[7 PSI KA-T] Thoughts on my current plan

[Jonny 290]

I've decided to expand this post to cover my general project.

1: Would a Volvo IC mounted *behind* the radiator work all right on a 5-7 PSI (.4 bar spring) T3/T04E KA-T for the spring?

I want to get this project off the ground, and don't especially want to fool around with big FMIC's yet, as I'm going for a stealth project, and any FMIC I use is going to have to be powdercoated black, which is annoying due to this stupid hick town's lack of powdercoat shops.

I've got concerns about it fitting in front of the radiator...brackets could be made easily out of aluminum stock from Home Depot.

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2: I'm considering running an atmo BOV right after the compressor outlet, with my MAF directly between the IC outlet and the TB, in the coldpipe path. I'm aware that performance might drop, but I wanna protect that $600 turbo I just bought. Will this be OK?

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3: I want to mount the MAF approximately 6" after the IC outlet, about 8-10" before the TB. Think this would work okay?

Thoughts? Of course, when I hit 10psi, I'm going to be moving to 550's and a big honkin FMIC.

[WDRacing]

If behind the radiator you mean between the motor and the radiator, then it isn't a good idea. You'd be better running no IC, but not for that much boost. Whats the concern with the FMIC now??

WD

[Jonny 290]

Basically, I don't want to mount it in the conventional spot, below and in front of the radiator (peeking out from the bumper). My '92 S13 is going to be completely stock looking...from the outside. (hopefully, anyhoo)

[WDRacing]

Try a water/air cooler instead...thats a much better option.

[Jonny 290]

Interesting. From searches and whatnot, it seems as though water/air would be fun, but only for short runs. Air/air is superior for extended driving, correct?

This thing is being built up to be a canyon carver - no dorifto or 1/4's for me, just not my thing. I am very interested in air/water IC's though, i've just kinda set them aside as unsuitable for my application. Untrue?

Anybody got any pics of Volvo FMIC installations in S13's (or S14's for that matter)? The dimensions that I've found indicate that there might be spacing problems were I to install it in front of the radiator.

[MarkEmark]

Jonny 290--it's good to see someone who wants a "canyon-carver" over a drifter/1/4 mile beast...I'm with you.

You're in luck as well; searching ebay last week I saw a turbo kit that showed a Volvo FMIC setup on an S13--I was intrigued how clean everything looked--no really long, multiple-curve pipes for the intercooler (and no subsequent lag issues)--just straight forward into the i/c and out ofo the i/c. It also intrigued me because that's the same intercooler sitting in my winter - beater (1986 Volvo 740 turbo intercooler).

Here's the link...He has it mounted before the radiator (good idea) and has the radiator pushed back with custom brackets.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...58670

Enjoy

[SingleCamSam]

If you're only going for 7psi you might as well skip the IC.

[TrunkMonkey]

If you're only going for 7psi you might as well skip the IC.

if you're building your own kit and have never tuned a turbo system, use an ic. anything to help fight detonation will help keep you out of trouble when you make a mistake.

this is a much cleaner pic of the intercooler and ic located inside the engine bay. if you run a setup like this, make sure you use electric fans or a shroud with the oem fan. the ebay setup will cause overheating problem.



-demetrius

[Jonny 290]

Thanks for the input.

OK, after viewing those pictures, i've got an idea of what's going on. Here's my question:

Would it be possible to fab custom brackets to hold the radiator approx. 2 inches back *and* 2 inches down from its current location? That way, the IC could be mounted where the radiator is now, and the output connections on the IC would be at the top corners of the radiator (allowing room for connections, of course).

Alternatively, if you have a recommendation for a junkyard radiator that would fit between the IC connections (about 22-24 in?), i'd like to hear those as well. Some mumbling 10,000 websites ago seemed to indicate some Datsun pickup radiators, for example?

I'll be running cooling fans appropriate to the application, with aluminum panels connecting each side of the radiator and the intercooler to guide air flow.

I want to mix things up a bit - see if I can perhaps contribute a bit to the collective DE-T knowledge base out there.

EDIT: The IC is both an engineering project and a safety margin. A turbo system is not complete without some sort of IC, in my opinion.

[Checkered-Member]

if you're building your own kit and have never tuned a turbo system, use an ic. anything to help fight detonation will help keep you out of trouble when you make a mistake.

-demetrius

I agree, running 7 psi with no IC, is possible but very risky, I wouldn’t run more then 5psi.

In general: full turbo kits that have no IC run 4 psi...so you see what a big difference an IC does

[Jonny 290]

what about my planned maf/bov placement? am i allowing enough space for the air to straighten out?

[daniel240]

you could also put a small smic on there. it would be easier to fit and mount on there and it would be a little cheaper.

[j-z]

ok heres my thoughts. instead of fooling around with a volvo intercooler and radiator just start out with a traditional front mount. you said any intercooler that you get is gonna have to be powder coated black. well that will still be stealth with a traditional fmic. you wouldnt actually be able to see it unless you got withing a foot of it. to me thats seems more logical than having to redo ALL of your ic piping and the brackets and such that you made when you plan to make a switch anyways.

[Jonny 290]

point taken. now that it's monday, i'm calling some shops in the area...

[TrunkMonkey]

ok heres my thoughts. instead of fooling around with a volvo intercooler and radiator just start out with a traditional front mount. you said any intercooler that you get is gonna have to be powder coated black. well that will still be stealth with a traditional fmic. you wouldnt actually be able to see it unless you got withing a foot of it. to me thats seems more logical than having to redo ALL of your ic piping and the brackets and such that you made when you plan to make a switch anyways.

i wouldn't powdercoat (or use any type of coating) the intercooler. it could affect it's cooling capabilities.

depending on what type of front bumper you have, putting the intercooler inside the engine bay (this is what i plan on doing) makes it damn near invisible from the outside. mounting electric fans on the intercooler just adds to the stealth.

-demetrius

[Jonny 290]

where are you planning to mount your IC? I'm a FA guy that just recently started visiting, and i'm not too familiar with everybody's setups.

[03frontyka24]

You could always move your radiator to the trunk.

[TrunkMonkey]

You could always move your radiator to the trunk.

-demetrius

[j-z]

well my bad. you can anodize it black. check out full-race they just recently started doing this. it doesnt affect cooling at all. it just makes more sense to put it up right behind the bumper opening so you dont have to deal with putting fans in and possibly having fitment issues. escpecialy when you plan to take it all out and redo it to a traditional front mount. KISS

[Jonny 290]

I've heard of moving the radiator to the rear of the car, underneath, but i don't think i want to undergo such an effort.

My summer project may involve a Starion core in a V-mount setup, ducted of course, with a pair 12"-ish electric fans pulling through the IC.

I'm very interested in experimenting with V-mount setups in my situation (sleeper).....i've done some measurements and have an idea or three.

Thanks for everybody's input so far. you've brought to light many good points. i'm sometimes hesitant to mention stuff on FA that would seem crazy or weird...you guys are totally friendly, though.

[im two techno]

Why not just use a side mount IC?

[Jonny 290]

First off, I'm not too clear on where they are positioned. Inside the engine bay? Inside the bumper cover?

Everybody takes pics of their uber FMIC setups, but it's really hard to find photos of good SMIC setups, because those people aren't usually into bling.

I'm building this car myself, from photos and forum research. Don't have a shop, don't have any friends into cars at all, let alone 240's. So, whatever info I have I've gotten off the Internet. It ain't easy, but I'm confident that I'll have a good and fun setup when I"m done.

[huguetpj]

From what I know SMIC are positioned inside the bumper, right behind the black grill on the sides of my S13 for example

http://katcostarica.240sxonlin...g.JPG

[ftrs13]

Im in the same position 290, but I also have confidence in my work, and its all going down in a few days when I get home.

Im thinking of putting my smic in the grille where front mounts go, Im not that interested in looks just performance, and I cant afford a front mount

[Jonny 290]

Wow, sidemounts are cheap.

Time to break out the measuring tape.

good luck ftrs13, post pics!

[03frontyka24]

-demetrius

You have never seen anyone trunk mount a radiator? It takes a bit of cutting and ducting through the trunk floor, electric fans and long hoses, but it would leave the IC in the stock radiator position, and gives great weight distribution.

[TrunkMonkey]

You have never seen anyone trunk mount a radiator? It takes a bit of cutting and ducting through the trunk floor, electric fans and long hoses, but it would leave the IC in the stock radiator position, and gives great weight distribution.

imo, waaaaay too much work for minimal gains.

-demetrius

[90lkn4swp]

you could also run extended races in hot weather with that much more fluid running through a system like that

[daniel240]

i just got done installing my smic. it is where the old 2nd stock air box used to be in front of the passenger fender behind the fog light. you can see it if you look in the opening beside the fog light. ill get some pics soon. it fits in there just perfectly. i had to turn it a little though, and it only cost me $30.

[C-Kwik]

I didn't pick up on it before, but you mention powdercoating the I/C? I think powdercoating may be too thick and may make the I/C much less efficient. I don't think they can make it really thin for one, and I've sanded down a powder coated product before. It's rather rubbery. It may have some insulating properties. You may want to look for the type of coating they use on radiators if you want a black intercooler. A light coat of flat black spray paint is working fine for me except for the paint slowly chipping due to rocks. There may even be some black colored coatings that aid in heat transfer. That would be ideal. I heard of such a product before, but never confirmed it's existence. For some reason, Swain coatings comes to mind.