DIY: Over the radiator intercooler install
 

Well I have a supercharger but you get the idea. I spent the weekend on this and I must say, the IAT readings have gone from 160-190 to 90-111! Here's the original thread:

DIY: Over the radiator supercharger intercooler install - MX5 Miata Atlanta Owners Club

For many supercharger owners who want more boost we're left with two main intercooler options: a turbo one, or the 30 thousand dollar Track Dog Racing one.

This is the third option, full on DIY. I bought the IC core from Tommy on here for $100 but also found something similar on ebay here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...%3AMEWAX%3AVRI

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And I then went and bought this piping:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=370226563594

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And accompanied it all with some bolts and brackets from Lowe's.

So in total I've spent about $220 for absolutely everything, that's including brackets, bolts and other shit I've needed.

So first step is to remove that plastic thing in the mouth of the car. That's pretty self-explanatory as to where all the bolts are. The next step is to mount the IC.

... more to come

Remove this from the hood mounting thing:

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Drill holes in the brackets after you've done some lining up and trying to figure out where to drill. This is all diy, depends on what brackets you have. It's where I wish I had a vice.

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Here's how I had it held in place, made things a shit ton easier.

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Pic of one of the brackets

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Pipe being lined up

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How the pipes are laid out

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Rough cuts in the hood made to accommodate the new piping.

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Hot side pipe cuts

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Picture of the cold side cuts, was a bit of a bitch to do.

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Hood closes great, just make sure the hood assembly thing is back in the original position. I had mine in the wrong place after I used one of the bolts to hold on the cold side mounting bracket.

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Check out that sick JDM tilt installed intercooler! Job Done!

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well none of the pictues are showing up in the first place

Well then I guess I'll up them to photobucket and get them up in here asap!

Can only see the pictures if you are a member of that forum.

Sorted! It's not going to be good for 300whp but for cheap and cheerful fun it certainly gets the job done. I've had massive drops in the IAT readings since the install!

I like!! good job mate!!!

Admirable fitting mate now file the bonnet cutting and repaint and it will be uber.

Looks like a decent solution to me!

I'm so very proud you typed decent and not descent. :2cents:

lookin good

looks good, try to come up on a bigg radiator now.

Yep! I have some paint for it already just not the patience to let it dry and be immobile for a couple hours.

All these "mate" comments, how many other brits are on here? I'm a Stokie.

admirable in my eyes!

phil

This is awesome! I made some rough cuts in the radiator cross bracing to get my piping to fit over the radiator. I didn´t realize the hood could be modified like that to get the piping to fit. I´ll try this once I get home. I want to fit a 55mm radiator, therefore I don´t think tilting the radiator is a viable option...over the top is the best bet to go just like you did it seems.

some minds think alike...

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where are you lifting your car from?

He's just keeping the intercooler raised.

Sometime when I'm not lazy I'll post a picture or two of my setup and hood cut reliefs, this would be a good thread to show people who have been interested in my over-the-rad setup. There's been at least 3 in the past month who have PM'ed me.

Oops, forgot I was on the interwebz. You get the jist:
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Curly, could you post a pic of the relief cuts? I'm looking into IC's at this point and would like to see how your hood looks. Thanks!

I have that exact intercooler just sitting in the garage. It needs a good home just let me know if you want it.