Vortech YSI AfterCooler vs. Front Mount Intercooler?
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 36
From: Eaton, Colorado
Vortech YSI AfterCooler vs. Front Mount Intercooler? FMIC vs Vortech aftercooler?
I know many people including myself that have had the 2.5 inch inlet side cut off and replaced with a 3 inch inlet pipe, on the Vortech Aftercooler. Supposedly this will help create 1-2 pounds more boost but I have actually never seen a dyno comparison between the too. However I wanted to know if this is a losing battle and a front mount would be the best way to go?
I saw Pro Stock John back in the day ran a ysi kit with a Front mount and was seeing 22lbs I know that also has to do with cam and other things, but i wanted to know how restrictive the vortech aftercooler is and how is it affecting my performance.
I know that there are people out there that are making good numbers with the aftercooler on such as Eric 2002 Trans Am Bright Orange that was in GMHTP who lives by me.
he put down 916RWHP with 12 PSI and a 150 wet Shot 2-20-10
But that is only 12psi, I myself am struggling with getting my boost up. My cam isn't the problem either.
Here is the link to GM High Tech
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...ws6/index.html
I know many people including myself that have had the 2.5 inch inlet side cut off and replaced with a 3 inch inlet pipe, on the Vortech Aftercooler. Supposedly this will help create 1-2 pounds more boost but I have actually never seen a dyno comparison between the too. However I wanted to know if this is a losing battle and a front mount would be the best way to go?
I saw Pro Stock John back in the day ran a ysi kit with a Front mount and was seeing 22lbs I know that also has to do with cam and other things, but i wanted to know how restrictive the vortech aftercooler is and how is it affecting my performance.
I know that there are people out there that are making good numbers with the aftercooler on such as Eric 2002 Trans Am Bright Orange that was in GMHTP who lives by me.
he put down 916RWHP with 12 PSI and a 150 wet Shot 2-20-10
But that is only 12psi, I myself am struggling with getting my boost up. My cam isn't the problem either.
Here is the link to GM High Tech
http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...ws6/index.html
Last edited by 99Ls1fever; Apr 3, 2010 at 03:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 36
From: Eaton, Colorado
Yeah, I know Mike down at RMCR. And I know Eric with the Orange Trans Am.
I already have the 3 inch inlet on my Vortech setup. I was just woundering the gain or gains someone has made with the FMIC?
PRO STOCK JOHN, I need your knowledge!!!!
I already have the 3 inch inlet on my Vortech setup. I was just woundering the gain or gains someone has made with the FMIC?
PRO STOCK JOHN, I need your knowledge!!!!
9 Second Club
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 13,616
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From: Norn Iron
Maybe because its a dumb question.
Changing the pipe sizes or cooler will make virtually no difference to bosot seen at the engine.
I would doubt that even the stock aftercooler was so restrictive, that removing it would make a big difference.
If you want more boost, spin the blower faster. Its as simple as that really ( assuming your belt isnt slipping at present
Upgrading the stock Vortech cooler to a large FMIC, will help as it will likely cool better and in general be more efficient.
Also the Nitrous will obviously help your friends numbers. Although a figure of around 760rwhp at 12psi does sound a little optimistic. But then, I take all dyno numbers with a pinch of salt.
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Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Eaton, Colorado
Well Thanks for the brute honesty there. The question was a legit question I had and I wanted to know the differance between the too, Or I wouldnt have asked the question. 
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i know how hot IAT's used to get after a few street races with a g-trim and the aftercooler, so i would say you're better off with a FMIC. also, its not really the piping size thats the problem, its the core. easiest thing to do would be tap the discharge pipe before the aftercooler and see what kind of boost you have there. if the difference is significant, then you know it needs to go
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Cincinnati, Ohio
I have ran a FMIC (3" & 4" ebay) and currently run a modified 3" intake aftercooler with a Cobra water pump, 5 gal ice/water tank and a 12 x 24" heat exchanger w/dual thermostatically controlled fans. I can't give you any kind of direct dyno comparison but feel it is not worth switching to a FMIC for a power gain unless your talking 1k + power. It is simpler and the water can't heat soak like the aftercooler and it's lighter. I switched back to the aftercooler for more performance, I see a little more boost + can ice down the water which is a nice option racing during the summer.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Yea, the vortech aftercooler core is on the small side for the hp numbers you're talking. A larger cooler might be in order, though I prefer to stick with water/air. Bell makes some outstanding large units at a reasonable price.
Mike
Mike
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,822
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From: Eaton, Colorado
i know how hot IAT's used to get after a few street races with a g-trim and the aftercooler, so i would say you're better off with a FMIC. also, its not really the piping size thats the problem, its the core. easiest thing to do would be tap the discharge pipe before the aftercooler and see what kind of boost you have there. if the difference is significant, then you know it needs to go
I have ran a FMIC (3" & 4" ebay) and currently run a modified 3" intake aftercooler with a Cobra water pump, 5 gal ice/water tank and a 12 x 24" heat exchanger w/dual thermostatically controlled fans. I can't give you any kind of direct dyno comparison but feel it is not worth switching to a FMIC for a power gain unless your talking 1k + power. It is simpler and the water can't heat soak like the aftercooler and it's lighter. I switched back to the aftercooler for more performance, I see a little more boost + can ice down the water which is a nice option racing during the summer.
. What was your differance in performace when you switched back to the aftercooler? better et's? or more boost?
I also have had the same question in the back of my head since I got this setup built. I have also talked with mike at RMCR to do the aftercooler inlet mod. So far my iat's run very hot and my V1 is under cfm'ed for my engine. I am occasionally browsing for a used ysi. Good part about the aftercooler is no mods to the car itself just bolt on and go.
