FM Intercooler _ Cotton's Performance Vs.

[Mad_Trbo]

I am looking to make an upgrade in intercoolers and am of the frame of mind that I like to go as large as possible without compromising the functionality of the platform.

So I am looking at a PTE stretched stock mounting intercooler vs. the front mount sold by Cotton's. Wondering how many of you are using the Cotton's version and how has this model effected the driveability of the car. The car is being built as a primary daily driver that I want to be able to take across country as the most extreme example. I want to be able to do this without worry of the car's cooling system being effected by a huge front mount.

Other front mount users please feel free to chime in as well, there is no better advice than that from the daily user.

If you guys also want to chime in on what you did to beef up your cooling system that would be great as well on my DSM I upgraded to a Fluidyne intercooler but have not seen anything like that for the Buick.


Thanks!

 

[scot w.]

daily driver

I'm running the P.T.E stock location I.C and love it, stock location intercoolers will let your car run cooler in stop and go traffic cause the front mount is right in front of your radiator. on a 96deg. day with 90% humidity at intersections stoped in traffic my water temp was never above 185deg. which I think is very good it definatly would have been higher with a front mount. and the stock location p.t.e is good up to around 780hp " PLENTY".

 

[bruce]

I am looking to make an upgrade in intercoolers and am of the frame of mind that I like to go as large as possible without compromising the functionality of the platform.

So I am looking at a PTE stretched stock mounting intercooler vs. the front mount sold by Cotton's. Wondering how many of you are using the Cotton's version and how has this model effected the driveability of the car. The car is being built as a primary daily driver that I want to be able to take across country as the most extreme example. I want to be able to do this without worry of the car's cooling system being effected by a huge front mount.

Other front mount users please feel free to chime in as well, there is no better advice than that from the daily user.

I run a Cotton's.
I already had stepped up to an AL radiator.
Running a 185dF thermostat on the worst of days, I see 193dF in *cruise* mode, in stop and go, the fans are set to come on at 205dF, and the temps never risen above that.
50/50 coolant/ water
It was a piece of cake to install.

BTW, 500 mile (each way) trips aren't out of the ordinary for my car.

 

[Mad_Trbo]

Good info .

Do either of you have intake temperatures.

I keep hearing about dreaded heat soak with the PTE stock mount intercooler. I like the idea of the stock location, but it does seem as though it would just get hot. Much hotter than the front mount especially if there is no air flow.

Scot what are you seeing in horsepower with your current set up?

 

[TurboDave]

It goes without saying that all stock location intercoolers are going to suffer substantially more heat soak than their front mount brethren, unless you can find a super sophisticated water cooled variety (not my cup-o-tea).
I prefer the front mount alternative, and a properly functioning cooling system will not suffer from it. But unfortunately, there are too many front mounts added to an otherwise crappy cooling system, and they then suffer the consequences and belly ache a lot because of it.

 

[scot w.]

Good info .

Do either of you have intake temperatures.

I keep hearing about dreaded heat soak with the PTE stock mount intercooler. I like the idea of the stock location, but it does seem as though it would just get hot. Much hotter than the front mount especially if there is no air flow.

Scot what are you seeing in horsepower with your current set up?

I'm not shure of the horsepower right now, the 45a is not on yet, a te-44 is on now and we think it's around 450hp. as to the heat soak problem an experiment is in the works, i'm going to try something that I havn't seen yet, as soon as I'm done with this i'll let everyone know on every buick web site.

 

[tyrod]

For the money and cooler intake charge and no more worries with racing fuel, get a stock location stretch and a PAC kit. Take whatever trip you want and have the full benefit of 116 performance with 93 in the tank. You wont regret it. Just my $.03

 

[Mad_Trbo]

tyrod

Those are my thoughts exactly, is a PAC system an alcohol injection kit?

Additionally what are you guys doing to beef up the cooling system? I mentioned earlier in the import world and aluminum radiator by fluidyne and higher CFM fans would be the ticket.

Is there a recommended radiator for upgrade to this unit?

 

[Super6]

Cotton's fm

i think it is all in what you want the car to do. i want a big front mount so i don't have to worry about heat soak and i can beat the car back to back. i am going to do both, Cotton's fm and Pac alky kit...the cooler the intake charge the mo power you make ...i also have the dual ramcharger fans and a Nick Micale radiator(Arizona gn) to keep it cool..........................Bob

 

[bruce]

Do either of you have intake temperatures.

Yep, and hundreds of data logs.
Here's a URL for a Forum, with lots of actual data, and snippets of some data logs. Digging around there, might generate some other interesting reading material for you.

http://www.t6p.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=43

 

[Kevin87TurboT]

Thread HiJack...Hi Tyrod, I noticed that you're in Benton County. I work in Benton and live in Tippah. I'm new to the Turbo Buick scene and thought that you might be able to give me some tips sometime. Are you going to bring your car to Blue Mtn for the Epting race? I have a white '87 Turbo T and will be there Sat. night. Shoot me an email if you get a chance at impalalt1ss@netzero.net

Thanks,
Kevin
Thread HiJack off...

 

[tyrod]

Email sent.