Newbie from CA

[Eddyjr]

Hello everyone,

My name is Eddy Jr., and I am a new member from California seeking technical advice regarding forced induction setups.

I am planning to add a turbocharger to the LS1 engine in my buggy and need guidance on selecting the appropriate intercooler system. The primary goal is a low-boost (~7psi) setup running on pump gas, with the fuel system capacity to increase boost later using E85 if desired.

For fitment purposes, an air-to-air intercooler could be mounted horizontally (lay down style) above the intake, utilizing a scoop to feed it air. This configuration is common on many Subaru-powered buggies, and I am curious about its efficiency. Also, would an intercooler rated for significantly more horsepower than I plan to produce improve performance or hinder it?

Alternatively, an air-to-water intercooler could be integrated into the intake manifold (specifically, a Holley High Ram style). I would like to know how effective these systems typically are. The cost for air-to-water setups is considerably higher; is the investment worthwhile?

Finally, I am interested in which setup (air-to-air or air-to-water) manages heat soak more effectively after extended dune runs.

Thank you in advance for your insights and expertise.

Eddy Jr.

 

[rivermobster]

Welcome to the board.

 

[FOG]

Welcome to GD.com.

 

[Stinky]

All the Intercoolers that I know of are Air-Air. I assume....that a small Intercooler would work....but, just not as well.

I wonder.....having the cooling air going down....it will naturally want to flow up....and you'll be fighting that.

On many vehicles, they work just fine mounted vertically, in from of the radiator

 

[Goatpoker]

Air to air in the back of a buggy can be pretty inefficient. You need airflow to make them work at peak efficiency. It will be better than nothing but certainly not ideal. Keeping it away from motor and exhaust heat is critical. I wouldn’t mount it the way the Subarus do. All that engine heat is a risk.

Air to air has less heat soak risk as the ‘reservoir’ for the cold side is the outside air. The physical intercooler will only start to increase in temperature if you don’t have enough airflow across the fins.

Air-water you have to worry about the water storing heat. Then your delta T between air and water will shrink and efficiency drops.