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Intercooler Question

Old Jul 23, 2012 | 02:01 PM
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Default Intercooler Question

Since I since this is my first attempt at FI I am going to ask a newbei question. Is 1 single large inter-cooler better than dual smaller ones.

In another words would a large inter-cooler be better as set up traditionally in-front of the condenser or would 2 smaller ones feeding into into one large inlet tube to the TB set up on each side of the fog lights.

thanks in advance.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 02:31 PM
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In our experience a large single is substantially better. (such as the one supplied with an ECS Paxton kit)
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 02:36 PM
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I'm kind of new too but during my research I've heard the 2 intercooler style is inefficient and cannot get proper air across. That's why A&A stopped using them.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by DOUG @ ECS
In our experience a large single is substantially better. (such as the one supplied with an ECS Paxton kit)
lol doing an sts set up my buddy's girlfriend totaled his vette while he was over seas so am being a vulture and picking his scraps

I was going to do an SC but the price I got from him was too good to pass up....but i do feel sorry for his....ah car
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 04:43 PM
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A great question !!! I favor a single intercooler. A Cool
charge is important in the performance of a SC. Do alot
of research. After I did my research I found the A&A
intercooler would fit my needs. Don't take my advice
research more. Good luck and let us know what you
have decided.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by DOUG @ ECS
In our experience a large single is substantially better. (such as the one supplied with an ECS Paxton kit)
I balk. "substantially" in my mind denotes a huge improvement. I cannot fathom a huge improvement over dual intercoolers. At least not on a C5. I concede that I do not have your experience. However, I believe it to be a strech. You may very well prove me wrong. I need scientific proof.

Otherwise for a noob like me and the OP the Duals are more than enough. I have the duals i have no issues. Hell with the advent of meth im thinking of ditching the intercoolers altogether... thats another story.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 07:19 PM
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In my experience with both types, I have had good results either way.

I had a large single front-mount in my previous 3000GT VR4, and because the front of the car was very open, it worked well.

My Z06 had the APS twin-intercooled setup and it also worked very well.

I normally logged cruise IAT's to be within 1 deg F of ambient temps, and IAT's only rose about 20-30 degrees above ambient during a long 3rd to 4th gear pull.

For the future, I will be looking into building one for the car.
I have a few ideas.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 08:09 PM
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Originally Posted by vrybad
In my experience with both types, I have had good results either way.

I had a large single front-mount in my previous 3000GT VR4, and because the front of the car was very open, it worked well.

My Z06 had the APS twin-intercooled setup and it also worked very well.

I normally logged cruise IAT's to be within 1 deg F of ambient temps, and IAT's only rose about 20-30 degrees above ambient during a long 3rd to 4th gear pull.

For the future, I will be looking into building one for the car.
I have a few ideas.
Please share via pm if not comfortable on the open forum

Thank you an thanks everyone fr the info. Gonna research the hell out if it. Its just that here in AZ as hot as it gets having a big intercooler right infront unless you have a tiger shark fromt end i forsee having cooling issues in 108* ambient temperture day, where under the hood temps can get crazy.
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Old Jul 23, 2012 | 09:31 PM
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Remove the factory fog light housings and get yourself some Z06 screens along with the front plate mod, really helps to get air in from the front!



You can see my intercooler in this pic!

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Old Jul 24, 2012 | 12:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Blitzkrieg
Remove the factory fog light housings and get yourself some Z06 screens along with the front plate mod, really helps to get air in from the front!



You can see my intercooler in this pic!

cool am already there then, did that a while back but no screens. was running a tranny cooler right where the center cover was and had taken off my dustaram....i mean vararam by the way nice looking ride.
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Old Jul 24, 2012 | 07:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 02*C5
Please share via pm if not comfortable on the open forum
Well, I probably won't be doing anything ground-breaking.

I would start by relocating the radiator just a bit, like i did on my previous Z06.

That allows for the 4" tube over the radiator, without any real negatives.

Then I'd fit a set of good twins, possibly a bit larger than the APS intercoolers, same location, build some sheet aluminum ducting underneath to direct airflow, etc.

Nothing too crazy, just optimize the same setup I already had good results with.

In my experience, I never had a problem with coolant temps or IAT's with the twin intercoolers.

I have heard some people with the front mounts comment about coolant - and IAT - concerns.

It is possible the space between the twin intercoolers helps a bit more airflow get to the radiator.
It would appear so, I guess.

The VR4 was perfect for the front mount.
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