New Intercooler install this past weekend!

[McflysMS6]

After a longer than anticipated wait, I've found the time to install
my new L2A FMIC from Turbine Tech...

Front Heat Exchanger:

Engine Compartment:

Total install time is about 5 hours, taking my time, trying things
out...typical gear head stuff.

The install was not without mishap, as there were a few
'modifications' to be made by the installer. I'm still working
the air out, as I have to add 1-2 ounces of water daily, but
first driving impressions are:
-Quicker turbo spool
-More responsive throttle
-Car 'feels' a little quicker

I haven't logged any numbers yet...

 

[MShreve]

Nice! Sweet setup and clean install!
I'd like to see numbers whenever you get them.

 

[Speedkid]

Looks good whats the hp gains on it.

 

[McflysMS6]

I'm in the midst of aquiring a Dashhawk to get
some numbers. Planning on a pull fan behind the
front heat exchanger to minimize heat soak as well.

When I get some numbers, I will post them.

 

[tunersteve]

Looks great. Did you remove the ducting from your hood as well?

 

[vrspeedemon]

Looks Awesome, can't wait for update on HP #'s

 

[freekwonder]

Hell yeah, I really like this.

 

[zinger002]

the only thing i hate about the install is that pump.... why couldnt they make it smaller lol.

other then that it looks wicked.
plan to paint the rad black or anything?

 

[McflysMS6]

An MS3 tuner, is logging some numbers and is finding about
the same performance as an ETS TMIC without heat soak issues.
He's just started logging, seems BAT temps are averaging
20-30 higher than IAT on average.

I'm hoping I can get some numbers off mine soon. My car
is not set-up full performance, I'm interested in where my
L2AIC is performing.

 

[McflysMS6]

An MS3 tuner, is logging some numbers and is finding about
the same performance as an ETS TMIC without heat soak issues.
He's just started logging, seems BAT temps are averaging
20-30 higher than IAT on average.

I'm hoping I can get some numbers off mine soon. My car
is not set-up full performance, I'm interested in where my
L2AIC is performing.

 

[Willieville]

wow thats uber clean looking.

 

[Blendercloud]

I'm interested to know what alloys they used internally to prevent the internal components from corroding. I have checked out this product also and appreciate your pictures of the install. It looks very nice, but I have to wonder a couple of things in addition to the above:
After looking at your pictures and their graphs of results versus stock, I'm curious why they didn't use a larger heat exchanger and a wider radiator. There seems to be a lot of room (left to right) for a wider radiator.

It just doesn't seem worth it for the complexity.

 

[McflysMS6]

Looks great. Did you remove the ducting from your hood as well?

Yeah the ducting is gone. It actually dropped the IAT a little
as well. More cool air getting under the hood and to the SRI.

When I first got this thing I figured it was pretty f*&%ing heavy.
After all is said and done, yes there is added weight, but after removing
the ducting, and the old TMIC, and cover...I've added about 15-17 lbs.
What hasn't been removed is any structural integrity of the front end.
Absolutely NO cutting, hacking, re-arranging behind the bumper. I
consider this a fair trade off.

 

[tunersteve]

Yeah the ducting is gone. It actually dropped the IAT a little
as well. More cool air getting under the hood and to the SRI.

When I first got this thing I figured it was pretty f*&%ing heavy.
After all is said and done, yes there is added weight, but after removing
the ducting, and the old TMIC, and cover...I've added about 15-17 lbs.
What hasn't been removed is any structural integrity of the front end.
Absolutely NO cutting, hacking, re-arranging behind the bumper. I
consider this a fair trade off.

That was my next question, if it required any cutting to install.

Nice work, this makes me rethink a FMIC, and spend the money on this instead.

 

[McflysMS6]

I'm interested to know what alloys they used internally to prevent the internal components from corroding. I have checked out this product also and appreciate your pictures of the install. It looks very nice, but I have to wonder a couple of things in addition to the above:
After looking at your pictures and their graphs of results versus stock, I'm curious why they didn't use a larger heat exchanger and a wider radiator. There seems to be a lot of room (left to right) for a wider radiator.

It just doesn't seem worth it for the complexity.

I couldn't justify cutting my front end up to
install an A2A IC. This option retains all
the structural integrity of the front end.

As for a larger front exchanger goes, bigger
isn't always better. Airflow to the radiator
(which by the way is heated now) is a concern
if you want a properly cooled engine. Too big
of a core actually becomes less efficient unless
you have a pool pump running it!

Overall size, and being able to fit it under
the hood would be a final concern. There are
a lot of considerations to developing a kit
like this. This had a good balance of features.

There's always something better than what
you've got. The trick is to find something that
meets your needs, in my case fixing the OEM
fail of the TMIC. BONUS: Less restrictive air
flow and minimal boost loss.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

gorgeous work

 

[Blendercloud]

I couldn't justify cutting my front end up to
install an A2A IC. This option retains all
the structural integrity of the front end.

As for a larger front exchanger goes, bigger
isn't always better. Airflow to the radiator
(which by the way is heated now) is a concern
if you want a properly cooled engine. Too big
of a core actually becomes less efficient unless
you have a pool pump running it!

Overall size, and being able to fit it under
the hood would be a final concern. There are
a lot of considerations to developing a kit
like this. This had a good balance of features.

There's always something better than what
you've got. The trick is to find something that
meets your needs, in my case fixing the OEM
fail of the TMIC. BONUS: Less restrictive air
flow and minimal boost loss.

Good answer, McFly. I would probably want to modify their kit for myself just a bit, but in the end it's about what you want it to do. I can respect that.

 

[McflysMS6]

Well, I've managed to acquire a Dash Hawk, and hopefully will have it
for this week-end. I'll finally see if my "Butt-Dyno" is in tune with the
actual gains.

I think I've found a variable temp fan controller solution, which means I should be
able to put a 700-900 CFM "pull" fan behind the lower exchanger, and
have it turn on at somewhere between 100-130 degrees. I'll be able to adjust
the temp settings, so once I find out normal operating temps, I can fine tune
fan operation. Estimated cost: $200 (ooch)

I'm hoping this will lower/eliminate heat soak at slower
speeds/city driving, and provide a more consistent
charge temperature. This set up will also allow me to
monitor the IC fluid temps from inside the car.

 

[RotorDad]

Love the set up man, it looks great!

 

[McflysMS6]

So.....I've got a Dash Hawk now. What a fun toy!
I've decided to do a couple of logs on the way to dinner,
to see just how the Intercooler performs. The first log is
getting on to the highway, from a stop, and a cruise at
55 mph. I wanted to see how the IC worked with a solid
wind blowing through it.

The next log is traveling at 45 mph, stop at a red light,
then take off and accelerate to 50mph, then, you guessed
it, another traffic light.

Seems to be doing it's job fairly well. I think a temperature
activated fan on the lower heat exchanger is going to be the
next step.

I'm going to do more logging, of course, but this is a good idea
of the Intercooler's capabilities.