Smaller FMIC than 600x300??

[SeriesIIGTST]

Without chasing too much horsepower (read 220-230rwkw), what are your opinions about intercooler sizing? I've read lots about this but all with reference to 600x300x?? size coolers. From what i'm hearing, the recommended thickness is 67 or 76 or something, which i'm told is good for that sort of power while over 100 in width is too laggy.

Reason I'm prompting this question is would a front mount of proportions such as 470x260x65 be sufficient for these power aims? Is it worth upgrading stock cooler for something this small or is it only beneficial to go to the larger 600x300 core?

Opinions would be appreciated.

Cheers:confused:

[Zahos]

Well I'm using a VR4 cooler which is

450 x 210 x 70, and it is good for up to 400HP = about 298 kw.

But then again, these VR4 coolers have proven to flow extremely well. I dont have figures (couldn't find any), but everything I read about these coolers was positive.

I'm guessing the cooler you want should be sufficient, but it all depends on your long term goals. If you will be chasing more power in the near future, then go the bigger. If your goal is 230rwkw, then the smaller one would be better.

[jlnewton]

As a general rule, I can't see the point of the 300 high cooler as half of it is hidden behing the bumper doing nothing. I have a GTR style front on my gtst and the front opening is only about 220mm high and 700 or so wide, so I can't see the point of going bigger in height unless you cut the bar. I was thinking of getting a custom core made to fit this height or I have also been looking at the VR4 cooler as they seem to be reasonably priced in the second hand places. It good to get a power rating on the VR4 cooler, thanks Zahos. Are you happy yours? The flow rating suits my future plans, is it efficient in dissapating heat? Is there much pressure drop?

[turbomad]

Most people buy the 600x300x75 because most intercoolers are that size off the shelf, if you want a custom size it will cost you more. Regardless whether or not your entire intercooler is actually exposed to direct airflow, remember that it is also a heatsink in that it soaks the heat out of the air, the outside airflow cools the intercooler down. So a heavy intercooler will work better than a lighter intercooler of the same dimensions because it's greater mass can absorb more heat, but to be honest the average street car won't get it's intercooler that hot to begin with unless it's tiny, like the stockie.

[GILTY]

I concur...as my stockie gets very hot very quick...and it sux..

[Cubes]

After a really hard run running 15 psi through the hills my bar and plate on one side feels hot to touch while the other side is cold.

I had a bar and plate 450 x 300 x 87.5 FMIC fitted that increased lag by 100rpm if that. It will handle up to 580hp where there is a 1.5psi pressure drop. I wanted something that was hidden behind the standard front bar yet still have the ability to make 500 od HP.

In australian weather if you want to give it a heap in the heat a bar and plate is the way to go. They do have a little more pressure drop however as they cool the air better but on a street car the difference isn't noticible.

I'll grab a pic and show how it fits.

[Cubes]

Its a pretty bad pic but shows what you need to see.

[sn00p]

"As a general rule, I can't see the point of the 300 high cooler as half of it is hidden behing the bumper doing nothing."

Thats the same on my car but the bigger the surface area of the cooler the longer it will take to get heat soaked when idling in traffic etc.

[MM2death]

You can see here that my brothers 32 is making use of the whole cooler and not having crap in the road to restrict air flow.

[Ender]

only the number plate....theres always something....did you have to cut some of the metal bumper behind the bar to get that bigger hole?

[Guilt-Toy]

what about the round core supra intercoolers? black in colour?

I have one on mine and it seems allright.

Anyone have an opinion on those ? what would it be rated too power wise?

[adam 32]

ive got a cooler of similar dimensions to joel's. is an old HKS kit and have seen a few cars coming from japan with the same kit in place. my starts to struggle around the 200rwkw mark...

[rob77]

I've got the trust r-spl fmic its 600x244x76 as you can see from my avatar it fills out the hole we cut in the stock front bar pretty well (i'm searching for a new front bar... 400r possibly). This kit should be good for at least 450-500hp @ flywheel, by the time I do my ecu+turbo I expect to be around the 330-350hp @ wheels mark. I'll probably stop there, not worth pouring more money into the car, just buy a GTR

[MM2death]

Originally posted by Ender

only the number plate....theres always something....did you have to cut some of the metal bumper behind the bar to get that bigger hole?

Yea