thepope540

I am going to intercool my SC miata and am trying to figure out what size core to use. I hate the idea of slower throttle response, but detonation and lack of timing sucks. I have debated WI and it is still an option, but I don't like the idea of relying on a system that at any time could run dry.

I guess the question is how small can I go and still get decent results? I picked up Millenia intercoolers tonight for $25, but I think that they are actually too small. The Millenia used two stages of intercooling and both cores are about 130 cubic inches. Has anyone done any research into how many cubic inches of core is required to drop X number of degrees?

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

Call Corky Bell of BEGi and Bell Intercoolers. But even the smallest of intercoolers will be better than nothing.

steelrat

Depends on the SC really.... the M45 is probably going to have more trouble with the throttle volume, than an MP62, just from the CFM difference..... <G>

That said, I am looking to get an IC my MP62.....

You might want to check around, there has been some success with one of the ebay intercoolers -- that lets you run the pipes over the top of the rad....

Dave,

brgracer

iTrader: (14)

If throttle response is your utmost priority and are looking for some cooling, you might want to also consider an air to water IC as it will not change throttle response like an air to air IC and not need any refilling like WI, but the downside is that apples to apples (meaning same size actual IC), it won't be as efficient as an air-air IC.

thepope540

I think that the intercooling chapters in Corky Bells books describe a core size v temp comparison, but my copies of Supercharged and Maximum Boost are currently on loan to friends.

I made some calls this morning and I think that I am going to have a water jacket fabbed up for the millenia core. I love it's compact size, core dimensions are only 8.5 x 4.75 x 3, but in order to get any efficiency out it I am pretty sure it is going to require the very high heat transfer of water instead of using it as an air to air.

I am running an M45 and making about 8.5 psi of boost with the current pulley configuration. I am seriously considering spinning it faster to make about 10 psi, but I have got to get intake temps under control before I do anything.

thepope540

Actually air to water intercoolers are more efficient - thats why they can be smaller. The downside is all of the additional plumbing, having two cores (one to cool your intake air, one to cool the water), and still having to rely on pump that could fail.

Aside from being smaller they also give you the ability to create intercoolers with more than 100% efficiency by using ice water as the cooling medium. This can be very useful for short times such as the drag strip / autocross.