Turbo Gods Needed: Which is better thicker/thinner intercooler? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

DamnedButDetermined · 03-28-2003, 04:36 PM

Me and a friend are having a debate about which is better.

Here is the situation...All things the same...Which is better?
24" long x 8" tall x 5" thick
24" long x 8" tall x 2.5" thick
those are numbers puller out of my ass but you get the point!

He says thinner is better. Reason being, you won't have as large a pressure drop.

I say a thicker intercooler is better. Reason being, you will have more space to cram all that hot air, before it is used. And engine is only going to use a certain amount of air under a certain boost pressure, so the left over air will keep recirculating inside the intercooler continuing the cooling process. Now i don't think the loss of pressure in the intercooler is that big of a deal, because what is forced in one side of the intercooler must come out the other. So the boost pressure in the pipping before it gets to the intercooler will be the same as it is after it leaves the intercooler.

now a little background here...I am an idiot sometimes, so forgive if this answer is obvious!

03-28-2003, 04:36 PM	#1
DamnedButDetermined Zilvia Addict Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Jax, Fl Age: 43 Posts: 637 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Turbo Gods Needed: Which is better thicker/thinner intercooler? Me and a friend are having a debate about which is better. Here is the situation...All things the same...Which is better? 24" long x 8" tall x 5" thick 24" long x 8" tall x 2.5" thick those are numbers puller out of my ass but you get the point! He says thinner is better. Reason being, you won't have as large a pressure drop. I say a thicker intercooler is better. Reason being, you will have more space to cram all that hot air, before it is used. And engine is only going to use a certain amount of air under a certain boost pressure, so the left over air will keep recirculating inside the intercooler continuing the cooling process. Now i don't think the loss of pressure in the intercooler is that big of a deal, because what is forced in one side of the intercooler must come out the other. So the boost pressure in the pipping before it gets to the intercooler will be the same as it is after it leaves the intercooler. now a little background here...I am an idiot sometimes, so forgive if this answer is obvious!