What is the better choice..........

An intercooler that is 30" across and 6" high, 3" thick

-OR-

One that is 20" across, 9" tall and 3 " thick?

Both have the same surface area exposed (180"), both are 3 " thick. Assume both are completely exposed to the open air, both are of identical construction (bar and plate for example) and the intercoolers are on IDENTICAL motor/turbo setups.

Which would be more efficient.....AND WHY?

 

the second one. it has a larger flow area (part that air goes through).

"...the core should always be constructed to profice the greated possible flow area." - Corky Bell; Maximum Boost

the froth surface area is 180" for both, but for the first one the flow area is only 18" while the second is 27"

 

Height x thickness = flow area?

Cool.

Length means nothing?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Turboteggy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Height x thickness = flow area?

Cool.

Length means nothing?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Of course the length also means something. The flow Area is Longer. Better and quicker response when the length is short..~&gt;!&gt;!&gt;&gt;!

 

maximizing the number of rows will assist with heat transfer better than just adding more length to the runners.
Assuming the rows run horizontal in your two choices....I would opt for the 20x9x3 core over the first one.

the better choice is the best combination of compromizes


Modified by BROOD at 8:44 AM 6/26/2004

 

just to learn a little more i just spent the last hour going over spearco efficiency/flow graphs. taller IS better than longer, no doubt about it. if you have the choice always go taller.

that is why top to bottom flow is best. its effectively really tall, and not very wide.

 

But also. Think this factor. Lots tend to get wide IC for reasons. to get the biggest possible to fit under their bumper support. Thats the best they can do for that. the Bigger the cooler.!

But in other hands, where others tend to dont care for their bumper support, then thats a diff story. -

 

But also. The law of diminishing returns. For a certain HP level you only need so much core. Any extra is just extra space your turbo has to pressurize before your engine. Meaning more lag, less boost, less air, less power, and finally less speed.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 00SilverLS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">But also. The law of diminishing returns. For a certain HP level you only need so much core. Any extra is just extra space your turbo has to pressurize before your engine. Meaning more lag, less boost, less air, less power, and finally less speed.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Damnit dude ! Dont say that. -=\ Hope my thing runs ok ... lolz.

See sig for reference. Boosting 7.25lb psi...Daily for now. &gt;_&lt;

 

Any intercooler manufacturers wanna jump in here?