Is a larger Intercooler really needed?

[IMR-Merlin]

Originally Posted by GJF

Cause and effect. At that point then the IC was larger in capacity then the flow rate of the turbo. A higher flowing compressor section would have remedied that. Problem is change one thing drastically on a turbo car then the next bottle neck shows itself, balanced components is key. Did you traded up to the 930 from the M3? Or do you still have it?

I actually traded the M3 for a truck, then bought the project car. I have been 3+ years without a fun car to drive while I have been building the 930.

It's a sad day when my work van is the fastest thing I own.... although, 400HP and 800 lb/ft of torque is fun in a 4x4 van..

[IMR-Merlin]

The M3



The work van



How the 930 looks today

[GJF]

You'll get there... It's looking good though, great fab work, and I like the matte blue!

[Tippy]

+1, and the cage.

[Miguel Antonett]

For 95% of us = no power difference, BUT they look GOOD!!! and BTW, I have an aftermarket one...

[Ronnie's.930]

Hi Robby. I've followed this thread, though I have been errrr, ummmmm, unable to post in it, and thought I would now try to answer a some of your questions. I know that many people have answered some of them previously, but then get understandably frustrated by your responses, and give up, or just sling well-earned barbs (which you are an excellent sport about, BTW)!

First off, I know that the meds situation is no laughing matter. I've had to take the steroid, Prednisone, for long periods of time due to a chronic vision problem (haven't had any in almost three years, thankfully), and am familiar with how powerful drugs, or the lack of them, can do very strange things to one's mind!

I'm not going to try to address everything this minute, but one thing is that a primary reason to use an intercooler that is superior to the OEM one (most have been proven on dynos to be superior to it) is that you then have a better safeguard against detonation. This alone is worth the cost of admission and the added weight of the new/better intercooler.

For example, you mention that you have never heard of a 3lDZ turbo causing detonation (turbos are not the "cause" - but unchecked, increased boost pressure from a more powerful turbo can be a contributor), well I can assure you that 3ldz equipped engines detonate all the time when the owners increase boost pressure above stock levels and do not increase fueling and add additional/improved intercooling. It has been proven that the stock IC is not sufficient for above-stock boost levels and the risk of detonation goes up tremendously (especially with hot ambient temps). I think I recall you saying that you are currently running 1.1 bar with the OEM intercooler? If so, you are seriously asking for trouble.

PS - I hope I'm not offending you here, or appearing that I am "talking down" to you, as that is not my intent.

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by Miguel Antonett

For 95% of us = no power difference, BUT they look GOOD!!! and BTW, I have an aftermarket one...

Miguel, some intercoolers, such as the half bay Garretson, have been dyno proven to be good for about 25 whp over the stocker - even when that was the only change made.

[Robbbyg]

I knew there was something wrong with you Ronnie,,(joking)

Note to self
****Radiators from other cars wont work , Air must be thinner than water and it gets through the cracks ***

[1986 930]

You live in Texas....Of course a Bigger Intercooler is needed!

Everything in Texas is bigger!!

You will find many post in the forum with comments on how much better their 930 drives on a cold, dry day. That is because you are getting cooler charge air into your engine. That is the same effect as having a more efficient Intercooler on a hot day. I would argue that if you live in a hot climate, a bigger IC is a good thing even without the other bolt on mods just to make your engine run better. Heat kills motors, and a 930 generates a lot of heat!

I drove my '87 930 as a daily driver when I lived in the DFW area. I remember the vast difference between August driving and February drivng. That is an average temp swing of 60-70 degrees over the year.

[quattrorunner]

/\/\/\ perfect example of more power with intercooler. And cooler air is also safer as well.

[Ronnie's.930]

Originally Posted by Robbbyg

I knew there was something wrong with you Ronnie,,(joking)

Kiss it, bub!!!!