FL5 Intercooler Reference Thread

[blueroadster]

Catch me up here, are these rankings based on assumed airflow through the cores? Do we have any data regarding measured airflow (front to back) or any data on engine coolant temps comparing multiple options in a relatively controlled testing environment?

If you were to compare the J's Racing tube and fin to the new PRL tube and fin, the PRL option has a 10% larger face, and while it is 10% deeper (more internal volume / cooling capacity) it should still allow a fixed amount of air to flow through to the radiator easier (front to back) than the smaller faced option.

I stated my rankings by caveating it with IMHO...Manufacturers should do their own design, development and testing to convince consumers to buy their product...Can PRL provide specific details about the CSF T&F core used as compared to cores produced and used by other companies?

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[Two Step Performance]

I stated my rankings by caveating it with IMHO...Manufacturers should do their own design, development and testing to convince consumers to buy their product...Can PRL provide specific details about the CSF T&F core used as compared to cores produced and used by other companies?

You have likely already seen it, but here is the data PRL released:

https://prlmotorsports.com/blogs/ne...-testing-tube-and-fin-vs-bar-and-plate-vs-oem

Like most manufacturers, they compare to OEM. In this case they also had the opportunity to also show where their bar and plate is a winner and where the tube/fin core begins to shine.

I had a similar thought to yours when reading the tech document that Mishimoto recently released - lots of data comparing OEM but nothing comparing to other aftermarket options. High quality intercooler comparison data is hard to come by!

 

[TypeRVA]

@PointByPatrol will hopefully have some data after this weekend.

 

[Clark_Kent]

I stated my rankings by caveating it with IMHO...Manufacturers should do their own design, development and testing to convince consumers to buy their product...Can PRL provide specific details about the CSF T&F core used as compared to cores produced and used by other companies?

Specific details such as?

 

[Nikw91]

Catch me up here, are these rankings based on assumed airflow through the cores? Do we have any data regarding measured airflow (front to back) or any data on engine coolant temps comparing multiple options in a relatively controlled testing environment?

If you were to compare the J's Racing tube and fin to the new PRL tube and fin, the PRL option has a 10% larger face, and while it is 10% deeper (more internal volume / cooling capacity) it should still allow a fixed amount of air to flow through to the radiator easier (front to back) than the smaller faced option.

Solid points, that does make sense and you may be right.

WOTs freer flowing micro tube Intercooler and PWRs (3.43”) noticeably thinner then the average aftermarket intercooler core (4.25” +) seem to help keep engine temps down according to their track data.

J’s Racing and HKS happen to be near the middle of the thinner cores and the industry average at (3.94”).

Like you said tho, does that 10%/0.3”-0.4” thinner/thicker core make that big of a difference with radiator flow vs IAT temps…

 

[apl360]

Very nice. I have a PWR intercooler on order.

U fucked up

solid products but shit company to deal with

 

[B16B]

U fucked up

solid products but shit company to deal with

yeah I’m in for the product, but you had bad experience with the company?

 

[apl360]

yeah I’m in for the product, but you had bad experience with the company?

Yes. My fault for not researching them first tho

 

[timestamped]

U fucked up

solid products but shit company to deal with

maybe you could chill out a bit, like, for a few years

 

[apl360]

yeah I’m in for the product, but you had bad experience with the company?

Sent U a dm bro

maybe you could chill out a bit, like, for a few years

damn don’t tell me you’re one of those people?

 

[blueroadster]

You have likely already seen it, but here is the data PRL released:

https://prlmotorsports.com/blogs/ne...-testing-tube-and-fin-vs-bar-and-plate-vs-oem

Like most manufacturers, they compare to OEM. In this case they also had the opportunity to also show where their bar and plate is a winner and where the tube/fin core begins to shine.

I had a similar thought to yours when reading the tech document that Mishimoto recently released - lots of data comparing OEM but nothing comparing to other aftermarket options. High quality intercooler comparison data is hard to come by!

Thanks and I read that...I simply want to know more about the core used. The updated PRL intercooler switched from a B&P to a T&F to reduce 7.8 pounds while providing slightly better temps.

 

[Two Step Performance]

Thanks and I read that...I simply want to know more about the core used. The updated PRL intercooler switched from a B&P to a T&F to reduce 7.8 pounds while providing slightly better temps.

Note that this is not an updated intercooler, it's a separate SKU and does not replace the bar and plate unit. Both will continue to be available.

This chart shows where the bar and plate is better vs when the tube and fin is better:

- Bar and plate wins in a situation with 4 or less long back to back pulls (most street or drag applications)

- Tube and fin wins in a situation with 5 or more long back to back pulls (most circuit track applications)

If you have any specific questions about the core, @PRL Motorsports may can chime in and help answer them.

 

[blueroadster]

Specific details such as?

Core used to understand changes in tube and fin design.

 

[blueroadster]

Note that this is not an updated intercooler, it's a separate SKU and does not replace the bar and plate unit. Both will continue to be available.

This chart shows where the bar and plate is better vs when the tube and fin is better:

- Bar and plate wins in a situation with 4 or less long back to back pulls (most street or drag applications)

- Tube and fin wins in a situation with 5 or more long back to back pulls (most circuit track applications)

If you have any specific questions about the core, @PRL Motorsports may can chime in and help answer them.

Thanks...What about heat soak (e.g., sitting at a traffic light) and thermal recovery? The updated PRL intercooler would fare much better in that situation.

 

[siwelnosaj]

This graph is pretty nifty

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