I'm about to buy an eBay intercooler but have a couple of questions first.

What is the hp limit of the 18x12x3 intercooler? They list 400hp but I don't have faith in their specs. I think my current setup is capable of doing 300whp +/-. I don't want to have to upgrade later.

Test request:
Can someone with this intercooler and an infrared thermometer check the temp differential between the bottom and top on the intercooler(immediately after a boost run)? I have a feeling that flow favors the lower part of the intercooler. A couple things can be done to fix this if necessary.

Ben- the 24" intercooler will fit as easily as the 18"? Is it worth the extra packaging hassle and 30% extra cost?

 

If you're going to buy the 18x12x3, look at Loki's for sale thread...I think he's selling for a bit less, shipped, than ebay.

 

good question....i did hit it with an infrared once off the track, but never thought of seeing the top runners vs. the bottom runners.

however, I highly doubt once things get pressurized that the top runner wouldn't get an equal amount of internal airflow.

If you're looking to pump out that much HP, I'd go straight the the 18x12x3" core.

 

are you talking core or overall widths? if it's 24" WOA, look at M2CupCar's intercooler install.
I got his old intercooler, which is 24x6x3 (overall) and it fits in my car fine with the a/c and everything, however it is slightly off center, favoring the driver's side, as the a/c drier is in its stock position on the passenger side.

If you're going to be in the 300 hp range, go with the wider core. Yes, it fits in as easily.

 

My IC is 3 x 9 x 18" and rated to 350 rwhp by Corky. If this IC is 3" taller, a 400 rwhp rating is entirely possible. But if you do not need that much IC, go smaller as it will block too much air to the radiator.
Stephanie

 

Taking temps of top vs bottom won't tell you if flow favors the bottom, because, while on the one hand, more flow in the bottom will make it hotter, the airflow in the mouth of the miata will cool the bottom more.