Question about running non intercooled turbo

[Z33-TEC]

I'm looking at the BEGI Shanghai turbo kit. I'm only planning on running 5psi on my 1990 Miata. Now their page says and shows that you can run the kit with 5psi without an intercooler. Is this safe? is it possible? Their intercoolers for the turbo are like 700 bucks and i don't feel like paying that much for an intercooler when the kit itself is 1600. Their claims are 140whp without an intercooler is that possible?

 

[The ManLaw]

i cant help you with the claims of 140whp, BUT yes running 5psi without an intercooler should be fine. lots of cars made before the 1990's ran no intercoolers and mostly held up fine...

as long as you route the piping properly and keep as much heat away as possible you'll run pretty well i'd say. I once heard a theory that intercoolers arent really needed until about 7-8psi, dont quote me on that though

 

[Z33-TEC]

here is how the run the tubing on the kit

 

[The ManLaw]

yeah my guess is you will be more than fine at 5psi. just make sure you have a boost guage to keep an eye on it better. also might help to have an intake temp guage and maybe an exhaust temp also

 

[njaremka]

i would put faith in anything turbo related coming out of BEGI. he wrote the book on turbocharging... literally- https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

 

[THE Phen]

No, you MUST run a big flashy intercooler to grab everyone's attention, and cost you more money!


hahaha. Just kidding.

 

[Knox Joe]

I would run alcohol injection.

 

[8.5MS3]

^^agree^^

or just buy an IC core for cheap and route the piping yourself. it doesnt have to me massive, just in the path of airflow

 

[THE Phen]

Yeah, but for that particular kit, it's just not really needed.

 

[Knox Joe]

Yeah, but for that particular kit, it's just not really needed.

True, not needed in terms of mechanical failure, but heat soak is a b****. I have owned a non-intercooled turbo car, so take it for what it's worth.

 

[THE Phen]

Well sure. I have a larger intercooler on my MSM and still have to deal with 54-58 Deg C intake air temperatures.

I can dig it.

 

[JDM-P5]

I run a big fking front mount. However, you can't even see it from the front. Therefore I win.