Why so few parallel intercoolers?
 

I'm thinking about using a honda radiator and doing a side-by-side intercooler setup for my next build, but it doesn't look like very many people are doing it. It seems like a pretty good option if you're replacing the radiator anyway, why don't more people do it?

Like this, but probably not quite as pretty:
http://forum.miata.net/vb/attachment...7&d=1178213381

Probably because it's so easy to just install a regular front mount intercooler in our car.

Because the car overheats if you use a smaller than stock radiator.

Wow, I love the routing on that setup. I'd be interested to see how the volume and cooling capacity of that radiator compared to other units. It does seem like it would require a good bit more work to get everything fitted and mounted too.

That too. The Honda B and D series motors were way too efficient.

They also overheat immediately on the track.

most of the more serious honda track cars ive seen, switch to a full-panel radiator for this very reason... Ive said it once, and ill say it again, i still LOVE v-mount setups, on our tiny cars, real estate is hard to come by though.

Would THIS be a parallel IC setup:

http://www.godspeedproject.com/store...06GOLFIC_2.JPG

http://www.parts4euro.com/DCShop/images/110016a.jpg

two intercoolers run in parallel.

Yes, from a grammatical standpoint, but i think the OP means Parallel (adjecent to) not parallel, (in line)

I think the correct terminology is "Side by Side"

A V-mount setup is very similar to an “Over-Under”

Both can be described as parallel. The more conventional systems are stacked in series and where ambient air flows through one heat exchanger then the other.

I am pretty sure based on experience that reducing the frontal area or volume of the radiator won’t work well on a track driven Miata. So this rules out side by side in my opinion.

To go parallel on a Miata in my opinion it would need a V-mount Over-Under setup. Then tuning the flow balance through such a system would be quite difficult I think. Very easy to get it to where all the flow will go through one heat exchanger and mostly bypass the other. I doubt it is a system where that you could get right without significant testing data collection and tuning.

Bob

this probably isnt what your talking about but is using an aftermarket honda radiator
http://www.mx5forum.co.nz/viewtopic....r=asc&start=75
havent seen it overheat yet