Inter-cooler Alternative

[Paaji]

Have found an interesting alternative to the top mount setup.

PWR have developed a Water/Air setup using a barrel for the main cooler.

Doesn't seem badly priced, and certainly would be the easiest to setup - no chopping involved!

www.pwr.com.au/pwr/index.asp

When I can afford it ($1021), I think I'll go this way.

J

[impaul]

barrel coolers are also used in drag cars...

[Bruce]

4WD Systems in Adelaide sell a full set up for $1498, not sure of barrel size thought. I have seen one of the PWR coolers on a com truck at LCMP, the owner said it worked very well.
Cheers Bruce.

[geeves]

Some Subarus have a similar setup from factory. Doesnt look as nice but lots cheaper to use second hand

[Mike]

Much cheaper! They can be picked up on trademe for NZD100-200 with the pump! They also have decent fittings and connections, with the radiator cap.

[Bruce]

How hard are they to fit thought? and what model Subaru we looking to get one off thanks?
Cheers Bruce

[Graham]

Liberty or Legacy, depending which side of the water you're on, had water to air intercoolers as described above. I don't know for sure which year models, but I'm guessing 88 to 94.

G.

[Bruce]

Thanks Graham well do a bit more research on them.
Cheers Bruce

[Mike]

They went back to air/air around '95 or '96 as Graham suggested, don't know why, as the air/air coolers are piddley. The intercooled version was rare in Au, quite common in NZ. The Toyota Celica GT-4 also has air/water- the cooler is very similar to Subaru's. One went for $270 on EBay Au recently. The Subaru coolers can be had off TradeMe much cheaper, and often include bits like the two-speed Subaru water pump. The water pump can be a hassle as they need to be quiet and not draw too much power. The Subaru pump is ideal as it can be set up to kick in at a higher speed if temps rise- something most other pumps can't do, and decent alternate pumps also tend to be very expensive.

Incidentally, Australians can now join TradeMe, I believe. The biggest problem is paying for the items as most sellers don't have credit card or PayPal facilities. For most items I have posted cash, available readily at Commonwealth Bank here on Norfolk Is with many Kiwi tourists for AUD8 exchange fee (the bank makes about 1.5% on the exchange rate as well). There is a risk posting cash, of course, worth it to obtain rare bits. NZ is awash in import bits not found in Au.

I managed to join 2 years ago by telling TradeMe I lived in Northland...in a way we are "far Northland" lol.

NZ Postage rates are pretty high, it has to be said, especially for heavy items. Subaru coolers weigh 4kg, while the pumps are 1 to 1.5kg depending on how many brackets/lines are still attached. I was quoted NZD70 or thereabouts for each pump/cooler for postage. As it turned out we paid NZD10 for each kilo of excess baggage so the postage would have been only a little more, and we'd have saved Andrew's garage being cluttered up (having paid internal postage to his home in Wellington, too).

As for the models of cooler, one of mine is black, the other silver. The silver one has what appears to be a thermostat or temp switch for the pump, so I don't know how the (older?) black one switches the pump- probably another temp switch somewhere in the works.

I'm happy to supply pics if anyone wants them. I'm itching to get my system running, but hampered by lack of expertise in intercooling on this tiny island. My own mechanical abilities are fairly limited.

[Bruce]

Would be good to see some pics thanks Mike, occasionally have mates go back home to NZ for hols made be able to get one i that way.
Cheers Bruce

[Paaji]

Hey Mike,

Can't seem to find any on trademe. Are you referring to a barrel setup or flat unit?

J

[Mike]

Silly question maybe, but how do I post pics here?

[Mike]

Paaji, there is at least one available (finishes today, 2nd) for a complete kit. No pics though. I was thinking of bidding to get the wiring as I have none, but I don't really need a third cooler or pump, and the front heat exchanger can use any old oil or a/c cooler.

The Subaru (and Toyota) units are flat, Paaji. As soon as I work out how to do it I'll post some pics. In the interim, here's a link which shows part (as in not all of the cooler is in the shot) of a Subaru cooler mounted to a Datsun:

datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=1189

[Mike]

Here's one Paaji, without the pump or any other pieces- but this is the expensive part and so far it's only NZ$20!

www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Car-parts-accessories/Subaru/Engines-drive-trains/auction-65065295.htm

[impaul]

i sold the entire water-air set up off my 91 rs-ra legacy for $50,included pump,radiator,hoses,cooler core,etc....was put on a 20b rotary..

[Paaji]

Thanks for the links Mike. I would prefer the barrel type due to space constraints, but will consider those if I have no joy elsewhere. Gives me some more ideas anyway.

CHeers,
J

[Mike]

Yes, they aren't small, Paaji, I'm wondering where to put mine. Compared to a front-mount they are small, and can go (within reason) in a lot of different places. I have a good spot just behine the huge 4jx1 ECU, but short a few mm. I may look into moving the ECU forward, maybe after chopping the still-air section off the airbox as that's wasted space.

[Paaji]

Yeah chopping is not my preference, hence the idea to use a barrel setup. Looks like the absolute easist way to intercool.

J

[daniel]

Just curious, has anyone checked out these guys for intercoolers?

www.mtqes.com.au/RodeoIntercooler.htm

And if so, what price were they asking?

Cheers

Daniel

[Graham]

20kW gain just from an intercooler? Doesn't sound right to me.

have you emailed them and asked for a price???