Intercooler directional?

[Double-A]

This might be a stupid question, but consider the source...

Do aftermarket water-air intercoolers flow either way is there a "direction" in the cooler fins? Also, is it better to have the water inlet closer to the air inlet or the outlet?

I'm finding intercoolers that have the inlet/outlet advertised backwards from how I would orient it for my truck, and before I buy one assuming I can just reverse the air flow I thought I'd ask since I've never looked inside one. They don't mention the air direction (aside from listing air inlet/outlet sizes when they're different sizes) but they usually do mention water in & water out. In my mind none of that should matter, unless you want the water coming in closer to where the air is coming in. And wouldn't it be better to have the coldest water closest to the air outlet for the coldest MAT temps?

Just hoping someone who did better than the C that I got in physics can shed some light. Thanks!

 

[STOUT74]

Re: Intercooler directional?

I wouldn't think so. A good quality air to water is going to have less than .1 PSI drop from inlet to outlet. I can't see direction making a difference with that low of restriction. You may want to try contacting frozenboost.com. That's where I got my IC from. There number is on there website & they were extremely helpful with my build.

 

[Aeroking]

Re: Intercooler directional?

the construction is the same throughout, unless you have a larger outlet on one side. But the core design is the same. I would put your water inlet close to the air inlet to try and start the temperatures dropping early. Also look into the core dimensions as it is mounted in the cooler. A longer core will provide a better cooling effect because the air is in contact with the core fins for a longer period. But a long core limits air flow and hurts horsepower. So the shorter the air travel distance the higher CFM you will have, and the lesser chance of pressure drop. So you have to find a good balance. A denser fin core slows the air down and allows for more cooling. A cheap ebay intercooler has fewer fins and the air blows through too fast and doesnt have time to release any heat.

 

[Double-A]

Re: Intercooler directional?

Thanks guys, that's pretty much what I was thinking, although hitting the air with the "colder side" first is different but makes sense. Appreciate the confirmation and suggestion for frozenboost.

Thanks!

 

[TrendSetter]

Re: Intercooler directional?

Good ones will have different fins between the water and air sides.
Flow direction doesn't matter for either though.

 

[Jimmy]

Re: Intercooler directional?

I always flow them top to bottom,because gravity and stuff.

 

[jaystcb]

Re: Intercooler directional?

x2 with Jimmy. pump into the intercooler from top port. Pump out from intercooler to pump through bottom port.

 

[Darin]

Re: Intercooler directional?

x2 with Jimmy. pump into the intercooler from top port. Pump out from intercooler to pump through bottom port.

I was under the impression to pump it from the bottom up, to push any trapped air out of the core.

 

[Damian]

Re: Intercooler directional?

Pump it into the top. The air stays at the top if the intercooler. You dot want air going through the intercooler because air doesn't absorb the heat as good as water does. Look at your radiator, that's exactly how it's done.