Do front-mounted intercoolers increase lag?

[quartermain]

In the current Japanese Performance (in an article about an Impreza not an RX-7) there appears the phrase "I considered fitting a front-mounted intercooler but I didn\'t want the extra lag it produces".

Is this true?

[clive]

Yes it does increase lag if you fit an intercooler that is too big and not compatible with the size of the Turbo.

I remember Tim telling me how he connected two stock FD intercoolers together and what a disaster it was.

I have no doubt that the more scientific guys amongst us will clarify  the pressure drop that can occur.

[shaunwil]

You do notice a little bit of lag on an FMIC on the twins. Its the time it takes to pressurise the system, the bigger the run of pipe and bigger intercooler the longer it takes to pump it up.

I\'ve just swapped to a bigger front mount from a stock smic and there is a little bit of lag, feels more evident on the second turbo spooling up. Looking at modifying the pipe run to reduce the turbo side and reduce the distance it travels.

Shaun

[shaunwil]

Oh and the blow off is alot louder as well.

Temp seems to stay at alot more constant temp though. Stills sits at the same temp with or without boost. Need a bigger front bumper to get the most of the intercooler as well, not enough air passing over it to pull temps right down.

Got injectors (1600\'s) and full tune on the way soon. Will try and remember to post the dyno figures and graphs !

Shaun

[rx7veilside]

extra lag will be negligible but i have a greddy and wld seriously consider the pwr charge cooler system u will get lower water temp and shorter pipe runs

[sdminus]

I\'ve not noticed any adverse effects from my FMIC. Either water temp or lag
Scott

[bnaellis]

It\'s not lag, it\'s throttle response.
The difference would be soo minimal that i\'d be very surprised anyone could detect with human senses.


rgds

[Timrxmotors]

I like throttle response,that is why I have no intercooler.

[scooby_si]

does he count as human? :rollin  lol
Si