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The FiST Front-mount Intercooler

7462 Views 33 Replies 12 Participants Last post by  sourskittle
Watching the gauges for charge air temp, ambient, and IAT seem to point to an adequately sized intercooler. I hope this holds up as the weather gets warmer, too. FWIW, we've had a couple days around 80 deg F, and there isn't any evidence of heat soaking the IC. This might be the first stock turbo car I've ever owned that enjoys this!

If you watch the various dyno videos, you'll see very consistent runs. The guys at Edmund's also pointed this out. Almost every car faces a heat issue on the dyno, so this is very encouraging. It bodes well for track days in the summer!

That aside, I could see a bigger intercooler, but it's not a priority for me now. For those that have it, do you have instrumented changes for before and after?
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That's an interesting question. I would imagine we'll see data here sooner or later.
my Fiesta ST made the most power on the third of three pulls when I dynoed it. we waited five minutes between runs with a fan blowing on it.
I have heard from a few sources, including the Edmunds test, that the Fiesta ST intercooler does a better job than the Focus ST version. From running 30+ autocross laps in 95'F temps this summer, the performance of the car seemed to stay constant. I sprayed the tires and intercooler down with water using a spray bottle. I noticed way more heat issues with a normally aspirated engine with an aftermarket intake than I did with the ST.
This car just keeps impressing me.

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I have heard from a few sources, including the Edmunds test, that the Fiesta ST intercooler does a better job than the Focus ST version. From running 30+ autocross laps in 95'F temps this summer, the performance of the car seemed to stay constant. I sprayed the tires and intercooler down with water using a spray bottle. I noticed way more heat issues with a normally aspirated engine with an aftermarket intake than I did with the ST.
One of the first things I noticed when I parked my Fist next to my brothers FoST was how much more exposure our intercooler has. The FoST definitely has more plastic in front.
While I'm happy with the stock intercooler, that isn't to say there isn't room for improvement! :)

I don't expect to jam a significantly bigger IC, but I would like a more efficient unit (less pressure drop)!

Mountune makes just the unit and this is something I'd like to test in the near future.
While I'm happy with the stock intercooler, that isn't to say there isn't room for improvement! :)

I don't expect to jam a significantly bigger IC, but I would like a more efficient unit (less pressure drop)!

Mountune makes just the unit and this is something I'd like to test in the near future.
Just borrow Daves (D1JL) when he is not looking . I thought he put one on a while ago..
Just borrow Daves (D1JL) when he is not looking . I thought he put one on a while ago..
Right! At our upcoming track day! :)

On a serious note, I know these units are good. I have some data logged reference points, and would like to do a back-to-back comparison. I have no doubts this is a meaningful upgrade.
Just watched a few dyno vids, they all kept saying how consistent each pull was, and how much power actually translated to the wheels. Cannot wait for the car to get some miles so I can fully get on it; and have enough traction to actually hook up (snow here in Pittsburgh)...
Cobb Surgeline is 5 miles from my house. When I get some time I'm going to schedule some dyno pulls and post them up!
McRib-I wasn't saying we wouldn't benefit from a bigger intercooler, I was just noticing how the Fist has much better flow to it than the FoST.
Just borrow Daves (D1JL) when he is not looking . I thought he put one on a while ago..
Don't you think I might notice? :mad:


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Dave
Don't you think I might notice? :mad:


Sent with my retro keyboard and mouse.

Dave
Was hoping ya might be lookin the other way ... guess not eh :)
Don't you think I might notice? :mad:

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Dave
The real question is, would you notice? Is there enough performance difference that you'd be able to easily tell?
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Don't you think I might notice? :mad:


Sent with my retro keyboard and mouse.

Dave
Let's see how fast you are without an IC! No, I won't plug it -- "run" with a massive leak! :)
Cobb Surgeline is 5 miles from my house. When I get some time I'm going to schedule some dyno pulls and post them up!
McRib-I wasn't saying we wouldn't benefit from a bigger intercooler, I was just noticing how the Fist has much better flow to it than the FoST.
Right on, we're on the same page. I expect a nominal gain under normal use, but better "resistance to loss" under severe loads. We'll see. :)
The real question is, would you notice? Is there enough performance difference that you'd be able to easily tell?
This is not one you would expect feel with the butt or even see that much with a dyno.

In my experience the design I chose mostly helps recover from heat soak quicker.
Since I do NOT run at WOT for long periods this works best for me.

I went with the Mountune because of their racing history and racing affiliates.
Mountune is also very well known for their product testing and their intent on keeping the Ford warranty intact.

Too large an intercooler could require radiator shroud removal or radiator air flow restriction.
This could cause higher coolant temperatures thus resulting with the ECU dialing back the power to protect the engine.
What would be the point of that?


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Dave
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Mountune offers this in black powdercoat, and I decided it would go nicely with my car's black theme!

Since this has to be OE quality for warranty purposes, they powdercoat all of them. Here in CA, it doesn't matter very much! ;)

I took some comparison shots -- the core is modestly bigger and the construction is of obviously superior quality.

Early on, I'm seeing a pretty big difference in intake temperatures! It's almost always a few degrees over ambient and cools faster under airflow.

Hopefully this means I won't have heatsoak issues under any condition!

Once you get the front fascia off, it's a pretty easy job. If you're being careful, it will take a couple hours to install. I'm very happy with it and recommend it wholeheartedly!

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Edit: fixed typo
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So am I missing something?
Did you buy this?

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Dave
So am I missing something?
Did you buy this?

Sent with my retro keyboard and mouse.

Dave
Oh, right, yep and installed! ;)
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