HPT Microtubule Series - FL5 Intercooler

[siwelnosaj]

I think I speak for many when I say I’m very interested in this intercooler. I need to see testing results from a true third party. Sorry the internet has made too skeptical. Also I second interest in an anodized version that is darker so the intercooler blends in a bit better. I like a stealthy look. 🥷

I can respect being skeptical, I get it. What I can say is that my results start to speak for themselves. I reset the Type R (FK8 and FL5) chassis lap record at Thunderhill East last weekend, by over a second. If you watch the video keep in mind this is my 10th lap in the session, running a bit over 500whp. Power and cooling were great. Here's a video of the lap:



True third party reviews will start to come out as the December batch customers start to receive their orders (likely arriving to them late December or beginning of January).

I would just add that I agree the results are impressive, and possibly hard to believe at first, but when you look at the physical structure vs traditional intercoolers I think it starts to make sense. Add that this tech isn't completely new, it's used in very high end applications: our military, Indy Car, F1, LMP1, and NASA; the results become more believable.

I made this post on a few Facebook group pages two nights ago, along with on another thread on civic xi, and so I thought I should share here as well.

Here's some more testing data on the WOT Microtube Intercooler.

This is a line graph showing the performance of the WOT Microtube intercooler when tested a couple weeks back on the track at GTA Finals at Buttonwillow Raceway. The ambient temp during this session was 74°F. The car is making approx 500whp pushing 30psi with the MHI turbo. The data shown is actually the second 5 minutes of my session, from 5-10 minutes. I figured why not show everything when it's really had a chance to be pushed and fully heat soaked. If it can win with this disadvantage that's all the more impressive. Couple that with the power the car is producing and this is a real stress test for the microtube IC.

You'll see that the trend line hovers right around 98-100°F, with a few peaks getting up to 110°F. The graph isn't uniform because the demands of the track are fairly random when it comes to looking at them on a graph. What is nice though is this is real and hard data in the setting we all hope to have performance at: on the track, with real load, with real drag and air flow, and in a truly dynamic setting.

What isn't shown on the graph is the extremely impressive coolant temps to go along with these great post IC IATs. One of the major benefits of the microtube structure is the air flow it provides the lower half of the radiator helping it to function at a much higher level of efficiency (max coolant temp of 204°F in this session), to go along with the impressive charge air cooling. And this unit only weights 15.5 lbs! It really is a win-win-win.

The price of $1650 is more yes, but for that you're getting the best (and not just by a small margin). Better power, better cooling, faster times.

If you're interested in a unit shoot me a message. The December batch sold out, but the February batch still has units available.

WOT Performance - Solutions for the track, proven on the track.

 

[PNEUMA]

Can you tell me what adding this IC only, no other engine modifications, would do to the engine/tune?

 

[siwelnosaj]

Can you tell me what adding this IC only, no other engine modifications, would do to the engine/tune?

It will provide lower post IC IAT temps and lower engine coolant temps (because of enhanced air flow to the lower half of the radiator), maintain better charge pressure, and won't heat soak. So you'll be able to run whatever power level you're targeting with greater consistency. You can run it without a tune, but like any part of this nature you'll want to tune so you can maximize the potential and performance.

 

[PNEUMA]

It will provide lower post IC IAT temps and lower engine coolant temps (because of enhanced air flow to the lower half of the radiator), maintain better charge pressure, and won't heat soak. So you'll be able to run whatever power level you're targeting with greater consistency. You can run it without a tune, but like any part of this nature you'll want to tune so you can maximize the potential and performance.

Thank you Jason. I am not a modder, but if I were 30 years younger, with this same car, I would be!!

I was just wondering what this state of the art IC would do to a stock engine/tune by purely bolting it on? In no way would I be chasing any Hp numbers, only wondering how the factory tune would respond if the next time the engine started, this IC were installed vs the OEM unit. I like this IC so much.

 

[zumbooruk]

Very interesting and impressive results...Since the intercooler uses 1,102 individual tubes, how are the tubes secured to the end plates to maintain a positive seal over time?

They are sealed to the header with a proprietary epoxy that has a working temperature range of -60°C to 250°C, with a momentary peak of 400℃.

I understand that the epoxy will withstand the temps.

But what about heat cycles combined with vibrations?

Will the epoxy develop stress cracks, or be separated from the aluminum?

 

[siwelnosaj]

I understand that the epoxy will withstand the temps.

But what about heat cycles combined with vibrations?

Will the epoxy develop stress cracks, or be separated from the aluminum?

That's an understandable concern.

The epoxy formula used on the Microtube IC is also used with mining machinery and in high-frequency vibration environments.

If one should fail we offer a 1 year warranty against manufacturer defects.

 

[zumbooruk]

That's an understandable concern.

The epoxy formula used on the Microtube IC is also used with mining machinery and in high-frequency vibration environments.

If one should fail we offer a 1 year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Thanks,

Follow up questions:

What happens if it does fail? something catastrophic? or a minor issue? would car still be drivable?

How would I know if it failed or about to fail? what are the symptoms? what should I watch for?

What if it fails after one year, can it be repaired? or will I have to purchase a whole new IC?

 

[siwelnosaj]

Thanks,

Follow up questions:

What happens if it does fail? something catastrophic? or a minor issue? would car still be drivable?

How would I know if it failed or about to fail? what are the symptoms? what should I watch for?

What if it fails after one year, can it be repaired? or will I have to purchase a whole new IC?

Failure would most likely just lead to a boost leak. Reduced power would be the result, but would still be drivable.

If failure were to happen it would really just depend on the failure, but repair would be likely. If the epoxy fails then more could be applied in the affected area. If a tube were to be broken it could be welded closed to seal off the leak.

This is similar to traditional intercoolers which could take road damage and be repaired, but if the damage is massive like a giant rock takes out a big chunk, it might be beyond repair.

 

[apl360]

Thanks,

Follow up questions:

What happens if it does fail? something catastrophic? or a minor issue? would car still be drivable?

How would I know if it failed or about to fail? what are the symptoms? what should I watch for?

What if it fails after one year, can it be repaired? or will I have to purchase a whole new IC?

The epoxy is giving “point of failure” vibes. There’s a few out there on track I think I read? Maybe find out who and ask nicely if they can inspect and update folks?

 

[siwelnosaj]

The epoxy is giving “point of failure” vibes. There’s a few out there on track I think I read? Maybe find out who and ask nicely if they can inspect and update folks?

It's honestly not a concern. Epoxy is used in high pressure and high heat applications. It's used in basically every composite (carbon fiber and other) formulations. We know carbon fiber parts are used in a massive array of parts and we don't question those parts, but they are made with epoxy.

Industrial epoxys can have a sealing rating of 500-600psi. Aerospace grade can be as high 15,000-20,000 psi.

Temperature ratings can be north of 500°F.

Ferrari F1 microtube heat exchangers used epoxy in their designs.

We are dealing with a relatively low amount of pressure and heat in comparison.

I'm just answering everyone's questions honestly. A person's concerns are fair but they don't necessitate an issue.

 

[blueroadster]

Reality is that Jason is offering the community track tested upgrades where we should be thankful for the information he has shared. What other company actually does that?

 

[getRIGHT]

Reality is that Jason is offering the community track tested upgrades where we should be thankful for the information he has shared. What other company actually does that?

I was just about to post the exact same thing

 

[siwelnosaj]

I was just about to post the exact same thing

I appreciate the support, seriously. I do try to provide as much as I can, and show real on track results. Yes I want to sell parts, that's true, but I want equally as much to have the best solutions and to help people in this hobby.

My goal since about 6 years ago, well before being WOT, was always to fix the Achilles heel of this car, overheating, and to share that with everyone. Part of it was for myself cause I wanted my own performance, and part of it was really just to help drive forward this Type R platform that has been positive to me.

Anyways, thank you again for the support, I do appreciate it.

 

[Cueyo]

I'd actually love to get one, maybe on my next tax return lol, we'll have more data by then too!

Any updates on making one that's got a coating? I'd love to have WOT on the front in red with a black ic

 

[siwelnosaj]

Wanted to let everyone know, the WOT Microtube will now also be available in black for an extra $75.

$1650 raw aluminum (silver)
$1725 black