Fans on TMIC?
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Two 5.6" SPAL pusher fans fit beatifully on top of the intercooler. I haven't permanently mounted them yet, but it won't be that hard.
Sitting in sunlight with the engine running and the hood down, post IC/before TB temps can get up to just over 80C/176F (as logged w/TEC3 air temp sensor). The intercooler becomes an interheater. With these fans on, sitting in the sunlight with engine running and hood down, post IC temps never get above 32C/90F. And that's after a high boost/WOT tuning run... so the motor is nice and hot. This is all on a sunny Seattle day, between 80-85F.
As far as flow restriction at speed, I haven't noticed a degree of difference between [fans removed], [fans installed and off], [fans installed and on]. When not under boost, I'm always within 10 degrees F of ambient. Of course, post IC temps rise when under boost (especially when you're pushing 19psi through the stock IC), but there's no difference in temperature rise amount between fans installed/removed.
With the stock intercooler and stock hood scoop, their fit is awesome (almost like they were custom made for the stock IC). They don't slide around at all (even in autox) even when they're just sitting on top of the IC. There is the tiniest amount of contact between the inside of the hood scoop (the inner metal liner, not the painted outside) and the top rear of the fan's motor. Just enough to hold the fans in place. They really do fit like they were custom made to drop right in.
Sitting in sunlight with the engine running and the hood down, post IC/before TB temps can get up to just over 80C/176F (as logged w/TEC3 air temp sensor). The intercooler becomes an interheater. With these fans on, sitting in the sunlight with engine running and hood down, post IC temps never get above 32C/90F. And that's after a high boost/WOT tuning run... so the motor is nice and hot. This is all on a sunny Seattle day, between 80-85F.
As far as flow restriction at speed, I haven't noticed a degree of difference between [fans removed], [fans installed and off], [fans installed and on]. When not under boost, I'm always within 10 degrees F of ambient. Of course, post IC temps rise when under boost (especially when you're pushing 19psi through the stock IC), but there's no difference in temperature rise amount between fans installed/removed.
With the stock intercooler and stock hood scoop, their fit is awesome (almost like they were custom made for the stock IC). They don't slide around at all (even in autox) even when they're just sitting on top of the IC. There is the tiniest amount of contact between the inside of the hood scoop (the inner metal liner, not the painted outside) and the top rear of the fan's motor. Just enough to hold the fans in place. They really do fit like they were custom made to drop right in.
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From: Yate, Bristol
OK, I'm going to do it. I was going to mount them to the underside of the I/C so as not to disrupt airflow when moving, but it would appear that it does not affect airflow much. I'll have a go. Now I need to find some decent fans.....
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From: Yate, Bristol
I've been thinking about fitting 2 powerfull fans to the underside of my TMIC ,pulling air down across it, wired to a switch so I could switch them on in traffic. Any reason why this would be a stupid idea?
[Edited by DreXeL - 6/7/2003 7:24:10 PM]
[Edited by DreXeL - 6/7/2003 7:24:10 PM]
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Is there sufficient space on the side of the turbo? (right side of car)
I have an oil cooler-type fan on the left side, but the IC Y-hose on the right side blocks any potential mounting space.
It definitely works in slow traffic, and delays heat soak when stationary. I have a temp gauge tapped into the IC so I can tell reasonably accurately. Best used in conjunction with water spray.
I have an oil cooler-type fan on the left side, but the IC Y-hose on the right side blocks any potential mounting space.
It definitely works in slow traffic, and delays heat soak when stationary. I have a temp gauge tapped into the IC so I can tell reasonably accurately. Best used in conjunction with water spray.
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From: Class record holder at Pembrey Llandow Goodwood MIRA Hethel Blyton Curborough Lydden and Snetterton
If you do, mount them on top, not underneath, most fans are better at pushing than pulling, especially if you effectively restrict the 'pull' side by sticking them directly underneath the IC. If you put some space between them and the underneath of the IC they will suck the free air around them and not draw it through the IC anyway. Plus theres the small matter of the turbo outlet hose getting in the way 
Been thinking of doing this myself.
Been thinking of doing this myself.
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