Alex@Stratified
Go Kart Newbie
Let's discuss the GTI OEM intercooler for a minute. I have pushed our development vehicle pretty hard to find issues with boundary conditions. In doing so I have been very impressed with the OEM FMIC efficiency with a maxed out K03 turbo (which means lots of hot air).
Below is a chart showing the temperature rise of a typical 4th gear pull with the GTI versus a Focus ST. I bring up the Focus ST as another data point comparing OEM intercooler performance.
Keep in mind that the intercooler efficiency is its ability to cool the charge air. That is best measured as the delta in charge air temperature from the beginning to the end of the pull. The OEM intercooler is on par with aftermarket upgrades on other platforms. Its large surface area allows for great charge air cooling.
I have a feeling some people look at the charge air temperature with the car at low loads and see a high value therefore assuming the intercooler is heatsoaked or inefficient. This is not the case - without much air flowing through the manifold the charge air sensor located in the manifold is reading erroneously high due to sitting so close to the engine block. This is the same reason you see a rise in charge air temperatures sitting in traffic. As soon as you start to flow air over the sensor the readings drop quickly.
For street applications I have a hard time seeing a justification for an upgraded intercooler especially on a stock turbo application.
I would love to see some comparison data from both the street and even more importantly lapping/circuit racing between OEM+ (GolfR, S3), aftermarket, and OEM intercooler performance.
Below is a chart showing the temperature rise of a typical 4th gear pull with the GTI versus a Focus ST. I bring up the Focus ST as another data point comparing OEM intercooler performance.
Keep in mind that the intercooler efficiency is its ability to cool the charge air. That is best measured as the delta in charge air temperature from the beginning to the end of the pull. The OEM intercooler is on par with aftermarket upgrades on other platforms. Its large surface area allows for great charge air cooling.
I have a feeling some people look at the charge air temperature with the car at low loads and see a high value therefore assuming the intercooler is heatsoaked or inefficient. This is not the case - without much air flowing through the manifold the charge air sensor located in the manifold is reading erroneously high due to sitting so close to the engine block. This is the same reason you see a rise in charge air temperatures sitting in traffic. As soon as you start to flow air over the sensor the readings drop quickly.
For street applications I have a hard time seeing a justification for an upgraded intercooler especially on a stock turbo application.
I would love to see some comparison data from both the street and even more importantly lapping/circuit racing between OEM+ (GolfR, S3), aftermarket, and OEM intercooler performance.
