The Vibrant 12800 as of 2017 or so has the newer core design with turbulators. I have it and wasn't seeing more than 45c (sorry do the math) at the track at summer.

 

Oh hey, that's like $60 more than the ebay one, and its on amazon with prime. I might get that one.... Do you get heatsoaking issues like andyfloyd metioned?

EDIT: Kind of a dumb question, you were at the track, duhh. Is that the same core as the Fab9 intercooler?

 

I only get heatsoak because I have the older core before they upgraded it. Also I'm making 350hp and running 22psi so there's that.

Yep same as fab9.

 

Is that core really the same as Fab9? Why on earth do they charge an extra $100? is the difference really only the mounting tabs they weld on? If that's so, then I'm canceling my order with them.

 

Because it's fab9 and it's overpriced and they will ship it 3 years later?

 

I understand that completely. I placed my order for their stage 69 interkooler a month ago

 

Seriously? It's been Month???? Wow. They suck dude. I mean I like having vendors that do Miata parts and we don't want to run them off. But it's like what the hell are they doing?

 

To be fair, they've been very communicative with the whole process. They stated they've been waiting to receive cores from Vibrant. They blamed a lot of it due to COVID delaying shipments, which I understand. Nonetheless, if their cores really are the same as the amazon link above, albeit with some tabs welded on, I'll take my business elsewhere.

 

Oh they are exactly the same. Hah

 

Ah ok, shouldn't be a problem with my setup I hope. Would the 12800 be overpowered for a sub 300hp Miata (200-250whp)? Or is the 350hp rating the max the intercooler can support?

 

Just get that one. It will fit you well.

 

Watch the MAT based retard. Pulling extra timing creates incredible heat in the exhaust manifold and turbo and causes failures. Pulling three degrees by 135 is excessive. EGT shooting up is bad.

Your exhaust studs and turbine oil seal will thank you. Ask me how I know.

 

Will take a look at the MAT based retard. I thought that was just a precaution for boosted cars though?

I checked for boost leaks. I have a ton it seems, can barely hold pressure. Maybe I won't have to buy a new intercooler. Major leaks seem to be the Ebay bov (go figure) and the iscv hose that the NA's have. I will get those fixed soon but my alternator just crapped out on me so I'll be fixing that first.

 

I really like my CRXRacing intercooler. I don't really understand what kind of magic special sauce makes one unit cost way more than another. But look at it next to a FM intercooler. It is a beast. As long as you don't heat soak it, it should (and does) work really well.

 

https://www.siliconeintakes.com/inta...4qbrcbnreq3ti2

 

I've fixed pretty much every boost leak I could fine except my blow-off valve. Like I said its an eBay knockoff so go figure. My alternator comes in on Friday so I'll post an update on intake temps around then to see if the leaks were bad enough. Thanks for the help guys.

Off-topic, but for blow-offs I've seen people running the Bosch diverter valve. What does it sound like when set up as a blow off? I can't really find any videos of the sound and I'm quite fond of the sounds the knock off is making

 

It has kind of a fluttery whoosh noise. Just dream that up in your head.

 

I have a Bosch and it makes a loud Poooosssshhh! It also holds over 20psi without any problems, verified with the leak tester linked above.

Just be sure to attach it correctly. Many people connect it incorrectly and experience leaks. It is designed for boost to enter what you might think is the side rather than the "bottom." Most people don't read the directions/charts.

 

I would say Piiiiiiiiiisssshhhhh. Just sounds like it's doing its job... releasing compressed air to atmosphere. No whistles, or flutters, or songs. If you want Dixie, there are horns for that.

It is also a demonstration that a well designed recirc / blow-off does not need to be tuned with springs as such for different boost levels. The differential pressure between the manifold and the charge pipes makes it work. Simple, yet effective.

DNM

 

Thanks for the descriptions guys, lol. I'll probably pick one up if I find mine is junk.