Top or front mount intercooler

[iamgq]

I know this topic has been discussed many times but I can't find those threads. Looking to fit a intercooler to my gq. I have got a WRX scoop so thinking to fit a top mount but they seem to be smaller than front mounted cooler. However, it's far away from radiator which may be better.

Any idea?

[drifter** *]

front mount ftw

[Reddo]

front mount for the size, and or look at matts intercoolers

matts

http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/ftopic164122-0.php

[coxy321]

Dont forget to read the "bonnet scoop tech" thread on here too. Might help you make a decision.

[simcoz]

Water to air intercoolers on 4x4s work better IMO

[brad-chevlux]

Water to air intercoolers on 4x4s work better IMO

Why?

[chunks]

Because a lot of four wheel driving work is low speed with minimal airflow meaning a front mount doesn't do much, where a water to air will work for longer because it has its own cooling sytem.

[brad-chevlux]

or you could put a pair of cheap 10inch fans on the front mount.
even with fans the front mount will cost half the price of W2A.


beach driving is about the only time you'll be driving slow and making enough boost to need an intercooler anyway.

[300WinMag]

Have a look at the frozen boost topics, they are cheaper than front mount for the hole kit, you get the benifits of a front mount with out the lag and water to air can sustain a more even temp lower temp under heavy load.
If you do go W/A use the bosch water pump with 3/4" fittings.

[B.D.R]

Mine has a front mount, but a mates has a W\A one on it.

His has caused no end of prob's for him, the thing sprung a leak, and so it did'nt work , cost a lot to rebuild the motor .

Where as every front mount i've seen has not had a problem, and before some one says "you can put a stick through a front mount", yes that is true but you will know straight away, and will lose most\all you're boost, so it should'nt cost a rebuild .

The slight efficiency a water to air, will have on low speed work, is negated by more thing's to go wrong.

[300WinMag]

What brand was your mates IC?
I do agree there is more potential for something to go wrong with W/A IC, but if you set it up properly you shouldn't have any problems.

[B.D.R]

It was Denco, i think a hose leaked.

He now runs a front mount A\A cooller

[300WinMag]

The denco kit is way over priced for what you get, and the barrel and heat exchanger are to small for any performance mods. I think the barrel is only rated at 350 CFM and you need 400-454 CFM dependind what boost you run, pump and turbo setup aswell. You would get better performance out of the front mount than a Deco kit. With the frozen boost kit you could spend a third of the money and get twice the bang for your buck. But if you want real kick ass W/A IC get one of Matts Laminova monsters.

[brad-chevlux]

Have a look at the frozen boost topics, they are cheaper than front mount for the hole kit, you get the benifits of a front mount with out the lag and water to air can sustain a more even temp lower temp under heavy load.
If you do go W/A use the bosch water pump with 3/4" fittings.

have looked at frozen boost. the price is still about $300 more then fitting a a2a front mount. and by the time you buy the good water pump for it and use decent fittings and hose it's a lot more then that.

[300WinMag]

Comes down to personal preferance really, I have had A2A and W2A now I wouldn't go back especially in this tropical climate I have found that W2A sustains a lower temp better than A2A. If you want low maintainence than A2A is set and forget and W2A has to be monitored, water temp, level and change coolant.