What are the downsides of picking an intercooler that may be too small- the only problem is that the intake charge will not be cooled as much? If some other cooling effect is added downstream (like auxiliary meth injection) I'll be able to get by with a relatively smaller IC, correct?

Thanks
Ben

 

IMO most people's intercoolers are excessively over sized
What size are you talking about? And what is your set up?

 

setup is a 2L 500hp B18C, looking to go with a 6x18x3" IC...maybe smaller.
I've done a bit of investigating with the methanol injection- the Supra guys were getting intake charges around 32 F. I need the IC to keep temps down when the meth isn't on- low/unboosted conditions.

Thanks
Ben

 

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=547352

 

ive never really seen an intercooler too small but if your running high boost then a slightly bigger one might do to keep the intake temps cool but i dont think there is a huge difference...but i might be wrong

 

Thanks for the link but that doesn't really address my question.

 

It isn't meant to answer your question. Use it as a comparison.

 

Back from the dead...here is the answer to my original question in case it helps anyone-

The intercooler, if insufficient for your power levels, will manifest
it's problem in pressure drop, not high temperature. There are two things to
consider when matching a intercooler to a setup. Flow capability, and
efficiency. From what I have seen, almost all front mount ICs for the MKIV are
pretty good in efficiency. They range from superb to very good in this regard.
Flow capability is another story. The smaller ones will start to show a pressure
drop across the core at high airflows. No amount of cooling, water/methanol
injection will cure this. Pressure drop goes up exponentially to airflow once
you start to "push too far." You could be seeing 30psi in the manifold, but it
could be 35psi at the turbo. The turbo is working harder, robbing power, just to
overcome the resistance of the intercooler. If you "hit the wall" with a small
intercooler on a large turbo, methanol/water injection won't cure the problem.
If will help with any THERMAL deficiencies, but can't do a thing for FLOW.