The big little FMIC: NPR fitment on a 240.

[AceInHole]

Using the large NPR intercooler (some versions are smaller, some skinnier and longer... this is the largest one IIRC) on a 240 seemed like it wouldn't work, but after finding one for a really good price from a NENOC member at the BBQ this Sunday, I figured I might as well give it a shot.

First.. pricing:
IC: $80
Modified endtanks: $150 (2.5 hours of labor)
Total IC cost: $230 (not bad for an FMIC which should be as good as some of the $600 cores out there).

The core measures 19x 14 x 2". Volume wise, it's about the same as one of the Blitz IC's (about the same as the one on my friend's S14) and definitely smaller than the Greddy VSPL. Coming stock with 2.75" inlet/ outlets, I figure the flow can't be much worse (if not better).

Thoughts on cooling: The larger "face" of the intercooler should make for better heat dissipation, meaning a more efficient intercooler than other thicker alternatives. Part of it is blocked by the front crossmember though, which may negate that advantage. So, I took this into account when mounting, along with safety reasons.

Mounting: To get the most of the IC, I tilted it back (instead of forward like most setups seem to have it). This gives me some clearance (2" maybe) between the bumper support and intercooler. The inlets and outlets had to be modified on this core (not sure if the 23" wide core would need to be modified... if the endtanks even clear the lower frame) to point side to side instead of "back" from the endtanks. I had to actually do a bit of bending of part of where the lower frame sticks out (nothing really structural) to gain like a 1/2" more clearance (didn't want the IC sticking below the bumper). I also had to cut the headlight supports and the hood latch support, and relocate the horns and airbag sensor. I'll be making brackets to solidify everything later, but for now it's all backed up and braced tight with a racer favorite: zipties.

And so... the pictures:




Performance:
I didn't notice any more lag converting from the "small" 1g Eclipse SMIC. The powerband feels smoother, and I got rid of a hesitation problem it seems that came with the 1g Eclipse BOV which is venting atmospherically (after being slightly crushed to stay closed at idle). Hopefully this will help for long distance driving and multiple driver autocross events (where the car is being run back to back with no breaks between runs). I think that the 2" inlet/ outlets of the Eclipse SMIC, in addition to a more complex intake path, hindered performance, whereas the new setup is much simpler and gets larger sooner (goes to 2.5" right before the IC inlet). This might be what negates the larger volume.

So... hopefully I'm getting better and more efficient cooling... with a new turbo on the way (larger compressor wheel, same exhaust wheel), we'll see about more boost and faster response....

[mrmephistopheles]

meh, who cares.. it's only an inexpensive alternative to aftermarket intercoolers. It's not like you're giving anybody good information!

[Bbandit]

holy.... so huge
i dont think that'll fit in my s13

[boosteds14]

NIIIICEEE!!!

[AceInHole]

Originally posted by Bbandit
holy.... so huge
i dont think that'll fit in my s13

actually... my friend and i were thinking that it would fit the S13 a bit better since the headlights wouldn't get in the way like it did with the S14.....

if i can get a spare NPR IC that kookz doesn't wanna share.... maybe i'll give it a shot.

[AceInHole]

Originally posted by mrmephistopheles
meh, who cares.. it's only an inexpensive alternative to aftermarket intercoolers. It's not like you're giving anybody good information!

yeah... and it's not like it'll theoretically be more efficient than thicker aftermarket intercoolers

[transient]

Wow, that is e-farking-normous!

[Keisuke]

cant wait to beat the hell out of your car now