i know this topic has probably been covered many times.
i want to know people opinions on whether to top mount or front mount an intercooler and the best way to do this.
even if you could point me in the direction of previous forums would be great.
cheers.
kzn130 1kz-te intercooler
Re: kzn130 1kz-te intercooler
not having owned a 130 series, I can't comment on that, but there wasn't much room for a intercooler up front on the 185 series. As you most likely know, the inter cooled KZN185s run a top mount.
The front mount option keeps intakes cooler, due to more frontal area,compared to a small slot in the bonnet, PLUS the air flowing through it keeps it cooler.
On the other hand, the top mount can get a bit of heat soak caused by the engine bay heat rising upwards( turbos throw out a lot of heat.) The top mount is very effective at open road speeds, due to the amount of air being forced through it, but not so good at slow speeds, in a forest(no breeze) for instance.
However, the biggest factors that tend to make most manufacturers of 4WDs (and also individuals doing custom installs) go for the top mounted versions with some form of scoop, is that the front mounted ones are more likely to get damaged by sticks/branches etc, and more likely to get fins filled with mud. Front mounts also reduce air flow to radiator, or at least increase the temp of that air flow.
Note the 90 series Prados use a top mount, with no visible scoop- there is air ducts under the bonnet that lead back to the shrouded intercooler.
kzn130 owners feel free to jump on in here...
The front mount option keeps intakes cooler, due to more frontal area,compared to a small slot in the bonnet, PLUS the air flowing through it keeps it cooler.
On the other hand, the top mount can get a bit of heat soak caused by the engine bay heat rising upwards( turbos throw out a lot of heat.) The top mount is very effective at open road speeds, due to the amount of air being forced through it, but not so good at slow speeds, in a forest(no breeze) for instance.
However, the biggest factors that tend to make most manufacturers of 4WDs (and also individuals doing custom installs) go for the top mounted versions with some form of scoop, is that the front mounted ones are more likely to get damaged by sticks/branches etc, and more likely to get fins filled with mud. Front mounts also reduce air flow to radiator, or at least increase the temp of that air flow.
Note the 90 series Prados use a top mount, with no visible scoop- there is air ducts under the bonnet that lead back to the shrouded intercooler.
kzn130 owners feel free to jump on in here...
Re: kzn130 1kz-te intercooler
the 130 can fit front mount ok if there is no air con in the front. no issue with water temps, the increase in internal cooling more than makes up for the tiny drop in radiator cooling.
top mounts are usually fairly tight to fit. not sure with 1kz. body lift is generally the way to go to give enough room.
heaps on the surf sites.
obviously there is room for a bit bigger cooler.
top mounts are usually fairly tight to fit. not sure with 1kz. body lift is generally the way to go to give enough room.
heaps on the surf sites.
obviously there is room for a bit bigger cooler.
Re: kzn130 1kz-te intercooler
Have just fitted a new alloy radiator amd viscous fan hub due to highish Temps up hills and on hot days. Sorted the problem. Was rather hesitant to remove the whole air con system cause I read that the air con fan kicks in if Temps get to a certain point.
Re: kzn130 1kz-te intercooler
The Air Con Fan can be rewired to a switch, which is what i did. I am going subaru water to air top mount.