between *tube and fin* and *bar and plate* intercooler core types, what would be the best to use. if possible i would like to hear reasons behind your choice. to me it seems like the obvious choice between the two would be the bar and plate design but i fear i might be over looking things that would make the tube and fin design better. the one thing i dont have to worry about either is poor quality as if i do continue with this i'll be buying from a good dealer.

along with this i am also wondering what inlet/outlet design you guys think is the best. http://www.allardturbosport.co.uk/pages ... ooler2.gif has pictures of inlet/output choices. i really know nothing about inlet/outlets but see that each company has their own design on what they use. would design send air faster then design b because they are level and not offset?

I don't know what you mean by tube and fin and bar and plate? Do you mean Plate and Shell and Extruded Tube? Or are you talking about the internal design? Please be more specific....

This is a huge discussion, I could write about 2 pages on the design of intercoolers and still be in the basics and not even touching on all the aerodynamcis and calc involved. As far as end tanks, both of those are good designs, most companies don't produce bad end tanks, only people. I personally would choose A with a center divider so that theres equal distribution of air to both sides of the intercooler...

If you can provide more specific information, and/or define bar and plate and tube and fin I could probably be more helpful...

It could be something else other then core type I just couldn't find what exactly to call it heh.

TUBE AND FINBenefits:low cost low weight

Disadvantages:"effective" lower efficiency compared to bar and plate can be poor quality dependant on supplier is a little more awkward to modify core size some brands are plastic sealed at ends and have limits on welding techniques

BAR AND PLATEBenefits:35% greater heat sink capability (meaning you effectively COULD have a SMALLER intercooler when compared to the tube and fin) Generally known as the "better product" easy to modify size and re weld

Disadvantages:weight cost some limitation in sizes The tube and fin is a common everyday upgrade due to its low cost.The bar and plate is far superior BUT it costs more.

I got that from: How an Intercooler Works http://www.mrtrally.com.au/performance/howinter.htm

Tube and plate pictures: http://www.are.com.au/feat/techt/ft002at.JPG

http://toyotaperformance.com/images/int1.jpg

Bar and plate cores: http://www.magnusmotorsports.com/ICcores.htm

and the kind of intercooler stillen uses for their 300zx upgrades.

Do you recommend any books or anything to read more about intercoolers?