Top Mount Cooler Qs

[Andrew_C]

I have a 99 GU wagon that has just had a serious boost added too it. Garrett GT25, Custom top mount matched length manifold etc.
I would like to intercool it to get the intake temps down a bit and add to reliablity, longevity, boost :-)

For those that don't know - the 99 GUs have a wide radiator that goes basically from headlight to headlight so I am thinking the gain I have from the roller bearing turbo would be lost in the metres of pipe required to get a front mount on so that leaves really only two options - Top mount or water/air.

I know the water/air will run cooler but I would be looking at around the $1500 mark for a kit to suit - Stretching the budget a little at the moment OR

A standard top mount of a 2.8 3.0 or 4.2 with piping to suit would be a far cheaper option(I saw one at Ron Halls the other day for less than $300 with pipework). Would this give the cooling I require and reliablity. I understand they are a compromise but im only running about 10lb. Im quite happy to chop up the bonnet and would a small thermo on top assist at low speeds.

Any comments would be good. Im not after power as much as cooling what I have.

[GU4me]

aps turbo systems were and have been doing larger thicker core top mount coolers for wrx's for years for there performance upgrades. give them a call..

[bogged]

speak with awill4x4 tonight, he makes intercoolers .. hes in carrum downs. knows his shit inside out.

[munch]

This is of the topic a bit but how does the GT25 perform.

I will be doing this upgrade in the near future but want to ensure boost comes on nice and early. When does this reach full boost in the rev range.

Do you have the full specs of the turbo.

Cheers

[Andrew_C]

Okay - what I have done is new GT25 turbo (I'm not exactly sure which one but will find out) on top of custom top mount pipe manifold with custom dump pipe and straight through 3 inch exhaust on a NA motor

The old boat anchor was making a massive 55kw but running very reliably and efficiently at about 11 litres per 100 before.

Now it makes 85.4kw and 350nm of torque on the dyno at about 9lb of boost running 285/75/16 xterrains. It had the pump adjusted on the dyno and from what I have been told, doesn't have much more fuel to go.

Compared to some others I know of (this is Dieseltec's dyno in Lilydale so it has seen a few different TD42 setups) it is making at least as much power and torque as a couple of other near new TD42T intercooled cars with simular exhausts, upped boost and upped fuel with aneroids so im happy with it other than wanting good reliablity so thinking of the cooler.

I was comfortable overtaking today on the way to work today instead of sitting next to trucks for a couple of kays going up Mt Slide and it can squeal the tyres on take off in first and second (although it will be interesting to see how long the clutch lasts).

Ill get the dyno print out and see what I can tell you from it

[badger]

i just bought all the gear to top mount mine
got a 300x280x75mm core intercooler off of ebay for $109 new
a gu scoop new from fester at all 4x4 parts at minden for $120
cheap 10 inch thermo with thermostat $40
and another 100 to get new cross over pipe made and a few brackets from local exhaust shop

a little bit over the 300 for gu cooler but a fair bit more efficient set up i recon