Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers

Do I need to intercool?

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Old Aug 30, 2009 | 08:09 PM
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Default Do I need to intercool?

im gonna be running a bone stock 5.3 with an mp t70.

I have a Snow performance stage 2 kit with dual nozzles.

Im planning to start out around 8psi boost but go up to 15psi

I believe stock 5.3s have around 9.5:1 compression ratio

so
can I get by without an intercooler?
and do I want to run 50/50 meth/water, or go straight meth?
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Old Aug 30, 2009 | 08:44 PM
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intercooler = yes.

50/50. or -32 windshield washer fluid. If you mix, make sure you stay consistent.
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Old Aug 30, 2009 | 10:25 PM
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You can run an intercooler so cheap and easy I cant come up with a reason why anyone wouldnt...
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Old Aug 30, 2009 | 10:55 PM
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IC is the cake, meth is the frosting. Deal with the cake first.

Jim
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Old Aug 31, 2009 | 04:43 AM
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I agree, do the intercooler. We don't run anything less than 100% methanol, we've seen on our dyno that less than 100% puts the spark out, and reduces horsepower. Bob
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Old Aug 31, 2009 | 07:10 AM
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Yes you do.
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Old Aug 31, 2009 | 03:33 PM
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100% meth dont mixs. Start the meth at 1 -2 psi. I would still do the intercooler

But if you have high GPH nozzles and a good pump. and no room for intercooler you could get away with out it .
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Old Aug 31, 2009 | 03:47 PM
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I am also running straight Meth. Well 99.9% per the container. Also the intercooler does help.
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Old Aug 31, 2009 | 10:00 PM
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thanks guys. I think youve scared me into putting an intercooler on my build sheet.

what is a good one, inexpensive one for my needs (t70) that will cool enough without too much pressure drop?
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Old Sep 1, 2009 | 08:07 AM
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Default Intercooler

pm me, I have a brand new one that I will be selling...
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Old Sep 4, 2009 | 04:55 PM
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Run an intercooler, shoot, even an ebay cooler with a 4" core.
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Old Sep 7, 2009 | 12:42 PM
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guys, where can I get an education on intercooler sizing and type, etc for my needs?

I heard bar and plate is better and I also heard to want the inlet outlet on the long side vs the short side, but all the ones I see on ebay are tiny.

if I get short side entry exit , will a bar and plate 24x12x3 be enough?
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Old Sep 7, 2009 | 08:18 PM
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I run a 12x24x4 bar and plate ebay intercooler. It works great I would get a 4" core intercooler.
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Old Sep 7, 2009 | 10:44 PM
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Originally Posted by dschmittie1
I run a 12x24x4 bar and plate ebay intercooler. It works great I would get a 4" core intercooler.
thanks buddy. I think I'll try that.
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Old Sep 9, 2009 | 11:01 PM
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ok, here is my developing dilemma.

Im reading that the intercooler is not needed at low boost pressures. Im also reading that the ubiquitous ebay 31x12x3 flows 700cfm(I cant fit the 4" model). at higher pressures, where an intercooler is needed my cfm needs are 864

Im wondering what actually happens to those 164 cfm and if I would be better of going without the intercooler and throwing a bunch of meth at it

Last edited by 71 chevy; Sep 9, 2009 at 11:12 PM.
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Old Sep 9, 2009 | 11:53 PM
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you don't want to rely on only meth. If the nozzle clogs or the tank runs out you're screwed. My friend melted 3 of his pistons because he was running 7psi and the meth tank ran out during a hard run
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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 12:50 AM
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Im reading that the intercooler is not needed at low boost pressures. Im also reading that the ubiquitous ebay 31x12x3 flows 700cfm(I cant fit the 4" model). at higher pressures, where an intercooler is needed my cfm needs are 864
It will flow 864 but at a higher pressure drop than you would want. That is an IC with not that many cross channels, maybe 18 or so, so it has a lower hot air flow area than an IC with the tanks on the top and bottom, like mine:



Even though the core measures 23"Wx6"Tx4.5" deep, it has 36 vertical channels for hot air and has a cfm of 2074. The same dimension core from the same company (Bell) that has side-to-side channels flows only in the mid-700 range with the same pressure drop.

Jim
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