Air-to-Water Cooler kit discussion

[Frank818]

I am dead sold to air-to-water systems, for various reasons but mainly cuz I use one on my moded Corrado and it's absolutely awesome (very efficient and in traffic as well, cuz my rad fans suck air through it). There are drawbacks like anything else, I am just saying that I prefer that type of cooling method, over the normal air-to-air coolers.

So I decided to start a thread dedicated to air-to-water.

Someone did a nice kit on his STI (http://bigskysubaru.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2005) which cost $550 and I was wondering if the gurus think it may fit in the 818?
Ok, the heat exchanger is VERY big and that one may need to be changed for another one to fit up front before the rad (if there is any space?? Erik, Wayne-cam-sprocket-remover? :)) or to fit in the opening above the engine where the TMIC is or to fit in one of the side openings.

All hardware can be found at http://www.frozenboost.com/ at a reasonable price.

Now about the water tank... I have a 3gal water tank, but my exchanger is slim, I think around 2", whereas that one on the STI is 3.5". So obviously if the exchanger is less efficient, you better have a water reserve, so that you have more water which means hot temps are spread over 3gal. If you have a big exchanger, I don't believe the tank is that necessary, as the exchanger will lower the temps more so you don't need as much water as if it weren't as efficient, follow me? :)

I also will certainly use a fan, if I don't use the ones of the rad, I will put one where ever the exchanger will be, this way even in traffic a decent air flow will go through the heat exchanger.


Comments?
And mostly, fitting issues on the 818 (maybe too early to tell as not too many people are that far through their build).

[Ironhydroxide]

I am dead sold to air-to-water systems, for various reasons but mainly cuz I use one on my moded Corrado and it's absolutely awesome (very efficient and in traffic as well, cuz my rad fans suck air through it). There are drawbacks like anything else, I am just saying that I prefer that type of cooling method, over the normal air-to-air coolers.

So I decided to start a thread dedicated to air-to-water.

Someone did a nice kit on his STI (http://bigskysubaru.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=2005) which cost $550 and I was wondering if the gurus think it may fit in the 818?
Ok, the heat exchanger is VERY big and that one may need to be changed for another one to fit up front before the rad (if there is any space?? Érick, Wayne-cam-sprocket-remover? :)) or to fit in the opening above the engine where the TMIC is or to fit in one of the side openings.

All hardware can be found at http://www.frozenboost.com/ at a reasonable price.

Now about the water tank... I have a 3gal water tank, but my exchanger is slim, I think around 2", whereas that one on the STI is 3.5". So obviously if the exchanger is less efficient, you better have a water reserve, so that you have more water which means hot temps are spread over 3gal. If you have a big exchanger, I don't believe the tank is that necessary, as the exchanger will lower the temps more so you don't need as much water as if it weren't as efficient, follow me? :)

I also will certainly use a fan, if I don't use the ones of the rad, I will put one where ever the exchanger will be, this way even in traffic a decent air flow will go through the heat exchanger.


Comments?
And mostly, fitting issues on the 818 (maybe too early to tell as not too many people are that far through their build).



I've also been thinking about AWIC. My plan was use BOTH the side inlets behind the doors, get some skinny radiators, use some computer fans on the back for slower speeds (or possibly some other small 12vdc fan), and run liquid through the intercooler, then radiators, then to an icebox. Use alcohol/antifreeze as the Medium, then you can throw dry ice in the icebox to chill everything down right quick. Autox runs that would be perfect, track runs that might not have a lasting effect. and daily driving/traffic, you should be good sans ice.

[Xusia]

I wouldn't use computer fans - they aren't well suited to that task.

(I'm an IT professional by trade, and have extensive experience with computer hardware)

[Frank818]

Yeah that will cool down quite a bit. lolll

So where are you going to route your air filter/intake if you use both sides for the AWIC?
If I recall, by default FFR uses one side for the air intake.

Which alcohol are you using? And your split between the 2 liquids is?

[Wayne Presley]

Both Erik and my cars will have air to water intercoolers. Already have the parts to sell a kit for the 818...Just have to put them on the car. Stay tuned

[Frank818]

Ha man that is awesome! :)
Can't wait to see how it looks. :) But I will wait. lolll

[Ironhydroxide]

Yeah that will cool down quite a bit. lolll

So where are you going to route your air filter/intake if you use both sides for the AWIC?
If I recall, by default FFR uses one side for the air intake.

Which alcohol are you using? And your split between the 2 liquids is?



The intake can go almost anywhere, even behind the Radiators, but i've been thinking of putting it between the "humps" of the drivers/passengers seats.


I mentioned computer fans because they are fairly cheap, but, a more reliable small fan would also work. and probably better in every way. :D

I'd probably run a strait Methanol. Especially after reading this thread.
http://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-induction/1312670-some-pics-my-water-air-when-car-running.html

As per Wikipedia


Methanol
Chemical Compound
Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol, wood naphtha or wood spirits, is a chemical with the formula CH3OH. Wikipedia
Formula: CH4O
Density: 791.80 kg/m³
Boiling point: 148.5°F (64.7°C)
Vapor pressure: 13.02 kPa
Molar mass: 32.04 g/mol
Melting point: -143.7°F (-97.6°C)


also Dry ice Sublimates at −109.3 °F at Atmospheric pressure, yes, it can be cooler than that, but usually it's not much cooler. so i don't fear freezing of Methanol.

[FFR-ADV]

Hi Frank818

Here is a link with some of the discussion before:

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?7680-Hmmm-How-about-a-Air-Water-Intercooler-or-other-aftermarket-options

I believe that Wayne is using a Bosch pump used on the Ford Lightning.

Cheers!

[Frank818]

Methanol boils at 150F? That means your intake temps should always be lower than that, otherwise the system will stop working.

[Frank818]

Hi Frank818

Here is a link with some of the discussion before:

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?7680-Hmmm-How-about-a-Air-Water-Intercooler-or-other-aftermarket-options

Hey, tnx for that. :) The IWSTI link on your thread has got the same pump I do on my Corrado. :)
Let's what they come up with and how well will it work. :)

[Ironhydroxide]

Methanol boils at 150F? That means your intake temps should always be lower than that, otherwise the system will stop working.

In that case, put a positive displacement pump in there, and PHASE CHANGE cooling :cool:

but thanks for that tidbit.... I I'll have to think about what i'm going to do when i'm not running dry ice.

[rjh2pd]

You could use fans for motorcycle radiators. placement for these will be interesting.