Volvo IC, is there a better idea

[Faust]

I recently picked up an '88 Lancer ES. Until I get my 2.5 together, I am bringing it up to TII. First, I notice FWD does not list an '88 MP computer. Are they scarce and sepecial or is that just one of those things?

What this post is really about is the intercooler. I have a Volvo unit kicking around in the basement. Ease tempts me. Since it is still "a job", is there a better intercooler to use? I want to keep the A/C. Is the stock intercooler all that bad, if I look through all my plastic bins, I might just find one.

I guess my question is for all considerations, ease, performance, keeping the A/C what is the best unit for an H body?

[me_2_3_5]

Don't know much about H body but i know volvo intercoolers aren't that good, when i was searching for one, everyone told me to stay away from a volvo intercooler...

[Faust]

Quote:

Originally Posted by me_2_3_5 Don't know much about H body but i know volvo intercoolers aren't that good, when i was searching for one, everyone told me to stay away from a volvo intercooler...

I kind of suspected that. Maybe I used to know it, and that is why it has been gathering dust all of these years.

[FTT843]

yeah sure it will work but theres much better to be found.
I would say its suitable for if your converting from TI to TII status and have nothing else.

[Faust]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FTT843 yeah sure it will work but theres much better to be found. I would say its suitable for if your converting from TI to TII status and have nothing else.

OK, but what is the "much better to be found". I am saving the 2.5 turbo from my rusted out minivan. That will be going in, but after a little warm up.

[tkelly27]

some people have sucess with the volvos, some don't. I'm running mine @ 14psi and its not leaking, and I could definately feel a difference in power. I think if I go up past 14, I'll probably get a bigger IC, that or weld two volvo cores together

[Shadow]

The big knock on the Volvo I/C's is the plastic tanks and the way they seal to the unit. I've heard that their good too 15psi. Although there was one guy that said he was boosting 18psi and had no problems, can't remember if he did something to stop it from leaking or if he just got lucky.

[mwinkle353]

From what I've read, the Volvo IC isn't all that effecient. It's said to flow about the same as a stock Chrysler IC unit. The only difference is that the Volvo unit will have much larger frontal area for the heat transfer.

Downside to the Volvo unit is that it has plastic end tanks that are not fused to the core. They're just crimped onto the core. Many have used the IC with good results. But they seem to have a failure rate around 18 psi. The crimps weaken and blows the end tanks at and above those boost pressures.

The Volvo IC is a good inexpensive unit to use if going from TI to TII status without upping the boost much from stock. If you are looking to up the boost, I'd highly suggest an all aluminum unit.

I've personally used the Volvo IC and loved it. But once I upped the boost, problems started to show. Since you have one already, I say go for it. Use it until you damage it or get ready for a great upgrade.


Wink

[Faust]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mwinkle353 From what I've read, the Volvo IC isn't all that effecient. It's said to flow about the same as a stock Chrysler IC unit. The only difference is that the Volvo unit will have much larger frontal area for the heat transfer. Downside to the Volvo unit is that it has plastic end tanks that are not fused to the core. They're just crimped onto the core. Many have used the IC with good results. But they seem to have a failure rate around 18 psi. The crimps weaken and blows the end tanks at and above those boost pressures. The Volvo IC is a good inexpensive unit to use if going from TI to TII status without upping the boost much from stock. If you are looking to up the boost, I'd highly suggest an all aluminum unit. I've personally used the Volvo IC and loved it. But once I upped the boost, problems started to show. Since you have one already, I say go for it. Use it until you damage it or get ready for a great upgrade. Wink

To start with a note, I have had a little Audi experience. The trick with them is to strap the I/C unit, that tends to hold the ends on. 18 psi isn't really that much when you think about it. My household water is about 80 psi.

Anyway, since I will be transplanting a warm 2.5, I'd rather not do the job twice. Are tehre any "factory" units that are recommended?

[greendog]

since all of the +/- for the volvo ic is it worth picking one up for 20$ or a waste?

[87DANCEonYOU]

Volvo is not bad at all..i would defintaly use it ,specially for $20,Also If you can find a stock IC there not bad eithier... G Donovon used just a stock IC on his 12 second daytona..

[mwinkle353]

I guess I'll be strapping mine soon.


I only want 18-22 psi from the shadow.

But that 3 bar cal will have to get done before that happens.

[xrattiracer]

ok, instead of speculating and posting me-too type "i read it somewhere" posts, lets look at some actual math:
http://www.turboford.net/cgi-bin/ult...;f=16;t=001373
a few posts down (under the obligatory gus link) is a good look at several popular jy intercoolers. the number to really keep an eye on is "heat rejected", this tells you the capacity of the intercooler. next of course is pressure drop.

[Faust]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xrattiracer ok, instead of speculating and posting me-too type "i read it somewhere" posts, lets look at some actual math: http://www.turboford.net/cgi-bin/ult...;f=16;t=001373 a few posts down (under the obligatory gus link) is a good look at several popular jy intercoolers. the number to really keep an eye on is "heat rejected", this tells you the capacity of the intercooler. next of course is pressure drop.

Your point is well taken. However, since all boneyard intercoolers sell for the same price, "why not the best".

For myself, there are a lot of factors to be considered other than small diferences in cooling, flow and pressure drop. I am equally concerned with availability, sturdiness and relative difficulty of isntallation.

I also want my A/C to operate efficiently. This is not a "race car", it is a "high performance" car.

[FTT843]

im not sure how much you wana fabricate up front but cant you find some srt-4 ic's around for cheap now?