An Intercooler, like a radiator is a heat exchanger. An intercooler works much the same as a radiator in engine cooling but instead of liquid, air is cooled after compression.
How does an internal combustion engine benefit from an intercooler?
With Turbocharged or supercharged internal combustion engines, air gets forced into the cylinders. With more air, more fuel can be injected to produce a more powerful and efficient engine. The compressed air does have a downside. Compression of air creates heat which will reduce the efficiency of the turbo or supercharger.
Most modern turbo charged diesel and petrol engines make use of an intercooler also knows as air cooler or charge cooler. In simple terms, the exhaust gasses will spin the turbine of the turbo charger which is linked with a shaft that will spin the compressor wheel of the turbo charger. As the name suggests the compressor wheel will compress air which is forced into the cylinders with certain amount of fuel for the combustion process to take place.
In the process of compressing the air, the air temperature will rise. This is where the intercooler comes into play, the compressed air, which is several degrees higher in temperature, flows through the inside of the intercooler. The ambient air flows through the outside of the intercooler and cools the compressed air inside the intercooler. In South Africa and countries with similar hot climate conditions, the cooler the air flowing into the cylinders the better. Combustion efficiency improves and with that lower fuel consumption and lower exhaust gas temperatures or EGT. Under heavy loads and extremely hot days, the engine will be able to produce more of its maximum power for longer periods of time.
Benefits of a larger more efficient intercooler:
A larger more efficient intercooler will typically reduce air intake temperatures even further. Cooler air is denser. Denser air will improve combustion efficiency which will result in better and longer power delivery and reduced EGTs (Exhaust Gas Temperatures). Lower EGT will ultimately prolong engine life. Lower fuel consumption is also likely. An intercooler upgrade in our hot climate conditions in South Africa is an investment.
Mazda BT-50 2.2 110kw
Intercooler Upgrade
600x280x100
R9000 Fitted
Exhaust Upgrade
76mm Stainless Steel
Performance Exhaust System
R9000 Fitted
Performance Upgrade
ECU Remapping
Custom Tuned on Dyno
20-30kw 50-80nm
R4500.00
Mazda BT-50 3.2 147kw
Intercooler Upgrade
600x280x100
R9000 Fitted
Exhaust Upgrade
76mm Stainless Steel
Performance Exhaust System
Small Box R9000 Fitted Boxless R8000 Fitted
Performance Upgrade
ECU Remapping
Custom Tuned on Dyno
30-50kw 80-150nm
R4500.00
By Veloce Performance
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