend.

For the 420A it was pretty much the only choice, since the PS/AC/etc. takes up most all the space on the passenger's side of the engine bay. The unit is designed to be reversed for the 4G63 setup too, though.

I'd think you guys would like it since it would make piping less complicated and closer to the route the SMIC piping took.

Take a look for yourselves:
http://www.hahnracecraft.com/hahn/parts/intercool.htm

 

[MyBeatGSX]

Plus, I think you guys are making too big of a deal out of a 180* bend. If you think about it in terms of total bends in the IC piping system, there is almost always more than 540* or even 720* of bends total. Plus in this IC pipe, the flow radius is very wide... it isn't some tight 180* bend.

That's a good point. A 14b/16g J-pipe designed for a frount mount is a far sharper and less progressive bend than that end tank.

 

[E85]

I like the openmindedness of Hahn, dare to go a different route.
But then again, which one is the better solution...?

 

[GVR4592]

I like the openmindedness of Hahn, dare to go a different route.
But then again, which one is the better solution...?

What kind of vehicle is this going on?

 

[E85]

After much consideration I decided scrap the idea all togeather and run with a Water/Air intercooler insted.
It solves one problem but at the same time gives rise to 2 new ones.

I started a new AWAIC thread...