Stock Intercooler - putting some numbers on it

wouldn't the Black Header coating spray paint do the same thing as the Thermal coatings as it helps pull heat from the Header?:confused5:

 

Wow old thread here. But you have it backwards, header wraps and coatings are used to keep the heat in the header. IC coatings are used to keep heat from getting in the IC, horns, ect. IC thermal coatings are way more efficient than a header spray. I personally did go with a different IC, the GP.

 

Thermal dispersant coatings promote thermal transfer (conductive or convective) from warm areas to colder areas. Thermal dispersant coatings are not thermal barriers.

Paint inhibits thermal transfer, it effectively creates a barrier; in this application paint would not be a suitable substitute.

 

I know this is an old resurrected thread but was wondering if anyone has ever tried this type of a modification on thier intercooler ? I picked this up off an old NAM'er Bahamabart a couple years or so ago but have never been able to test it to see how effective it is. Would love to do what the OP did with his stock unit on this.

 

For whatever it's worth: I have a Defenders of Speed (DOS) copper intercooler in place of stock. According to the DOS track graphs it shows this intercooler lowers temps by 40 to 50 degrees more than stock. An engineering website said each 10 degrees increases HP by one percent. So, you could get about 5% more HP which would be about 10 HP. I could tell my R52 felt it had more power as soon as I installed this intercooler. A fellow PDX Mini club member who tracks his R53, also has this intercooler, and says the same thing - more power. Really makes a difference in hot weather. Also, my co-member said there is more pressure with this intercooler. That would be due to lower pressure drop and better flow through this unit. It is a little thicker and carries more air. Yes, it's $1,100 but worth every penny if you value a little extra power.

-Russ

 

I have a GP IC and I run Meth so I have all the cooling I need.