Intercooler vs. Aftercooler

[xenon]

This quote was taken from http://www.superchargersonline.com/content.asp?ID=83 and I found it very interesting cause everyone I ask tells me the paxton air-air intercooler is way better then the vortech aftercooler.

SCOL: Vortech intercoolers utilize a water sump and radiator to cool the incoming air charge instead of the more common air-air intercoolers we see on Paxton and ProCharger kits. What are the benefits and drawbacks of this intercooler design?

V: Water is nine (9) times more effective for cooling then air is. Think of a stove hot frying pan. Frantically wave it in the air, or shove it in a sink of water. Water is a much better cooling medium. The other benefit of the more effective charge cooler is that it can be smaller. Air-to-air coolers typically loose 2-3psi of boost because of the amount of air it takes to fill the large core and the piping all the way down to the bumper then up to the throttle body. Air-to-water is much more direct and typically looses less then one-forth (1/4) of a psi.

 

[tewetzel]

But you have to keep the water cool. That's the only drawback. Weight might also be a factor. If you look at teh really fast guys they run huge air/water coolers.

 

[xenon]

Yeah Tim from T&J mentioned that also. So would an aftercooler be better for the track since its only bieng used 13sec at a time compared to street use?

 

[Roush21]

Yeah Tim from T&J mentioned that also. So would an aftercooler be better for the track since its only bieng used 13sec at a time compared to street use?

Here's my 2 cents....Ok like stated above if you got a hot pan what will cool it down faster air or water...water obviously. THen you got effiecency the air to air take away boost because it has to run thru some much and much farther than the air to water and the air to air is hotter anyway so its really not that big of help. the air to air works great when your moving fast because you need air to run thru it to cool it like a radiator does. and at the track you can use ice water for the aftercooler to give you an even better edge. the drawback of the aftercooler is that you have to spend a little more money for it and the battery has to be moved to the trunk. So its more money but its better bang for your buck!

 

[wjfawb0]

It has been covered pretty well I think. The water cooler can cool better, but it will heat soak (my cobra). You can dump in ice to get extra power and better cooling for short periods(drag racing). Tha air to air would be my choice for a street car, though. On a roots or twin screw car, the water cooler is about your only choice cause of the space for the cooler in the intake. With a centrifugal or turbo you can run piping to an air to air cooler.

-Jason

 

[Zinc001]