Over The Radiator Intercooler Size?
 

I've searched, but haven't really found what I was after. I'm looking to do a over the radiator intercooler setup on my M45 car. I've been looking into the 18x12x3 and the 16.5x11x3, but they both seem too small. What size intercoolers are you guys using?

I used a OEM starion one with modified end tanks:

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1322198842

measure the size in between the top radiator supports, as long as its smaller than that your good.

21x8x3. 21 is overall width...core is like 16" wide

Whoa there NB folk, step aside.

You're fairly limited with the intercooler size on an NA. The radiator doesn't tilt back as easily as an NB, and the head lights can get in the way. Widest the pipes can be is approximately 20", so if you're doing 90* off the inlet and outlet, you're looking at around a 10" core, with 5" on either side for an endtank and upturn. That'll place them through the OEM holes.

I'm going to attempt a 24x11x3 this winter, core size is 18x11. It Will definitely be shoe horned in. I'm pretty confident I can get it to fit nicely. I've got my front bumper off at the moment so you anyone would like a measurement or picture request let me know.

Not an na but i'm running the track dog ic.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1322271568

I did break 1 of the screws so i had to redo it but this is the only pic i have of the mount. I dont understand why they didnt just redrill the 1 hole and call it done but ok... You take off the mount and toss it on the 2 screws on the antisway bar mount. That will drop your rad enough to give you clearance.
https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1322271568

This is without the cover on top of the rad

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1322271568

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1322271568

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1322271568

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1322271568

IC is angled.

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1322271568

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1322271568

Hope your outlets point up, no way that's fitting with side exits and an over the top setup.

I like the Track Dog setup, I just can't justify putting a $1k IC in a $3k car. I think I'm going to attempt the 16.5x11x3 and tilt the radiator back.

I've got my 24x11x3 ordered, it's back ordered so it won't be in for another 2 weeks.

China sweatshops run out of little kids to make ICs? :vash:

Just a little update. I bought a intercooler last night. I was having a problem with finding an adequately sized one with the proper inlet/outlet for a decent price. It's an eBay special, but it's 23.5x11x2.75 overall with a 18x11x2.75 core and 2.5" inlet/outlets coming out the top. It should be around the same size as the TDR one, but I only paid $112 shipped :D
I'll be installing it over the holiday break along with relocating the TB back to the intake and fitting a TurboXS H-RFL blow-off valve.

Do you like the starion setup? I went to a local junkyard and they wanted $50 for one that I pulled out. Didn't know if the ~23 year old intercooler would be sufficient and worth the modding when I could just buy a brand new one on ebay for about $100.

And link to the intercooler you bought rust?

Starion is a great intercooler. It is a tiny bit small, but it is absolutely perfectly sized for an over the radiator setup on an NA. It fits exactly in the factory holes in front of the radiator. Yes ebay intercoolers are $100, but for one to fit that perfectly it's $200+

so would it be a good investment to get one for the $50? The fins look a bit brittle, and a few are slightly smashed, but it looks alright overall. And what kind of modifying would be needed, other than cutting the piping that crosses over the top of it?

(not trying to hijack your thread here, sorry)

That's it really, cut the pipes. If you have access to a welder, welding something on there longer and with a bead/flare is the only thing that would make it "perfect". The mounts are a little weird, but a piece of bent metal is all you need to make it work.

You may have just re-changed my mind on the starion IC, and talked me into picking one up. Any good write up that you could share on them would be awesome (I couldn't find much info on them myself). But I am also curious on which IC Rustboxbrad went with.

i made 225whp/209wtq with a starion i/c BP+t with bandaids worked pretty well around town but freeway pulls when its more than 70* outside got my iats a bit hot for my liking(125*F-140*F by mid 5th gear) i was running 14psi through a mitsu big 16g and all 1 7/8" charge pipe. not sure if any of that matters. now im running an ebay 19x7.5x3.5 core and 3" charge pipe same turbo and i was seeing 95-105 iats under the same conditions. all numbers were taken off my ms1v3.0 data logs

Got my intercooler in yesterday. It looks like it should work out nicely.

When are you throwing it on? Is it just me or is it really tall looking? Interested in the outcome!

^.. Probably as tall as the radiator.