Front Mount / Top Mount / Water-Air Intercoolers for KZJ78?

[crazydragon]

I'm a newbie at this. Just wondering, what are the advantages and disadvantages between these?

Say if I do mostly town, open road and light offroading (no extreme mudding or rock crawling, I'm still a beginner), which one would suit more?

Also, what about costs? I have no knowledge of how to DIY so it'll be done by a shop. Please let me know the rough labour and materials cost.

Would it be cheaper to do it with a 3inch exhaust install and EGR removal at the same time?

[juz]

It'd be easiest to fit a Top Mount off a later model Prado and fit say a Bighorn Scoop in the Bonnet, Since you dont do any hard work Off road Itd be most efficient to fit a Front Mount Id say as there in good clean cool air compared to a Top Mount, Not sure if Kits are available for this somebody else will know and to do 3" exhaust etc can be done at anytime as its not removed or anything when doing Intercooler etc but would be best to do both exhaust and I/C at same time IMO. Not sure on cost sorry and cant recommend any shops as I'm at the bottom of the South.

[slide]

Huge debate as to pros and cons of each intercooling setup. Best to do some searching and then decide what will suit your requirements, based on budget, use and your vehicles setup (eg ease of fitment).
I would recommend bigger(ie higher flowing) exhaust before thinking intercooling.
Cost has waaaay to many variables to even begin to put up a budget. Best to decide on a style, then go to a garage to get an idea of cost

[Jerry]

Nathan at Kaipoi repowers has the template to do a dump pipe and exhaust for a KZJ78

Top mount is better as it keeps it out of the mud better

[tweake]

for light offroading mud is probably not a big issue. sounds like its a daily driver. in which case front mount usually gives best performance. but its all down to what will fit.

[crazydragon]

I saw in a few different forums where the general consensus is:

Top mount = heat sink but no turbo lag.

Front mount = turbo lag.

Anyone knows if it will be very noticeable?

@slide, is high flow exhaust different with a straight pipe exhaust? It seems like lots of 1KZ owners install a 2.5 or 3in straight pipes. What's the difference?

[zukmeista]

I doubt you would notice any difference in turbo lag between top mount and front mount as long as pipes and cooler are sized correctly. Exhaust, high flow= mandrel bent and larger dia. than standard, straight pipe= no muffler fitted. 3" will be louder than 2.5" assuming no muffler, comes down to cost and personal preference really. Here's some useful threads on 1KZ's for you to look through.
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=31634
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=30649
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=38464
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=28231

[slide]

@slide, is high flow exhaust different with a straight pipe exhaust? It seems like lots of 1KZ owners install a 2.5 or 3in straight pipes. What's the difference?

I say high flow because large diameter does not alway = high flow (and doesn't always = loud, on the same token)
Muffler design, length of pipe, amount and severity of curves all play a part

[crazydragon]

Thanks zukmeista, those are good links. I've read a few of them. The intercooler one looked like a good and tidy set up.

Do you guys know of any good 4wd technicians near the Auckland area that do these kind of mods? Would really appreciate it if anyone has any recommendations.

[DDAN]

Pm I'll send some pictures of my front mount on my kzj71
I still have my ac