To intercooler or no that is the question.
To intercooler or no that is the question. Ok before I get the search stupid response I have but I read one thread and I'm like yeah no intercooler then I read the next and I'm like duh stupid of course you have to have an intercooler. So my question is this I have a lsx 376 forged 10 to 1 compression, Tick stage 2 turbo cam, holley high ram 1300 fic injectors, s480 billet 96mm turbine t4 1.25, e85. I am only gonna do 14 pounds cause I'm pretty sure I'll run out of pump around there. So 9 pounds did 772 rwhp. I have been using a 4 inch ebay air to air. Do I lose the air to air or keep it. I'm sure its a restriction at this point but haven't checked. What's everyone think.
Run an intercooler if street driving it. No intercooler is usually reserved for 100% meth fueling and/or racing apps. Pump E85 is inconsistent enough that you could run into detonation issues when stomping on it.
Even if it did survive at those IATs, you will lose power due to increased IATs and retarding the timing to make the motor live. It's most definitely not worth it and will make your car slower.
Trending Topics
Ok I'll stay with an intercooler. I'm just afraid I'm getting to the lulu's of the China 4 incher. Does anybody have any experience with the 5 inch core one from on3.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die
Verdad Gallardo
Check if it's a restriction before doing anything. Cheap peak and hold tire pressure gauge pre IC works well.
If your IAT's are in check and you aren't out of turbo, theres no reason to change anything IMO. If the IC is a little on the crap side pressure drop wise all it will do is make the turbo work a little harder.
You may be down a little power compared to a better core, but you aren't out of turbo. So just turn up the boost a bit to compensate. Definitely no need to spend a mint on a "nice" intercooler if you can make your power goals without it.
If your IAT's are in check and you aren't out of turbo, theres no reason to change anything IMO. If the IC is a little on the crap side pressure drop wise all it will do is make the turbo work a little harder.
You may be down a little power compared to a better core, but you aren't out of turbo. So just turn up the boost a bit to compensate. Definitely no need to spend a mint on a "nice" intercooler if you can make your power goals without it.
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 513
Likes: 1
From: Moose Jaw SK, Canada
Originally Posted by Forcefed86
or... why spend money on anything if you can reach your goal without?
a turbo setup that isn't out of turbo? Push it just enough to make up for any "loss"
Just my .02
Originally Posted by sschoeffler
Even if it did survive at those IATs, you will lose power due to increased IATs and retarding the timing to make the motor live. It's most definitely not worth it and will make your car slower.
Ok misconception I don't race in Mexico close enough new Mexico but it was kind of a joke cause that's what everybody says on there vids on you tube. Meanwhile in mexico. Anyway. I don't have a problem buying a "good" intercooler but why buy an expensive one if a cheaper but good one will work for where I'm at. Honestly this was about no intercooler more than anything. Hell half the threads about it make it seem dumb to run one if your e85 and the other half say you won't get past idle without melting pistons without one. I'm kot even unhappy with the car or need to change anything. I just can't quit changing stuff if you know what I mean. I have never maxed out any of the 5 turbos I've had except the turbonetics benita but I maxed the turbine side. I just always change stuff to something better or worse depending on the decision I make cause I'm addicted to modifying my car. Im an addict. Right now I drive the fastest set up I have ever driven in a street car. I'm happy except what if...........I'm going to log some Temps and pressures on the inlet and outlet of my intercooler maybe I will be suprised maybe I'll be disappointed and buy a bigger intercooler.
You have to tune differently and know what you're doing to make big power with no IC on E85. With an IC (even a cheapie china one) the setup will be more forgiving and make more power per pound (if the pressure drop across the core isn't thru the roof.) Guys are going 7's around 3000lbs with cheap china intercoolers. As long as you have enough turbo to keep up with the pressure drop and your IAT's are in check... you're fine. Save your money for when things break.
IMO you built a turbo car... use the turbo to make power. 14lbs is nothing... turn the boost up if you want to go faster. You can push 20lbs easy on that setup... What exh wheel is on your S480?
IMO you built a turbo car... use the turbo to make power. 14lbs is nothing... turn the boost up if you want to go faster. You can push 20lbs easy on that setup... What exh wheel is on your S480?
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 560
Likes: 11
For whatever it's worth I have been running a nearly 0% efficient intercooler with my 5.3/S484 combo and have gone as high as 25psi. IATs have crept up past 225*. I've kept timing relatively conservative, and don't start pulling timing till 200*. No ill effects so far on E85.
Does anyone have datalogs showing a non-intercooled cars IATs on a similar combo? Just for comparisons sake I'd love to see them
Does anyone have datalogs showing a non-intercooled cars IATs on a similar combo? Just for comparisons sake I'd love to see them
Last edited by gtistile; Feb 13, 2017 at 09:37 AM.