Damien Wood

Active Member
Aug 28, 2018
70
19
trying to find the dimensions of a good universal front mount intercooler for my LCR. The car will be having a rod job and bigger turbo at some point so will need decent bhp potential. Anyone have any links to the cooler and pipe work and what size cooler I need.

Thanks guys
 
Search Wellycooler on google. The make isn't important, just that's it's the "Bar and Plate" kind and the dimensions.

Quoted from a 1.8t Ko3s stage 2 guide

The wellycooler dimensions are a Toyosports Type B Bar and Plate core with 600x300x76mm in size. This is the most commonly used core for the setups, and will provide adequate cooling all the way up to and beyond 500bhp. Ideal if you plan a future upgrade to some point. There is also a smaller core made by Toyosports, again Bar and Plate, which is 550x250x63mm in size.
 
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Exactly like that but make sure it specifies Bar & Plate, that one doesn't say if it is or isn't so I'd be safe and assume it isn't.

Just to be safe, and I'm not saying there aren't slightly cheaper out there, but something like this that specifies bar and plate.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/153215868657?chn=ps

Other than that, yes the size and type is spot on. But a fin type is way less efficient and can suffer pressure drops which can lead to boost spikes. Kind of like how you'd pay extra for a ball bearing turbo and not a journal bearing one, the little extra goes a long way when it comes to intercoolers. Hope this helps.

PS:

The following info applies to air to air applications.

Tube and Fin - Pros
Generally weighs about half as much as a bar and plate core of similar dimensions
Generally less expensive
Generally less flow restriction within the core than bar and plate designs
Less flow restriction through the exterior allowing better flow to the rear of the core and to a radiator, AC condenser, tranny or oil cooler, etc. which may be behind it

Cons -
Those with less flow restriction than bar and plate cores offer less heat rejection
Generally have more fins which means they're more likely to be damaged by rocks/debris which cuts down on cooling efficiency
Charge air entry extends beyond core wall making it more difficult for air to enter the core cleanly


Bar and Plate - Pros
Generally off greater heat rejection than tube and fin design
Those with turbulators offer even greater heat rejection
Offered in tons of varying shapes and sizes
Less likely to be damaged by rocks and debris
Charge air entry sits flush with core allowing for cleaner entry

Cons -
Weighs about twice as much as a similarly size tube and fin core
More expensive
Blocks more airflow to radiators, etc. which may be behind it
Those with turbulators have greater flow resistance to the charge air.

I'll let you make an informed decision from this information.
 
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Another option is an Airtec, rated highly too, second-hand ones float around for about £250 - £300 with pipework. If your spending serious money on rods and a turbo, best to get a decent, well known, FMIC.
 
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Guys you have brilliant and that information is just what I needed. If an Airtec came up at the right price used I would be interested. That welly cooler looks interesting, just worry about the pipe work. I’m very serious about this car, it’s just come from the paint shop so I assure I’m not waisting your time. It’s just a gradual process as I’m not made of money. I bought it standard roughly 6 months and it’s at stage 2 Revo minus the FMIC. Spent a shed load but love the 1m Cupra :)
 
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Exactly like that but make sure it specifies Bar & Plate, that one doesn't say if it is or isn't so I'd be safe and assume it isn't.

Just to be safe, and I'm not saying there aren't slightly cheaper out there, but something like this that specifies bar and plate.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/153215868657?chn=ps

Other than that, yes the size and type is spot on. But a fin type is way less efficient and can suffer pressure drops which can lead to boost spikes. Kind of like how you'd pay extra for a ball bearing turbo and not a journal bearing one, the little extra goes a long way when it comes to intercoolers. Hope this helps.

PS:

The following info applies to air to air applications.

Tube and Fin - Pros
Generally weighs about half as much as a bar and plate core of similar dimensions
Generally less expensive
Generally less flow restriction within the core than bar and plate designs
Less flow restriction through the exterior allowing better flow to the rear of the core and to a radiator, AC condenser, tranny or oil cooler, etc. which may be behind it

Cons -
Those with less flow restriction than bar and plate cores offer less heat rejection
Generally have more fins which means they're more likely to be damaged by rocks/debris which cuts down on cooling efficiency
Charge air entry extends beyond core wall making it more difficult for air to enter the core cleanly


Bar and Plate - Pros
Generally off greater heat rejection than tube and fin design
Those with turbulators offer even greater heat rejection
Offered in tons of varying shapes and sizes
Less likely to be damaged by rocks and debris
Charge air entry sits flush with core allowing for cleaner entry

Cons -
Weighs about twice as much as a similarly size tube and fin core
More expensive
Blocks more airflow to radiators, etc. which may be behind it
Those with turbulators have greater flow resistance to the charge air.

I'll let you make an informed decision from this information.
Top information there and learnt a few new things, thank you