INTERCOOLER UPGRADES

Keeping the charge cool is essential when turbocharging and is largely the responsibility of the intercooler. As a general rule, the larger the intercooler, the greater the cooling capability. However, space often dictates the size of the intercooler, so it’s not always a case of the bigger the better. The positioning of the header tanks and its inlet and outlet are also critical. According to turbobygarrett.com, side-mounted header tanks with an inlet and outlet at the top of each corner is one of the most effective intercooler designs.

Forge Motorsport has developed a large range of intercoolers, both model-specific and universal. The company has found that the route of the airflow through the intercooler is one of the most important considerations. A smooth airflow that maximises the cooling of the intercooler’s element is the key to reducing the temperature of the charge. For this, a number of designs have worked. For example, fitting an inlet in the bottom corner of the intercooler and an outlet at the opposite top corner allows the airflow to travel across the entire element. If space restricts the position of the inlet and outlet to one side of the intercooler, plating can be fitted inside to ensure the air has to flow all the way round the element.