Is the stock SR intercooler any good? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

kustom · 12-11-2001, 07:22 PM

Ok, i guess i start a lot of these but:

I would prefer not to spend a grand on a FMIC plus attract attention  so.....
if i use the stock SR intercooler (side mount) then how much boost can i realistically push? Some have said 14psi others 8 so let er rip!

mistert · 12-11-2001, 07:23 PM

around 14, thats also the limit on the stock turbo for an s13, and the headgasket as well

kustom · 12-11-2001, 07:27 PM

why do people use the front mounts if it will go to14? I mean how many people are really pushing more?  What does 14psi make anywho, 250Hp?

MattS14 · 12-11-2001, 07:35 PM

i think many people go to the front mount when they do the swap for a few reasons....

1: In there mind it gives them that little extra protection againt detonation even on stock boost.

2: It is alot easier to install when the engine is out.

3: It looks sweet

4: personal prefrence

mistert · 12-11-2001, 07:35 PM

i understand 14psi will make in the 260-285 range. i dunno i guess alot of people just want to look cool, or else they think its neccessary when it really isnt. of course, having a thicker intercooler will cool the charge better, and possibly afford better HP, if im not mistaken, at high boost levels.

kustom · 12-11-2001, 07:40 PM

so how many people have seen the SR running decent numbers on the stock intercooler?
You guys are making me feel a lot better! Thinking of dropping 1k on it makes me queezy!

Sway500 · 12-11-2001, 08:02 PM

people get front mounts because it has higher cooling effieciency. Which equals more power.  You know the denser the air  the more power.

socom1 · 12-11-2001, 08:03 PM

Do you guy's even know what an intercooler does? An intercooler does just that, it COOLS the air going INTO the engine. The reason for a FMIC is simple and has nothing to do with how much boost you can run. The FMIC is larger than stock "some by up to 150%" and is mounted in front of the block. The stock intercooler is side mount and as such will not get as much air flowing over it. The addition of a FMIC can add from 15-150+hp "note that the 150+ is if you are running considerable boost through a top notch turbo". This hp gain comes not from increased boost but from the air being cooler "read: more dense" as it goes into the engine.

mistert · 12-11-2001, 08:04 PM

eys thats true i pointed that out as well, but another reason is also wanting to run more boost. he merely wanted to knwo what you can get out of a stock setup though

kustom · 12-11-2001, 08:12 PM

right, just the stock intercooler. I understand what an intercooler does and how it works (they just happened to cover that  subject in my 5 yrs of mechanical engineering <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> ). I could list a 100 parts that would improve the car but just want to know what my limitations are on stock internals + decent clutch and STOCK intercooler.

socom1 · 12-11-2001, 08:14 PM

A stock setup is only limited by the turbo. After about 1bar "14psi" the heat that the turbo generates causes a LOSS in power. A bigger intercooler will not help this. As far as the SMIC itself, there are guys with better turbos running 20-25psi through it with no problem. On a side note, if you drift, retaining your side mount can be a good idea. A SMIC is much less likely to get damaged by rocks and other debris than a FMIC.

kustom · 12-11-2001, 08:17 PM

so what you're saying is that the stock smic will be sufficient for my days with the stock turbo? What setup are you using?

socom1 · 12-11-2001, 08:23 PM

It is not in yet but here you go:
SR20DET blacktop "180sx"
Trust FMIC
550cc injectors
300zx fuel pump
Greddy T-3 bb turbo "maybe a ceramic BB"
APEXi 3.8" GT downpipe
APEXi 3.8" GT exuast
and the much loved K&N filters

socom1 · 12-11-2001, 08:24 PM

And yes the SMIC will be fine.

HippoSleek · 12-12-2001, 07:32 AM

hmm... I've always heard that the SMIC couldn't take over 10 psi. At that point, it is not longer efficient in cooling the air. Used ones from an s13 motor may also have begun leaking, as they are 10 years old. I've never heard anyone running an SR w/ SMIC at over 10 psi - and not even close to 20!

*edit* reducing "NEVER" to "never" b/c further research showed that there are a few at around 14 psi... looking for an upgrade;) *edit*

(Edited by HippoSleek at 10:33 am on Dec. 12, 2001)

Zenki Two40 · 12-12-2001, 10:50 AM

w/ a stock set up of minor mods, the stock intercooler will be sufficient. why get a big intercooler n have trouble filling it n not maximizing what u got?

12-12-2001, 11:30 AM

What's with all the discrepencies? Are people just voicing their "opinions" without having done it? I mean if someone says "yeah, 14 psi" then we assume that they've done it or seen it done. That being the case how can someone argue?

HippoSleek · 12-12-2001, 12:28 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from Kustom on 9:30 am on Dec. 12, 2001
What's with all the discrepencies? Are people just voicing their "opinions" without having done it? I mean if someone says "yeah, 14 psi" then we assume that they've done it or seen it done. That being the case how can someone argue?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Haven't done it, but here are my sources:
http://forums.freshalloy.com/cgi-bin....=000499
<a href="http://forums.freshalloy.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=9&t=005751

Both" target="_blank">http://forums.freshalloy.com/cgi-bin....

Both</a> Asad and Mark are LONG time 240 veterans and I, personally, trust their opinions over others.  I've seen the same thing elsewhere too, however.  The general impression I got was that above about 10psi, the stock t25 started creating too much heat (b/c it is undersized).  By 14 psi, it renders the SMIC ineffective.

Kid Zelda · 12-12-2001, 01:08 PM

U could also get a IN from a 87-90 Turbo Supra, its a side mount also, way better cooling, will need to make a few custom pipes.....well worth it, if you don't want to spend the $900-1200 for a FMIC

socom1 · 12-12-2001, 01:21 PM

You are right Hippo but if you look at my post I said that the SMIC would work at the higher boost level with a BIGGER TURBO.

KoukiS14 · 12-12-2001, 02:31 PM

I personally prefer a SMIC. .  Just for looks, I don't want a large oversized intercooler... for my application, it would be a waste of time and money, and limit the cooling ability of my radiator.. With that being said. . I understand that there are thicker, higher capacity SMIC upgrades available for many cars,  such as 300zx...  Is there one for Silvia?

-Rob

SpoiledBoi · 12-12-2001, 08:39 PM

Personal observation-Audi A4 1.8t guys cut the underside of the wheel housing cover(i dunno wat its called, i forgot) (they have SideMountIntercoolers too) and they get a noticable difference in, duh, throttle response, and they also know they have gotten more torque for sure.....i havent been on in a while but i dont know of anyone dynoin to make sure i can bacl that up.

12-11-2001, 07:22 PM	#1
kustom Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 22 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Ok, i guess i start a lot of these but: I would prefer not to spend a grand on a FMIC plus attract attention  so..... if i use the stock SR intercooler (side mount) then how much boost can i realistically push? Some have said 14psi others 8 so let er rip!

12-11-2001, 07:23 PM	#2
mistert Pearl White Mike Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: memphis TN Posts: 908 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	around 14, thats also the limit on the stock turbo for an s13, and the headgasket as well

12-11-2001, 07:27 PM	#3
kustom Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 22 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	why do people use the front mounts if it will go to14? I mean how many people are really pushing more?  What does 14psi make anywho, 250Hp?

12-11-2001, 07:35 PM	#4
MattS14 Leaky Injector Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 72 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i think many people go to the front mount when they do the swap for a few reasons.... 1: In there mind it gives them that little extra protection againt detonation even on stock boost. 2: It is alot easier to install when the engine is out. 3: It looks sweet 4: personal prefrence

12-11-2001, 07:40 PM	#6
kustom Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 22 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	so how many people have seen the SR running decent numbers on the stock intercooler? You guys are making me feel a lot better! Thinking of dropping 1k on it makes me queezy!

12-11-2001, 08:02 PM	#7
Sway500 Zilvia Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Greensboro NC Age: 38 Posts: 189 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	people get front mounts because it has higher cooling effieciency. Which equals more power.  You know the denser the air  the more power.

12-11-2001, 08:03 PM	#8
socom1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 25 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Do you guy's even know what an intercooler does? An intercooler does just that, it COOLS the air going INTO the engine. The reason for a FMIC is simple and has nothing to do with how much boost you can run. The FMIC is larger than stock "some by up to 150%" and is mounted in front of the block. The stock intercooler is side mount and as such will not get as much air flowing over it. The addition of a FMIC can add from 15-150+hp "note that the 150+ is if you are running considerable boost through a top notch turbo". This hp gain comes not from increased boost but from the air being cooler "read: more dense" as it goes into the engine.

12-11-2001, 08:04 PM	#9
mistert Pearl White Mike Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: memphis TN Posts: 908 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	eys thats true i pointed that out as well, but another reason is also wanting to run more boost. he merely wanted to knwo what you can get out of a stock setup though

12-11-2001, 08:12 PM	#10
kustom Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 22 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	right, just the stock intercooler. I understand what an intercooler does and how it works (they just happened to cover that  subject in my 5 yrs of mechanical engineering <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'> ). I could list a 100 parts that would improve the car but just want to know what my limitations are on stock internals + decent clutch and STOCK intercooler.

12-11-2001, 08:14 PM	#11
socom1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 25 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	A stock setup is only limited by the turbo. After about 1bar "14psi" the heat that the turbo generates causes a LOSS in power. A bigger intercooler will not help this. As far as the SMIC itself, there are guys with better turbos running 20-25psi through it with no problem. On a side note, if you drift, retaining your side mount can be a good idea. A SMIC is much less likely to get damaged by rocks and other debris than a FMIC.

12-11-2001, 08:17 PM	#12
kustom Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 22 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	so what you're saying is that the stock smic will be sufficient for my days with the stock turbo? What setup are you using?

12-11-2001, 08:23 PM	#13
socom1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 25 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It is not in yet but here you go: SR20DET blacktop "180sx" Trust FMIC 550cc injectors 300zx fuel pump Greddy T-3 bb turbo "maybe a ceramic BB" APEXi 3.8" GT downpipe APEXi 3.8" GT exuast and the much loved K&N filters

12-11-2001, 08:24 PM	#14
socom1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 25 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	And yes the SMIC will be fine.

12-12-2001, 07:32 AM	#15
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	hmm... I've always heard that the SMIC couldn't take over 10 psi. At that point, it is not longer efficient in cooling the air. Used ones from an s13 motor may also have begun leaking, as they are 10 years old. I've never heard anyone running an SR w/ SMIC at over 10 psi - and not even close to 20! edit reducing "NEVER" to "never" b/c further research showed that there are a few at around 14 psi... looking for an upgrade;) edit (Edited by HippoSleek at 10:33 am on Dec. 12, 2001)

12-12-2001, 10:50 AM	#16
Zenki Two40 Zilvia Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: ... Posts: 285 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	w/ a stock set up of minor mods, the stock intercooler will be sufficient. why get a big intercooler n have trouble filling it n not maximizing what u got?

12-12-2001, 11:30 AM	#17
Guest Posts: n/a	What's with all the discrepencies? Are people just voicing their "opinions" without having done it? I mean if someone says "yeah, 14 psi" then we assume that they've done it or seen it done. That being the case how can someone argue?

12-12-2001, 12:28 PM	#18
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Quote: from Kustom on 9:30 am on Dec. 12, 2001 What's with all the discrepencies? Are people just voicing their "opinions" without having done it? I mean if someone says "yeah, 14 psi" then we assume that they've done it or seen it done. That being the case how can someone argue?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> Haven't done it, but here are my sources: http://forums.freshalloy.com/cgi-bin....=000499 <a href="http://forums.freshalloy.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=9&t=005751 Both" target="_blank">http://forums.freshalloy.com/cgi-bin.... Both</a> Asad and Mark are LONG time 240 veterans and I, personally, trust their opinions over others.  I've seen the same thing elsewhere too, however.  The general impression I got was that above about 10psi, the stock t25 started creating too much heat (b/c it is undersized).  By 14 psi, it renders the SMIC ineffective.

12-12-2001, 01:08 PM	#19
Kid Zelda BANNED Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 2,347 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	U could also get a IN from a 87-90 Turbo Supra, its a side mount also, way better cooling, will need to make a few custom pipes.....well worth it, if you don't want to spend the $900-1200 for a FMIC

12-12-2001, 01:21 PM	#20
socom1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 25 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	You are right Hippo but if you look at my post I said that the SMIC would work at the higher boost level with a BIGGER TURBO.

12-12-2001, 02:31 PM	#21
KoukiS14 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Indiana Age: 47 Posts: 944 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I personally prefer a SMIC. .  Just for looks, I don't want a large oversized intercooler... for my application, it would be a waste of time and money, and limit the cooling ability of my radiator.. With that being said. . I understand that there are thicker, higher capacity SMIC upgrades available for many cars,  such as 300zx...  Is there one for Silvia? -Rob

12-12-2001, 08:39 PM	#22
SpoiledBoi Leaky Injector Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 89 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Personal observation-Audi A4 1.8t guys cut the underside of the wheel housing cover(i dunno wat its called, i forgot) (they have SideMountIntercoolers too) and they get a noticable difference in, duh, throttle response, and they also know they have gotten more torque for sure.....i havent been on in a while but i dont know of anyone dynoin to make sure i can bacl that up.