924Board.org

[B]

hey everyone,
I had been doing a little research for some future plans I have that include an intercooler and this may be a stupid question but I will ask --

to help relieve some of the heat for an air to air intercooler on a street driven car, could/should you add a small electric fan? after reading a little about the water and air to air intercoolers, the air to air seems like it may have issues with everyday driving. Does that seem correct? or is that less of a concern than some would think?

any thoughts?

thanks very much
Sean B
_________________
1979 924 n/a
BAE turbo
5-speed snailshell

[fiat22turbo]

Think about it this way; when are you on the boost and generating heat?

Now if you're drag racing or autocrossing where you may do multiple runs in quick succession then perhaps it could help.

Properly size it and you won't have any problems. You can always use a cheap infrared thermometer to check the temperature after a drive and compare it to the temp of the intake, etc. If there is a significant delta, then perhaps a fan wouldn't hurt.

Make sure the air has a good path behind the intercooler to leave the engine bay helps quite a bit as does a well sealed path leading to the face of the intercooler.
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Stefan
1979 924 Carrera GTS (clone-ish)
1988 944 Turbo S (Silver Rose)

[B]

thank you,

that makes perfect sense,

I was not sure if the compression of air would be compounded as it flows through the smaller fins/bars.

very helpful as always - thanks

Sean
_________________
1979 924 n/a
BAE turbo
5-speed snailshell

[B]

any thoughts on bar and plate or tube and fin design?

I hear that bar and plate is more efficient but tube and fin will allow more air through?
_________________
1979 924 n/a
BAE turbo
5-speed snailshell

[fiat22turbo]

Not sure about them myself.

Just thinking based on what you just posted, it would depend on where it is positioned.

If you're mounting it in front of the radiator, then you may want to ensure plenty of air flow through it. Which means you'd have to have a larger surface area to cool as effectively.

If it is side mounted, etc. then perhaps the bar/plate would be better since you could perhaps use a smaller cooler.

Of if you're like me, you go for the cheapest cooler you could find that fits the hole and hope for the best (found a fin/tube with cast aluminum ends at the local swap meet for $50, about the same size as the stock radiator) and expect that water/meth injection might be needed to make up any difference.




_________________
Stefan
1979 924 Carrera GTS (clone-ish)
1988 944 Turbo S (Silver Rose)

[B]

thanks - how is that working for you? -

that looks like a nice find to me - I am trying for the same idea for now - trying to get as close as I can to what seems right and will fit - both the opening in the car and the wallet

thanks again
Sean
_________________
1979 924 n/a
BAE turbo
5-speed snailshell