Have to choose an intercooler.
 

I need to choose an intercooler to finish up my parts lists major pieces. Some background, its going to go on a 97 with AC(have to contend with the drier), and PS and no I wont be tearing any of them out. I want to buy the IC that will give me the simplest mounting and plumbing.

Right now from what I gather I have two choices.

18x12x3, 2.5" Inlet & Outlet
http://www.cxracing.com/mm5/merchant...ry_Code=IC30CO
Could easily be mounted to the hood latch bolts using some thin strap that I bought and will clear the drier.

https://www.miataturbo.net/forum/att...1&d=1192242320
That is a picture of Arkmage's install, and it clears the drier well.

or

27x6x2.75, 2.5 Inch Inlet & Outlet
http://www.cxracing.com/mm5/merchant...ry_Code=IC25CO
Fills the mouth out nicer, but may not clear the drier, and will produce slightly easier plumbing.

or possibly

28x5.5x2.5, 2" Inlet & Outlet, 2.5" Core,
http://www.cxracing.com/mm5/merchant...ry_Code=IC25CO
This shorter one may clear the drier easier and being slightly longer may allow simpler routing of pipes, unless the bend required at the inlet and outlet will be to extreme because of its length.


Further research shows that Begi sells intercoolers that are 18inches(I assume core size) in length but vary in height, that explains how they clear the driers on the cars. The shorter core would make it shorter overall when compared to the second unit from CXracing.
http://bellengineering.net/Pages/pro...icupgrade.html

So anything longer then 18inches I would assume would cause a problem.

I see people usually running the first or the second, but its hard to tell if they are with or without AC.

Thanks guys, after this its all down hill in terms of parts.

Definitely watching this thread. I'm looking for the same thing, except I don't have p/s. I'd prefer the longer core rather than the taller.

i have the first one and i didnt mount it yet. but if i were to buy another one i would go witht the second one because i like it when it fills the mouth.. as for plumbing theres idk

I am in the market for compatibility first, aesthetics second. Filling the mouth is nice but ultimately the less road blocks I encounter during my install the happier ill be.

then go with the first one... plumping should be easy

If I ever ditch my other two, I'd probably opt for this one... (94 &96 both w/A/C)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CXRac...0251QQtcZphoto

I have the first one installed on my car as well (also a 97 with A/C and PS). It was really easy to install the pipe routing wasn't hard either. Looks really good too I might add. I can take pics of my setup if you would like. For anyone that is interested, here is a list of the parts I used for my complete piping setup with that intercooler:

I started off purchasing this kit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CXRac...spagenameZWDVW


I had to order extra pieces as well, here is everything I used:

(4) 90* pipes
(1) Straight pipe
(1) 75* pipe
(1) 45* pipe ***Possible to substitute a 45* coupler in its place***

For couplers, I used:

(2) 90* couplers
(2) 2.5" - 2" Reducer couplers
(1) 90* 2.5" - 2" Reducer coupler (expensive, like $30 alone)
(5) Straight Couplers

(3) - 2.5" Hose clamps
(17) - 2" Hose clamps


For mounting of the intercooler itself, I copied Stripes' install instructions on his site since his kit use this intercooler as well, made my life easier not having to measure anything :)

Please post pictures of your setup, I'll appreciate it.

Edit: I just looked up stripes installation and I like it.

+1...I have a 95, w/ PS & AC..No clearance issues and hanging it from the hoodlatch with 2 straps is what I did...Routing pipes was easy, and can also throw up pics if needed...
GL

I'm stuck on those two also. I can't decide if the short one is ugly because I can't find many good pictures of it from head on. Most of the ones that were here are gone now. Or at least I could only find a couple (that7guy and some of braineacks pictures from the dyno day, but none were head on)

If someone with one of the above intercoolers could post a head on pic from a short distance it would be awsome. Any cooling problems with the larger one?

I got the CXRacing 28x7x2.5 w/2.5 pipes... And after reading this thread... SHIT. Its been way too cold since it came so I haven't even come close to a test fit to make sure it'll clear everything, and I have a sinking feeling it won't clear my drier!!

I test fitted the Starion unit and it cleared just fine, but I don't know for sure how much bigger the new cooler is.

I used a 3x12x18 CORE from CX - thread here.
The hood latch was removed so I could jam it all the way to provide direct airflow to the base section of the rad. But I know it'll fit with the latch- just needs the typical trimming to the base of the mouth shroud. And I've installed one of the CX IC pipe kits on the hot side for the around-the-rad routing. Works great.

I'll just throw this out there.. I'm considering upgrading my 18x12x3 if anyone wants to pick it up.

I am interested, Price and pics via PM please.

it's the first one you posted......in your long, long list....

You dont like to see pictures of something you are considering paying for? I know its like the first one, but what if his has rock chips and bent fins in it?

I'm looking into this as well, and would that first intercooler need to be mounted offset with A/C, or would you have enough room to mount it centered?

Centered

So what if it does?

Got a brand new one and it had bent fins and a couple of COSMETIC dings. My Godspeed rad was the same way. It's only cosmetic so it doesn't really matter, you'll likely do as much damage installing it. And if it is beyond cosmetic, you'll probably never see it from the pictures anyway.

Why are you grilling me? No one buys a cat in a bag.

Very cool. Its big though and requires off center mounting. I dont need such a big intercooler for my power goals,but good to know its an option;). I do however like your hood pins, very sweet.