3rspecb wrote:First thing I noticed was how much better the engine reved out. Going by my bumometer, the car feels better down low too.
Oh and the exhaust note is pretty awesome when on song
I can second those remarks. First thing I noticed was how quick the engine got to the red line. Second aspect for me was the lift in torque across the range and completely filled the torque hole that I was experiencing.
On the Intake Air Temps, I would like to open the discussion on why the comments in this thread conclude that "high" temps are bad? I understand that excessive engine temperatures can induce additional wear of the friction surfaces in the engine internals, however, all logging that I have done shows the highest IAT was in the classic stop start traffic situation (up to 72 degrees C for my vehicle), but the engine loads in traffic and the rpm are both low. We do not need a lot of power or torque in these low engine load situations, so I conclude from this the "additional engine wear" will be as light as the engine load under those circumstances. Other logging parameters during the same event saw water temps remain around 92 to 94 degrees C, so stable water temps (I assume this means engine temps as well) during a fluctuating IAT range from 30 to 72, seems to remain in the normal range. I therefore conclude no additional engine wear.
The other advantage of higher IAT is the ability to help vapourise the fuel and provide a cleaner burn, so economy should be improved. I have seen this happen as I was initially seeing a maximum of 450 per tank and in the summer months up to 550 per tank is achievable for me in a cycle of 50% city 50% freeway driving. Prior to the SC kit, 600 per tank was common place for me (After the V-tune).
Now, I also understand that if one is chasing the maximum possible power and torque under all conditions (for example, the race track), then the cooler air temps will definitely assist in achieving the power and torque, but at the cost of economy. But then again, if you are at the track, you are not concerned with economy unless you are in the 24 hour event!
So, for me, it comes down to how you are using the vehicle and in my application, as a daily drive, I may well be able to operate efficiently and effectively without an Intercooler. Not saying I wont be considering the addition of the WTA at a later date, just that I am comfortable in my driving style and environment that maybe I do not NEED one, as opposed to I might WANT one. I guess when I get bored with my current power and torque, my WANT will grow into a NEED !!!
Now, I am not a mechanical engineer, so you will be able to shoot me down in flames, but just opening up for comments about the different applications of our vehicles and the NEED versus the WANT aspect to the Intercooler option. Happy to take all comments, slagging, backhanders, what ever!
In the boost world, its about psi you run to turbo efficiency and ign. Fuel contributes tremendous, but running a safe fuel, its all down to psi and ign.
