Intercooler fan
 

Just wanting some thoughts on the idea of using a fan on intercooler. I'm building a kitcar using 1.8bp and td04 turbo. Cannot physically mount a FMIC in the nosecone due to its very small size and the rad needing all the air it can get. I have mounted a side mount style IC at floor level and was going to make a sheet metal air scoop to pull the air into it. Given how low the ground clearance is I realised it would have to be a very small scoop maybe 30mm deep so I'm thinking of just running a quality rad fan on the intercooler instead. I guess I could use an air/water exchanger intercooler setup but rather stick with this as I already have it mounted pipework made to suit etc.

Downside I see is:
*Have to run fan all the time (not sure how much current it draws or how long it lasts in constant use)
*Less air flow at high speed (compared to scoop)

If it's intended for track use, I wouldn't go air-water.
As you said, a fan can't match the airflow of the car moving at speed. Get creative with your ducting - use a combination of several NACA ducts on the bodywork all running hoses to a ducted entry to the IC - or something else - to get the air to it.

There's a ton of creative ways to get airflow to heat exchangers within tight confines. We're rather spoiled with the relatively large open space of our production cars. Look to prototypes for inspiration.

Don't be afraid to modify (either yourself or find a good shop that can fab piping and TIG) the inlet/outlet placement on a universal IC so that you can fit it where you need. Standard in/out on the sides, plus the room needed for the piping on each side, can really limit your options.

-Ryan

It is to be a road car although tracklike in that I don't intend it for daily use.

Here are a couple of pics with regard to intercooler positioning:
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419205218
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419205218

Lastly I'm chasing 200bhp so probably not after the last degree of intercooler effeciency

That looks like fun! Looks alot like the one I had. Except mine had some 1/2" tube welded control arms.....scary!

https://www.miataturbo.net/general-m...h-crack-71781/

How far down does the radiator sit? Possibly cut the nose hole to either extend down or have a seperate short/wide hole below the main radiator opening, run a wide duct under the radiator to that hole?

-Ryan

Food for thought...

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419229904

Hi,

I have a FMIC on my kit.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419278457
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1419278457

Cheers
Stot

Wow that naca duct setup is really sexy. definitely food for thought. If I did a setup like that the naca and pipework is easy but any ideas how to direct the air through the IC? Maybe use a lid off an old airbox to funnel it through

Is that a haynes roadster? You've packaged the cooler and rad very nicely

It is a Haynes Roadster. :cool: The radiator is a Mercedes 190 unit and the intercooler is an ebay special but happily the cores were virtually identical size so they fit up very well and for a 200hp target its well suited.

Cheers
Stot

Carbon fiber oil cooler ducts. More info here:

LocostUSA.com ? View topic - DaveStruve's Miata Powered Haynes Roadster

If any of you ever decide to sell your Seven replicas or know of a great deal on one, let me know.