I have a 27"x9"x2" intercooler core sitting at my house. It's going to be a tricky install on my car because of the 9" height but I think I can make it work. I was going to go ahead and to it with my K03 but i was told not to because I'd probably have a 2psi pressure drop. I'm sure this is true, but why? Where does this pressure go and why would I lose 2psi over my stock side mount.

 

i guess because cooler air is lower pressure than hotter air, and because the k03 is not a big breather, an intercooler like that may have that kind of effect on it. just a guess.

 

It has to do with squeezing the air through the FMIC. You will see a pressure drop over the length of the intercooler regardless of what kind of turbo you are using. However with a bigger turbo, the drop will be less noticable.

 

first off, how does whomever suggested this know the pressure drop of your core ? Have they pressure tested that exact core?

Second of all, that is a horrible IC to use on a K03....the lag that that core will create is going to be HUGE. An efficient core with a well designed end tank that is around hal;f that size will do much much better.

Bigger is NOT better when it comes to IC's - you have to match it to your turbo

 

I realize now this IC is way to big for my K03 however a K04 PC-16 is on its way. For this setup a FMIC is required and I'm hoping I can use this one since it was free.

 

the pressure drops because you are now going to be trying to keep 10psi boost (arbitrary number) in a larger volume. the small stock turbo will have to work over time to make up the extra area inside the new FMIC I will make a diff and you can over do it.

 

if you have a K04, different story. What I would "try" to ind out, if possible, is who made the core. If it is a relatively major manufacturer (Spearco, Griffen, etc), you might be able to back yourself into the cfm and pressure drop ratings.

As mentioned, end tank design, IMHO, is the most important aspect, and can make or break the best of cores

Good luck!

 

Well actually (and I'm not gonna go into detail ) but it's an intercooler off a Mercedes. I felt certain they were running this IC on their turbo diesels but now have reason to believe it may not be an IC for a turbo ????? Regardless, it's definetely an air/air intercooler that's never been used. Most likely I'll be having new endcaps made, because the stock endcaps come out and then make a 90 degree angle. What I may end up doing is hooking it up and testing it with the bumper off (so I don't go cutting into it for no reason). I'll have a boost guage by then so I'll be able to test pressure drop pre an post IC. If it works, great if not I'll break down and buy a smaller FMIC and I'll already have the plumbing run. If I'm not mistaken TomRitt is running a 27"x6"x3" which is the same area as my 27"x9"x2" (he is running a Garret though).