Black vs silver intercooler efficiency

9871 Views 11 Replies 6 Participants Last post by WScottCross, Jun 19, 2014

WScottCross

Discussion Starter · Jun 17, 2014

http://www.carthrottle.com/painting...he-best-way-to-keep-your-turbod-engine-happy/
Interesting test proves that black intercoolers are better at reducing heat soak while you're not moving. This test was done outside a car and away from other heat sources. They also used a hair dryer as the heat source so the temps were significantly higher than we would see in our car, further reducing the real world results. I think there is still a possibility for some advantage of black intercoolers while we're sitting in the queue at an autocross. Maybe a few degrees, could be useful. At least it proved that black is not worse and I was considering black if I decide to upgrade the FMIC.

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Sekred

· #4 · Jun 17, 2014

WScottCross said:
The more I think about it, the less I think their test was valid. Their hair dryer was putting out 273 degrees F. That is so far outside the normal charge temperature range that I honestly don't think we'll see any real measurable gain in the car. At least they proved it's not worse, so going with a black intercooler is more likely a purely cosmetic choice.

You would be surprised at the compressor outlet temps.
Intercooler efficiency test. Airtec vs stock, Fiesta ST 180.

Fast Ford magazine intercooler test - measured in degree's C

Standard
Run 1 Intake temp turbo into intercooler 140 out of intercooler into engine 85
Run 2 Intake temp turbo into intercooler 131 out of intercooler into engine 92
Run 3 Intake temp turbo into intercooler 140 out of intercooler into engine 97

Airtec
Run 1 Intake temp turbo into intercooler 140 out of intercooler into engine 31
Run 2 Intake temp turbo into intercooler 150 out of intercooler into engine 38
Run 3 Intake temp turbo into intercooler 152 out of intercooler into engine 39

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Sekred

· #8 · Jun 19, 2014

WScottCross said:
Those are some incredible numbers. To the point of unbelievable, really. Based on those numbers, the temps should be near the point of boiling water with the stock intercooler. Even after spirited driving, the intercooler is only warm to the touch on the inlet side, and cool to the touch on the outlet side. I find it very hard to believe that the stock intercooler is THAT inefficient. I think I may have to do some instrumentation on my car to get a true baseline on those numbers. I think the old adage applies, if it seems too good to be true.....

I agree the temp drop numbers from the Airtec intercooler do seem optimistic. I have no idea how the test was preformed.
The Turbo outlet temps are in the ballpark. I have seen intercooler efficiency testing with compressor outlet temps as high as 300f at 15psi.

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