ZX-Tex

iTrader: (15)

I just finished my v-mount intercooler installation this evening so I am posting up some pictures showing how I did it. Compared to some of the bad-*** v-mount installs I have seen here, this one requires less fabrication. This one could be referred to perhaps as a baby v-mount. The key point though is that the IC is no longer in front of the radiator, and the air flow through the pair is now parallel.

Basically the main two components are a CXRacing radiator (NB Miata) and a CXRacing intercooler with 2.5" inlets and outlets. The radiator and IC are held in place with aluminum brackets that I fabricated. If you are familiar with the stock sheet metal in the NB nose, and look at the pictures, you can see where I trimmed some of it away. For the most part, the main areas of removal are the tabs protruding vertically, near where I now have the IC inlet/outlet, and the horizontal lip that runs behind the hood latch.

Between the undertray/splitter and all of the boxing/ducting I added, all of the flow coming into the nose is forced through the radiator and the IC. As soon as that clubroadster extractor hood thing finally comes through, I'll have major hood extract-age to help witht he flow. I am also going to have a modified version of the stock undertray in place to take over where my splitter/undertray ends. It works great, already did a test fit, forgot to snap a picture though.

The last thing that needs to be added back is the AC condenser. There is PLENTY of room in the nose to install it though I may have to make some custom hoses to reconnect it to the AC system. I pulled it out because it was seriously in the way during fabrication and it was really pissing me off. I want a new one anyway, the original one looks like hell. Too many bugs and gravel truck rocks.

Go here for the slide show. There are captions to explain what you are seeing.
http://picasaweb.google.com/zx.tex.m...37569978488754

hustler

iTrader: (6)

freak that bitch then , tone.

levnubhin

iTrader: (30)

Looks awesome, how did you make that shroud? Any noticeabe differences in ait's and water temps?
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ZX-Tex

iTrader: (15)

Thanks. I made the shroud from an ABS/coroplast/ABS composite that I laminated up for the raw sheet stock. The panels were made from cardboard patterns I came up with, then they were glued together to make the shroud. It is pretty strong and stiff but still light. Plus it will not buzz like aluminum does sometimes. And I like the way ABS looks.

I made the splitter/undertray the same way, but used thicker ABS face sheets for more stiffness.

Too soon to tell on the AITs and water temps. I just got it all installed today (along with a bunch of other stuff, and my turbo/mani/dp) and started the car for the first time in months. I could go on and on about all that went into this (and my other mods, like the latest coolant reroute, and the double oil-cooler sandwich) while the turbo was out for a rebuild. I'm just glad to have it all back together again and running!

One note though, when the fans came on, the air flow through the nose duct was impressive, much more than what I remember before. I was a little concerned that with the radiator so close to the motor that it would not flow well. But based on what I saw it is flowing great.

lsc224

iTrader: (13)

Damn....that is a badass setup. I like it.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I almost wish I had cooling problems so I could be motivated to make something like this.

levnubhin

iTrader: (30)

lmao +1
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ZX-Tex

iTrader: (15)

If THIS setup has cooling problems I think I will kill myself out of sheer frustration. I am expecting good things though. Though my last setup was fine for the street, this one is much better and should be track worthy. I should get in some good daily driving time next week to shake out any bugs, then hit the dyno to get the timing tuned, then I will be headed for the track.

Get ready Hustler, I am coming for you :

CRXican

iTrader: (2)

so jealous of mechanically inclined people

looks sick

hustler

iTrader: (6)

Let's do it, bitch. My car should be ready for the informal miata challege. Bring your skin, I need a new anorak.

Fair warning though...this time I'll have more than 8psi, corner weighting, and 1.5" more rubber.

Savington

iTrader: (31)

How big a gap is there between the hood and IC?

ZX-Tex

iTrader: (15)

Fair warning right back at you... wider tires in r-comps on 6ULs, much better brakes, and (hopefully) 15-20 psi without overheating. That is on a GT2871 bitch. I'm going to blow down the front straight at TWS like a Vegas crack *****, and leave a wake of destruction. If you are lucky, you might get a tow out of the chicane.

ZX-Tex

iTrader: (15)

Good question. Should be enough to flow well, though it is not a huge amount. If not, and the clubroadster extractor hood thing craps out, it is perfectly positioned for an extractor hood mod. That was plan A until I found out about the CR extractor hood thing.

zoomin

iTrader: (16)

Will the IC get enough direct/indirect airflow? Some good ideas there.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

I had my *** severely beaten in junior high...I have determination.

elesjuan

iTrader: (11)

Tex thats badass!

I'm skeptical of the intercooler's retention of function in this setup though. What direction is air going to flow through it? Any flow research on adverse effects?

I don't know **** about airflow or anything, but it kinda seems like air coming in the top and air coming in the front might have some adverse or negative effects on flow?

hustler

iTrader: (6)

air is essentially pressurized in the chamber...think about pressure differential.

hustler

iTrader: (6)

he could just lower the intercooler and seal it up. I've seen this work on racecars.

ZX-Tex

iTrader: (15)

Yeah that is basically it. With the undertray and the boxed in nose, the incoming air is going to build up a lot of pressure in the cavity (a big one now) containing the radiator and intercooler. The air under the hood, especially with the extractor setup, should be at much lower pressure, so the flow should go through both. Testing will tell. If not, I already have a plan to add a panel behind the nose that would force additional flow up through the intercooler.

Elesjuan, as far as flow coming in the top, not sure what you mean there. Elaborate?

leatherface24

iTrader: (10)

Looks way badass and totally clean! Puts my V-mount in progress to shame...for now