Ford PS vs V4

[turbo buicks]

looking for effectiveness, efficiency, and temperature change numbers between these 2 intercoolers. anyone know any?

 

[TURBOV6]

V4! V4! V4! V4! V4! V4!

 

[turbo buicks]

why do you say that? is it that much better?

 

[TURBOV6]

There is too much to say. Did you do a search first? There is many issues on V4's, front mounts and Power stoke IC's.

The question how fast do you want to go? And is it a daily driver?

 

[turbo buicks]

its a daily driver and i want to go mid 11's. low 11's MAX. i want it to be somewhat reliable

 

[azgn]

a V4 will give you all that with a mild combo

 

[turbo buicks]

what would low 11's at the track on et streets or et drags equal to on a nice wide set of nittos on the street?

 

[azgn]

race gas or not? if you are in the low 11's at the track and try the same setup on the street with DR's, you will find traction is non existant......dial it down a lot and you'll still beat everything driving around.......

 

[JToups386]

I too have become curious about the Powerstroke IC, per all I've read around the boards. I have finally found some threads showing step by step installations of it, and after having seen them, I wouldn't consider it. The reason people at CAS, PTE, and others get a healthy price for their intercoolers, is because they've taken the time to do the R&D for us, and in turn get paid for their time and workmanship. I saw one particular thread showing the install of a Powerstroke IC, that was painful to read, simply because of the headache and labor involved. Would you gain enough from this monsterous piece to make it worthwhile? I don't think so! My finances are tight like most everyone, but for me, it's worth paying a little extra and getting a nice-looking, functional piece from a reputable Buick outfit, as opposed to spending lengthy time self-fabricating something that for a street car, would probably not help, but more likely slow you down.
A CAS V4 or BGC extended stock location will suit you fine for low 11's. Look at what Lawrence Conley did 10+ years ago, long before we had these readily available front mount pieces. I personally have a CAS V2, but I won't be driving it daily, and I bought it on a good deal used. Check out "Red's Hot Air" version of the PS IC install, and I think you'll be scared away from attempting it. However, this is merely my opinion based on 11 years of playing with these cars, and many others might disagree...

 

[TURBOV6]

The Powerstoke IC is probally the way to go for less. But you will hack up you car to do this. Its pretty much a big IC. I had installed my V4 a few months and love it.

 

[GS70350]

I dont know much about the V4, other than the fact that its the stock location stretch intercooler from CAS and ive heard of some cars running 10s with it. seems to be a nice intercooler, and its only around 700 bucks compared to other front mounts. only problem i have is that i dont like the location of the stock intercooler, kinda in the airflow path of the hot radiator air, and even if its not going through the core, it probably still heats the IC up a bit more than if it was in front of the radiator. also, the air induction to the stocker, is not the best IMO. The powerstroke intercooler isnt too much work if you have the right tools, and have some hours of free time on the weekend. if your car runs hot as it is, dont do it unless you plan on cooling system upgrades. with mine running cool, the better intercooler location and efficiency and total area of the powerstroke intercooler is the way to go for ME, especially since the total price is around 300, compared to 700. i have time though, and i have tools. its all a matter of wether or not the 400 dollars is worth it to you to have a simple 1 hour bolt in install, instead of a more hands on, harder labor, 6 hour job.

thats how i see it. Either intercooler will do the trick for you. one is cheaper and would work better, one is easier to install and your car will run the same temp.

whatever best suites you.

 

[Buick Beginner]

2 kinds

It has been said that there are 2 kinds of people, those with time and those with money, but rarely those with both. Which kind are you? - BB

 

[c&cgn]

Originally posted by azgn
a V4 will give you all that with a mild combo

I second that! Ask me how I know!

 

[Nick Micale]

Originally posted by GS70350
I dont know much about the V4......... only problem i have is that i dont like the location of the stock intercooler, kinda in the airflow path of the hot radiator air, and even if its not going through the core, it probably still heats the IC up a bit more than if it was in front of the radiator. also, the air induction to the stocker, is not the best IMO..............thats how i see it. Either intercooler will do the trick for you. one is cheaper and would work better, one is easier to install and your car will run the same temp. ........

That is one aspect of FM vs. stock location. There are others.

Most good stock location units also come with an air scoop much larger than stock that puts through lots of cooling air. At the speed it is traveling, doubt that very much radiator heat affects it, if at all.

On the other hand, the FM has a very dramatic affect on the cooling air getting to the radiator especially if an A/C condensor is in the middle between them. So the elevated temps that the engine will see has an adverse effect on power produced. Another downside to a FM is trying to use the A/C when needed at temps approaching 100 degrees or more without outrageous engine temps, or expensive cooling mods.

There are a few stock location I/C's that will easily take a GN into the low 10's.