JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

I hear the Garrett's cool and flow better than anything. But then I see a lot of fabricated ICs using Bell for whatever reason.

Is the Bell that much worse than a Garrett core?

Let's say for the same approximate price, would a 24x12x6 Bell work as well as a 28x12.5x5 Garrett? The Bell is rated to 1500HP and the Garrett to 1300...

Only ERO's

iTrader: (19)

I don't have any experience with the Bells, but I am impressed with my Garrett. I wouldn't go by the rating that Garrett has either. The ratings seem conservative.

I have the largest Garrett core. Just went 8.22 to the 1/4 at over 3600lbs. Right about 30psi. It was a 40 degree temperature rise, from 79-119. I have seen some A2W setups that don't have that great of results.

The only downfall to Garretts are the limited sizes. You can get a Bell in pretty much any size you want.

stevieturbo

Garret only make a small range of sizes.

Bell make a huge range of sizes.

IMO where a Garrett will fit, use one, where it wont fit, well it would be hard to use one.

And as has been said countless times here, a HP rating for an intercooler is largely meaningless.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Garrett doesn't give a CFM rating... just HP. But I agree. It's worth it I think to go that route.

Busted67

iTrader: (1)

I compared my bell core to a garret of the same size and thickness. The garret core fins was slightly more dense that's about it. Both are very good cores. I went with core because the cut one for a vertical flow cooler.

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

Well, the guy I'm talking to for fabrication likes the Bell cores. But I don't see why he couldn't use the slightly smaller Garrett core. I'll see what he can do since it's all custom anyway.

silvea

iTrader: (1)

Goertz intake manifolds use the Bell cores as well. He'd be a good person to ask as to why. I think it is like they said because Bell makes a very good intercooler with a bunch of different size options. The difference probably isn't measurable performance wise and the size becomes the most important part. When comparing Bell to Garrett its not like comparing Garrett to a CX racing core

stevieturbo

IMO if there was the option to use the Garrett with negligible size difference, I would go for it.

If you ran a setup that needed better air cooling..I would opt for the Garrett.

If it was perhaps a cooler running setup ( ie less boost, more efficient compressor in the boost range you are using etc etc ) then perhaps a less dense slightly easier flowing core might be more suitable. If that is a Bell, then go for that.

I'd love a Garrett on my own, but they simply do not make a core my size, and I'd need to buy 2 units to butcher up to make my own. I aint spending $1k on cores to cut them up.

Bell do make one, but it's a hell of a price too. Annoying when a $500 Garrett core is only 3" away !

DBRODS

iTrader: (1)

I've used both over the years, The Garrett cores are in a different league than all others including Bell.

rotary1307cc

iTrader: (5)

Truth x10

JakeFusion

iTrader: (7)

So the Garrett looks like the winner.

Would it matter if you're using the eBay 24x12x4 core with 100% methanol?

Below 800HP it seems like that would be okay. But stepping up to a better intercooler would be needed above 800HP. And then the Garrett looks like the clear winner.

rotary1307cc

iTrader: (5)

The bell and cheaper cores work. They just take more volume to don't he same thing thermally a Garrett core will

The Garrett tubulator density probably double that on a bell or the like

gametech

iTrader: (1)

This isn't magic. A "bad" core that fits beats a "good" core that doesn't. If both cores fit, buy the better one. If neither one fits, make something up. If you really need the best of the best, I'm sure your R&D team will figure it out

frojoe

iTrader: (10)

How do Vibrant cores fit into this discussion?

I was originally thinking that Garrett is best but Bell isn't really too far behind, like 10% behind. But some people sound like they're grouping Bell closer to cheaper stuff like Treadstone, but not so bad as to be compared to generic eBay or CXRacing. Can anyone quantify how close a Bell is size-for-size to to a Garrett on a street application that gets good airflow?

silvea

iTrader: (1)

Bell is what a lot of people use for custom stuff because of sizing. That may be true but they still rate them to massive hp numbers and they stand up to them. I wouldn’t lose 30 seconds of sleep over using a bell vs Garret. Especially since the bell can be had in a better fitting size that would make it work better than a Garret that’s undersized

frojoe

iTrader: (10)

Thanks for that input silvea, that's what I'm thinking too. I can get the exact sizing I need from Bell which allows me 4" more width across a 12" height, so I figure that's gotta be good enough to make up whatever efficiency difference there may be between the Bell and the next closest size Garrett.

chuntington101

Not sure if anyone has noticed but garretts 3.8 inch core looks to be something new as it's rated higher than the similar sized 4.4 inch thick core. Also heard a lot of chatter about it on some other forums...

Has anyone used ETS as well? Pretty well known in the import world for decent intercoolers. I think they use their own cores as well.

69-chvl

iTrader: (11)

Also curious about the Vibrant units. Perhaps another China special??

http://vibrantperformance.com/catalo...roducts_id=960





Intercooler, 33"W x 12"H x 3.5" Thick

Click to enlarge
Part #: 12815

Description: Intercooler, 33"W x 12"H x 3.5" Thick

Material: T6061 Aluminum

Warranty: One Year Limited Warranty

MSRP: $447.95 USD

Notes:

Air to Air Intercooler Dimensions:
----------------------------------
Core Width: 23.625" (Overall Width with End Tanks: 33")
Core Height: 12"
Core Thickness: 3.50"
Inlet Diameter: 3.00"
Outlet Diameter: 3.00"
Inlet/Outlet Neck Location: Offset

Air to Air Intercooler Specifications:
--------------------------------------
Approx. Flow Rate for this intercooler: 1200 CFM at 1.5PSi pressure drop
Approx. HP Rating for this intercooler: 875 HP
Bar and Plate Construction

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