Ok, after talking with the guy at turbonetics, I'm getting a pretty good idea of what is needed. However, I'm wondering what the max CFM will be. Right now I'm running a ported stock S4 turbo, but next year I'm going to upgrade to a full 60-1. I'm just setting up all the basic parts I'll need.

So far I think eithe (spearco) core 2-178 or core 2-205

go to http://www.roadraceengineering.com/e...flowcharts.htm

for flow charts. They don't list the chart for 2-205, but here's what I know.

13.04"H x24"Wx3.5"D
supports 895 HP
Flow Rate: 1280

Assuming 10mph ambient airflow

390 cfm: .25 psi drop 89% efficient
515 cfm: .45 psi drop 85% efficient
645 cfm: .52 psi drop 80% efficient
755 cfm: .75 psi drop 75% efficient
910 cfm: 1.25 psi drop 71% efficient

One down side, that core is $675.00, tack on 90 bux for end tanks and about 50 bucks to weld and you're up to $815 with no pipes.

Core 2-178 is only $370.00 for the core, but obviously it's no where near as sweet. Here's it's numbers for those of you who don't like to read the charts. Same assumptions as above.

7.8"Hx 20"Wx3.5"D
510HP
Flow: 760

258 cfm: .25 psi drop 90% Efficient
390 cfm: .45 psi drop 82% Efficient
515 cfm: .65 psi drop 75% Efficient
645 cfm: 1.0 psi drop 68% Efficient
755 cfm: 1.4 psi drop 60% Efficient


So basicly it boils down to how much CFM is required to support about 500 HP at the motor. Obviously 2-205 is the nicer core, but it's also about twice as much. Either one looks like it'll work nice, even with the stock turbo...for now, muhahaha.

 

Check out ebay -- do a search on the word "spearco" and you'll find a guy that has several for sale. Prices seem to be VERY reasonable for a complete IC (not just the core). For example, buy it now price of $425 for a 22"x10"x3" core sized IC w/ endtanks & in/outlets. Not quite the size of the 2-205 core, but ~half the price for the built version.

By the way, I know nothing about the seller, so good luck on that. If you have good experience, let me know.

I've basically made my decision to go w/ a Spearco IC -- I'm just not sure if I want to try to tackle the build myself, or if I should just fork over a little extra cash and have it ready to bolt in.

 

i was actually planning on replacing my 2 row air to air FMIC useing a 2-231 or a 2-252 myself, depending on flow. But I also have yet to find anyone claiming what the true CFM is for our motors.

 

I'm kinda wondering if those *spearco* intercoolers are the real deal. I'm going to say no because spearco doesn't have very many 3" thick units listed and thus these ebay units would have to be custom made. Plus he doesn't list the core #'s either...very flaky if you ask me. Email him and see if he'll give up some core #'s. Just remember, without knowing what the flow charts look like, you'll have no idea if it'll work right in your application or not.

For now I think I'm going to say 500 hp is between 600-700 CFM. We don't really need the CFM of the motor although it does play apart to some degree. The turbo is mainly what we're interested in.

 

I have the 2-205 chart, but at 24" I think the core is too long to fit in the front end of an FC because the end tanks add about 6". The 2-178 will definitely fit (barely, lol) because I have a 2-182, which is basically a taller version of the 2-178. It is always recommended to make a cardboard mock-up for test fitting before you fork over a lot of money for a custom intercooler that may or may not fit. BTW, in my case, it was easier and cheaper to have Spearco weld the end tanks, so you may want to check prices.

 

I would just get the biggest one you can fit... first measure space. then find a close core.