This is the first time I've tried to include photos in a thread so my apologies ahead of time if it's all messed up.
About a year ago a board member named Andy had contacted Bell Intercoolers to make an updated replacement of the MKI intercooler that would bolt in using the original brackets. I spent the money to have the jig made and had the prototype constructed. I was waiting for a dyno comparison, but since I had to take off the IC for my last smog check (California), I decided to post.
My impressions are that first, this is a very substantial piece of equipment. It's not as light as the original equipment which feels more like a repurposed radiator. The fit is perfect, all the brackets line up with all the screws, there was no need to do any further alteration. All the welds were good, but not the "stack of nickles" perfect that everyone hopes to achieve.
Do I notice a difference on the butt dyno. I tell myself I do, but I may be fooling myself. With just an HKS pulley it's not exactly taxed to the fullest in my daily street driving. Those with a larger pulley that use this to road race would probably notice a reduction in heat soak. The ffdynamics fan (not included from Bell) is not quiet, but throws off a noticable amount of heat and is very efficient.
I spent $600 on the prototype, but they said any subsequent IC's would be $500. A pretty good price given that it is a short run product. After the next dyno day at Su's (Aggressive Performance in Santa Clara) I'll post the dyno charts.
About a year ago a board member named Andy had contacted Bell Intercoolers to make an updated replacement of the MKI intercooler that would bolt in using the original brackets. I spent the money to have the jig made and had the prototype constructed. I was waiting for a dyno comparison, but since I had to take off the IC for my last smog check (California), I decided to post.
My impressions are that first, this is a very substantial piece of equipment. It's not as light as the original equipment which feels more like a repurposed radiator. The fit is perfect, all the brackets line up with all the screws, there was no need to do any further alteration. All the welds were good, but not the "stack of nickles" perfect that everyone hopes to achieve.
Do I notice a difference on the butt dyno. I tell myself I do, but I may be fooling myself. With just an HKS pulley it's not exactly taxed to the fullest in my daily street driving. Those with a larger pulley that use this to road race would probably notice a reduction in heat soak. The ffdynamics fan (not included from Bell) is not quiet, but throws off a noticable amount of heat and is very efficient.
I spent $600 on the prototype, but they said any subsequent IC's would be $500. A pretty good price given that it is a short run product. After the next dyno day at Su's (Aggressive Performance in Santa Clara) I'll post the dyno charts.