Fan Infront Of Intercooler

[leonardodecappiccuno]

Hi guys, just wondering if placing an electric fan, infront of the factory side mounted intercooler would be of any benifit in cooling the inlet air coming from the intercooler to the inlet mani??
Or just be a waste of time and money.
Regards Lenny

[D2Beetle]

The all important question is... what are really trying to do?

[O 16581 72452 5]

My buddy converted his washer bottle and electric motor to mist the intercooler and filled it with ice for track day if that's of any help to you. Probably easier and more efficient than a fan...just take what's already there, route it from the nozzles to infront of the intercooler and figure out some kind of tip to mist it.

[leonardodecappiccuno]

Originally Posted by O 16581 72452 5

My buddy converted his washer bottle and electric motor to mist the intercooler and filled it with ice for track day if that's of any help to you. Probably easier and more efficient than a fan...just take what's already there, route it from the nozzles to infront of the intercooler and figure out some kind of tip to mist it.

Thanks, that sounds like a good plan

Regards Lenny

[leonardodecappiccuno]

Originally Posted by D2Beetle

The all important question is... what are really trying to do?

I'm looking for a cheap way to help lower the air temp passing through my tyrolsport sidemounted intercooler

Regards Lenny

[DZLBUG]

I don't see that a fan will either fit or be very effective. You may be able to fit a very thin/small puller fan behind the intercooler which is more effective than a pusher.

If that doesn't work, get a vented fender liner from a Turbo S, and make sure that you have the stock ducting (trimmed to fit) still fitted between the bumper and the intercooler. If no ducting is in place the air will tend to move around the intercooler.

What are your IAT's? Do you know if the ECU is pulling back fueling because the temps are too high? IAT's shouldn't really be an issue in everyday (legal) driving, but if you're pushing it real hard like its track day then you could experience some power loss from IAT's that are too high.

[leonardodecappiccuno]

Originally Posted by DZLBUG

I don't see that a fan will either fit or be very effective. You may be able to fit a very thin/small puller fan behind the intercooler which is more effective than a pusher.

If that doesn't work, get a vented fender liner from a Turbo S, and make sure that you have the stock ducting (trimmed to fit) still fitted between the bumper and the intercooler. If no ducting is in place the air will tend to move around the intercooler.

What are your IAT's? Do you know if the ECU is pulling back fueling because the temps are too high? IAT's shouldn't really be an issue in everyday (legal) driving, but if you're pushing it real hard like its track day then you could experience some power loss from IAT's that are too high.

Don't have the original ducting in place at present, as have RSI Cup Kit fitted, will make ammends to have this refitted, and see what effect that has, as for inlet temp's range between 28c/33c approx normal running to 65c at max with track runs.


Regards Lenny

[DZLBUG]

Doesn't have to be the original ducting. Just something put in place to ensure that the air gets forced through the IC.

I've heard that these fans fit and have produced decent results:
Spal 7.5" Fan: A1 Electric Online Store

More info:
05 TDI Intercooler Fan - TDIClub Forums

[leonardodecappiccuno]

Many thanks again for your prompt reply, some good ideas

Regards Lenny

[72SuperBeetle]

my iat's typically ran about 20-40F above ambient before i fabbed u
p a cold air intake, took out my fog lights (the passenger side one blocks about half intercooler duct's area), and made an intercooler water sprayer. now my iat's average 10-15F above ambient at full throttle.

[Fl_bug]

I'm wondering why not get a Front Mount InterCooler (FMIC)?

They cost almost $1000 for the full kit from APR, but you can buy your own Intercooler and do your own piping for almost $400, a $600 savings!

The stock side mount intercooler (SMIC) has been described by many as a big heatsoak wating to happen, even if you're not running a high performance software.

I would think that would be easier and cheaper plus still get better results than the complete install of a fan of some sort.

[leonardodecappiccuno]

Originally Posted by Fl_bug

I'm wondering why not get a Front Mount InterCooler (FMIC)?

They cost almost $1000 for the full kit from APR, but you can buy your own Intercooler and do your own piping for almost $400, a $600 savings!

The stock side mount intercooler (SMIC) has been described by many as a big heatsoak wating to happen, even if you're not running a high performance software.

I would think that would be easier and cheaper plus still get better results than the complete install of a fan of some sort.

Have at present a tyrolsport upgraded SMIC, and as stated just looking for a cheap simple method of trying to reduce intake temps as best as possible with what I have

Regards Lenny

[Beetlecup]

Originally Posted by leonardodecappiccuno

Hi guys, just wondering if placing an electric fan, infront of the factory side mounted intercooler would be of any benifit in cooling the inlet air coming from the intercooler to the inlet mani??
Or just be a waste of time and money.
Regards Lenny

I think putting a fan in front of it would raise the temp, by blocking air flow. Once you are moving there is a lot of air moving through it.

If anything.. if you are serious about power get a nitrous sprayer intercooler, Which will only lower temps if your at the drag strip sitting.

If its a side mount or front mount they Both get heat soaked!
They both have to pros and cons. Bigger intercooler=bigger cooling area, but you also lose a pressure drop and get heat soaked, invade air going to the cars radiator and motor. I think a front mount intercooler is only a good option if you have anything over a k04 turbo.

Side mount not as much cooling area, but it doesn't get in the way of air flow to the motor or lose a drop in pressure and is not in direct sunlight.