How do you know what size intercooler you need to run?

I am building a setup from the ground up that will easily make 700 HP.

So far I have an F1 Prochager and a SBC block. It has a forged stroker crank and a rods. I also have Al tirckflow heads and a Vic Jr intake. I will be running a blow though carb. No idea what size or type yet.

I bought the F1 last week with 12 rib pullies. Next on the list is the intercooler.

Do people tend to fit the biggest one they can? What are the parameters that need to be considered. All I know is that I want to run an Air to air and all the pipes I have so far are 3".

Any insight on this would really help get me strated on the right track. Thanks.

 

Take a look at this thread. I ended up using the front mount from Godspeed.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/powe...oler-idea.html

You can get the Godspeed 30x12x3 easily and cheaply off eBay.

 

Match up the core size with info on the belle website for flow rating. If the IC is not of equal quality then derate the CFM 10% or so.

 

Still working on getting all my stats figured out. I don't even know what my CFM is. Or my CR. There are a lot of variables in the game right now. No cam specs, carb and so on...as soon as I learn anything I will use this thread to compile the info and see if you guys can help me come to conclutions as to what I should get.

 

That's what I did. I found the biggest one that I could fit in the space where it was going to be mounted. Not the most scientific, but very practical. FWIW, I use a 24x12x3 core (30" overall) and at 10psi the IAT's stay within 40-50°F over ambient temp.

 

Dennis, you don't know the CR because the engine isn't built yet? You NEED to get that man, this will also drive the decision to spray methanol. If you have a CR over 10:1, even with the intercooler I'd recommend meth.
For intercooler size, procharger has a chart showing what they recommend if thats any help. It even shows intercooler dimensions for range of power.

 

In most vehicles the 24x12x3 or 24x12x4 is the largest you can go. You may not have chosen it scientifically, but it was a good choice technically. The ebay 24x12x3 is a good deal at $76 to your door.

 

calebzman: Thanks for the input. I am looking at IC around that size, but want to see all the reasons why it is used. I understand that it is the biggest that fits, but I want to entertain all ideas right now so if calcualtions show that a bigger one would be better, I would want to know that.

AC: That is correct. I don't know the CR because the motor is not built yet. I am very aware of needing meth if I run that high a CR. I will not, I repeat not be running meth. I have set parameters on my build and what I want to get out of it. I am making sure all variables help me get to all the critera that I want. So far the only thing nailed down is the displacment and the F1. I will take a look at what info Procharger has to offer. Thanks.

I have been looking on ebay and other online stores. I would not want to run a 3" thick unit if I have good reason to run a 4".

Needless to say I need more data and I appreciate all the help. I just need something with numbers that prove what is needed. I think I have said this before but I am making sure this build is proven out on paper before I spend any real money.

SC is nailed down and I have a motor that I want to work with. My CR is another variable that I can play with right now, just like carb size, cam style, size etc, intake, and intercooler.

Seems like due to physical constraints I will be held to something like the 24" one people have mentioned.

Random side note: Has anyone thought of mounting fans to an intercooler? Like 2 small flexalite pullers, or pushers that are temperature conrolled via IAT?

Just an idea that seems like it would pay off and be really easy since the center of our cars has no direct ram air effect. I also don't want to be reliant on an underside scoop like the one that comes with these kits. ( in case of traffic)

 

Once you figure out your CFM / BHP then chose the actual size. Have you looked at the belle site for an idea yet?

Fans: Your IC will be in front of your radiator which should have 2 puller fans. You will not have much room for an extra set of 2 fans.

All air to air ICs will heat soak in traffic / on the line.

 

I have not looked at belle's site yet. I will do that when I get home from work today.

As for the fans, I know there is not much room, but I just want to know if people have done it. I could use some pusher fans too... Just an idea.

The fans should help heat soak too.

 

the fans should help with the heat soak, but im just guessing here.
puller fans are better than pusher fans in general.
you could shroud the IC to the radiator to force more air thru it if you are size limited.
the cooling comes from airflow more than physical size

 

Dennis, I just bought a procharger 3core intercooler (selling the old one) and is wider than the 24 junkcltr mentioned so I'll measure it up and try to describe any different mounting I needed to use. It does fit by just mocking up the mounting. Quick FWIW the overall length of my new intercooler is 31", I have to measure the core size which I believe is still 24" or wider.

The other thing none of us have mentioned yet is a 3core would be optimum over a 2core. I think it has to do with maybe backpressure or pressure loss.

 

Size is not my #1 concern right now, if there is an ideal size, I will do whatever it takes to make it fit. I have no problem relocating/ angling my radiator, or cutting sheet metal and welding in new brackets. I just want to find some way to find the correct size, then buy whatever is closest to that size.

I totally forgot to check those websites that were mentioned. I will do that today around lunch time and post what I find.

I just printed up the specs for the F1 so now I at least have a starting place.

 

If you are going to fully utilize that F1 at 1000 FWHP then you are looking at a 24x12x4 or larger.

 

Well I am not doing that. In my first post you can see that my goals are an easy 700HP at the wheels. Even though if that is at the fly I think I will be plenty fast too, haha.

I will be taking a look at the procharger website and belle in a minute and post back what I find to see what you guys think.

 

The procharger 3 core is 27" wide.

 

Thanks, you were dead on. The 3 core I have is 27x6x3 (core) and the 2core that came with my 3rd gen kit is 18x6x3

Let us know what you find Dennis.

 

27x6? that's only the cooler block right? In total it's about 10" wide

 

Looked at Belle's website over the weekend. Looks like 24" by 12" by 3.5" in core area will flow just under MAX CFM of the F1.

Max CFM for the F1 = 1525
24x12x3.0 flow, Max = 1227
24x12x3.5 flow, Max = 1432
24x12x4.5 flow, Max = 1841

I will be looking to get the 4" thick IC for CXRacing.com or that style off ebay. Whatever is cheaper.

 

I recommended the 24x12x4 IC and you said that you didn't plan on needing something that large for your HP levels. Change your mind?

 

BTW, that procharger 3 core is about the largest that'll fit under a late Trans Am front:

 

I made up my mind based on some specific data posted by belle's website.

It is interesting that your prediction was correct. At first I thought it wouldn't be.