Forced Induction Superchargers | Turbochargers | Intercoolers
View Poll Results: Really really ridiculously large IC or just a kinda big one?
Don't go too big, keep it moderate-large sized.
4
57.14%
Go really big or go home!
3
42.86%
Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll

A2W and A2A Intercoolers. Is bigger always better?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 22, 2010 | 05:24 AM
  #1  
lazylongboarder's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Default A2W and A2A Intercoolers. Is bigger always better?

Simple question probably has a bunch of answers. This applies for both A2A and A2W.

Are there adverse effects by using to large of an intercooler? (core size. end tank design is another can of worms)

-347-9.5cr-twin 3076r-
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2010 | 05:52 AM
  #2  
lordrazo's Avatar
TECH Regular
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: florida
Default dont go with big huge junk!

depends on the intercooler core how efficient it is and also what are your goals some of those "ebay" large 1000hp intercoolers or so are cheap china crap and there psi drop is so bad and made very thin and cheap theres a formula for hp to cubic inch of core not sure what it is but i do know anyting over 24" of core isnt doing anything but adding weight this guy is one of the best he builds them for some of the turbo companies i know for sure he out flowed precision!! www.ircfabrication.com names marti here is his email address marty@ircfabrication.com he will build one bad *** a/a or a/w for cheap not ebay cheap but close tell him sean from port st lucie florida he will remember me
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2010 | 06:08 AM
  #3  
lazylongboarder's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by lordrazo
depends on the intercooler core how efficient it is and also what are your goals some of those "ebay" large 1000hp intercoolers or so are cheap china crap and there psi drop is so bad and made very thin and cheap theres a formula for hp to cubic inch of core not sure what it is but i do know anyting over 24" of core isnt doing anything but adding weight this guy is one of the best he builds them for some of the turbo companies i know for sure he out flowed precision!! www.ircfabrication.com names marti here is his email address marty@ircfabrication.com he will build one bad *** a/a or a/w for cheap not ebay cheap but close tell him sean from port st lucie florida he will remember me
Thanks for the reply. I'm with you, the ebay cores work but you get what you pay for.

Since I have the room, my Q is - Is it inefficient to use an intercooler that's GINORMOUS?
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2010 | 01:45 PM
  #4  
lazylongboarder's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Default

I have the space for 2 of these. I'll most likely have something fabricated with correctly sized INLET/OUTLET. Would I be losing anything by going too big?

Application is a 12-16 psi road race/street 911.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2010 | 01:56 PM
  #5  
03supercobra's Avatar
TECH Regular
iTrader: (38)
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: edmond, ok
Default

Hmm this is very interesting on a road race application. How would plan on keeping the water cool with the A2W, run a heat exchanger up front? Most of the big A2W setups are 4" piping, I would think that one would be sufficient for you purposes.

You could also run two smaller ones like LMR did on their 2000hp rear-mount vette.

Maybe some more experienced guys will chime in on this.
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2010 | 05:28 PM
  #6  
lazylongboarder's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Apprentice
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by 03supercobra
Hmm this is very interesting on a road race application. How would plan on keeping the water cool with the A2W, run a heat exchanger up front? Most of the big A2W setups are 4" piping, I would think that one would be sufficient for you purposes.

You could also run two smaller ones like LMR did on their 2000hp rear-mount vette.

Maybe some more experienced guys will chime in on this.
Yeah, I've got an import drag racer mini aluminum radiator I'll be using for the exchanger, something like koyo? It cost some money and it's the best fit without fab'ing something up. 55 gpm meziere EWP will be used. I'm still deciding on an ice tank location.

The reason I'm leaning towards A2W is that I can fit a flush decklid (no wing).

My question isn't whether I can keep the IAT down or not, well not entirely, I guess what I'm asking is, is there a point when to big is a problem...within reason. A2W should be fine for the 20 minute open track day sesh's.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:56 PM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE