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.
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.