Intercooler shape

[PamAndJim]

Now that there are a few different intercooler options out there it seems that the all fit into two basic groups, short and fat (Mishimoto and MAPerformance) and tall and skinny (FFTec and Levels Performance). Having never owned a turbo car, I know next to nothing about intercoolers. Based on the research I've done, it seems like the main benefit of the taller designs is that there is more exposed surface area, while the shorter designs block less are that would noirmally go to the radiator. So, what pros/cons am I missing? Which do you guys prefer?

Right now I'm digging the MAP set up because I really like the look of their charge pipes / BOV set up.

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[Juben]

I prefer the taller FMICs, although I wouldn't call it skinny at 3.5" thick (thicker than stock). So far with the taller FMIC, I haven't seen any negative results with cooling and the radiator as there's still a ton of room for airflow to the radiator. If interested in that particular aspect, you can check out the pics in my Levels Performance FMIC thread.

Here's a good read on intercooler tech (if you haven't read it already):
http://www.superstreetonline.com/how-to/engine/0304-turp-intercooler/

 

[Impulsed7]

Is there really more exposed surface area? cause that bumper thing is kinda in the way on most of those tall designs.

 

[PamAndJim]

I prefer the taller FMICs, although I wouldn't call it skinny at 3.5" thick

Good point. I mean skinny relative to the shorter, stubbed options

Is there really more exposed surface area? cause that bumper thing is kinda in the way on most of those tall designs.

That was actually a question I meant to ask in my original post. I was wondering the same thing.

 

[oilfieldtrash]

Does someone that doesn't run at the track or drag strip need an intercooler upgrade? I mean I might floor it for 5 seconds then I might cruise for another few miles before I floor it again. Isn't the upgrade only necessary for someone hot lapping or running on a track?

 

[PamAndJim]

Based on what I have read, the stock intercooler is pretty inefficient. An aftermarket upgrade provides better cooling, and better airflow, helping improving throttle response, etc. Given the heat that we get here in TX seems like it would be worth the money. I'm thinking of upgrading the IC even before I get a catback.

 

[oilfieldtrash]

I don't see how I'd run into any issues with the car being a dd. I'm pretty sure you'd likely be arrested before you overheated your vehicle on a dd. I could be wrong but I don't see how a dd would run into issues.

 

[Renner]

It not about completely "overheating". Heat soak plays a huge part in turbo cars. As for a DD car do you need a new intercooler? No you do not. But would it be beneficial? Yes it would. If you like having the same consistant power on the highway when it's warm
Out and you are darting in and out of traffic a new intercooler would help. For track and autox guys like myself it is a must.

Put it this way...do you want your mustang to feel the same as the first pull of the day, all day? Do you want your mustang to pull in 80+ weather as it does in 60+ weather? If yes then buy a new IC. If you don't care that your power is reduced because of heatsoak then no need to buy one.

 

[Juben]

Is there really more exposed surface area? cause that bumper thing is kinda in the way on most of those tall designs.

Well, the reinforcement bar is in front of the upper portion of taller FMICs, but it's not up against it. There's a decent amount of room between it and the bar in front of the FMIC to provide good airflow. As far as the back of a taller unit, there's quite a bit of room too.

I too thought about this before installing mine, but once I saw the amount of room, both in front of and behind the new FMIC, I didn't have any concerns about airflow.

 

[LeonBorden]

Air still flows through the fins of the thick ICs. Atleast more so than the tall ones that are behind the bumper beam. Ideally we need a modified bumper beam or meth injection to compensate. I'm going with the MAP setup with meth personally.

Keep in mind, it's stil early spring. These cars are gonna be dogs after some highway fun in the middle of July with the stock IC.

 

[Impulsed7]

When I ran a big tall intercooler on my turbo 3 series, I cut the bumper and re welded it to make more airflow for it. I don't see many 2015 mustang owners doing this unless its a full race car.
I will be going with MAP or Mishimoto for intercoolers in a month or so.

 

[dundy]

I am going with the Ultimate Racing IC. It doesn't block the cooling system.

 

[dundy]

You are right stock IC does block some surface area of the cooling system. From my personal experience having owned turbo vehicles since 1987 (Yes I am a old man!), and having a boosted Hayabusa and snowmobile. Your cooling temp may not be going up but I am sure your fan is cycling on and off more. The second issue is pressure drop. If you have a pressure drop of lets say two psi which is common for larger IC even bar and plate designs. You now instead of making 23psi are at 21. Take a look at some of the datalogs post in this forum. There are many companies making great aftermarket IC and any of them are huge improvement over the OEM unit. Just my preference.

 

[dragonacc]

You are right stock IC does block some surface area of the cooling system. From my personal experience having owned turbo vehicles since 1987 (Yes I am a old man!), and having a boosted Hayabusa and snowmobile. Your cooling temp may not be going up but I am sure your fan is cycling on and off more. The second issue is pressure drop. If you have a pressure drop of lets say two psi which is common for larger IC even bar and plate designs. You now instead of making 23psi are at 21. Take a look at some of the datalogs post in this forum. There are many companies making great aftermarket IC and any of them are huge improvement over the OEM unit. Just my preference.

Deleted my post because I didn't want you to think I was arguing. I have my own datalogs and I'm a-ok with my cooling system. Personal preference as you say.

 

[Fast64ranchero]

That ATM intercooler is one sexy beast...

I choose the tall type, and after installing it, I think there is plenty of room for decent air flow. This is my 5th turbo car, and the second that I didn't build from scratch. I'm liking all the aftermarket companies that are jumping onboard

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