What dimensions do you recommend? I am at http://www.bellintercoolers.com/Pages/core.asp and I need a core that will fit in the grille opening.....since the opening is not too big should i go with a THICKER core? what do you guys recommend?

 

Corky Bell (in "Maximum Boost") states that the back half of the IC core does only 25% of the cooling.
Try to keep the core thickness to a minimum.
Usually 3" is sufficient...anything thicker will give you smaller gains (against running a larger core face area) and will impede airflow through the core, which can affect radiator cooling.


-Ted

 

I recommend that you make a cardboard mock-up and ensure that it fits in your car prior to spending a lot of money on an intercooler core. Be sure to make cardboard end tanks so that you can verify that you have room for them, and for the required plumbing.

I recommend that you give Bell a call and ask what thickness is good for your application. Every manufacturer makes their cores differently, so you can't really determine optimal core thickness without knowing how well the air will flow through it. Prior to calling, you may want to have a general idea of core dimensions, and narrow down the actual use for your car (drag strip, autocross, street, speedway racing, etc.). If you can't get this information for some reason, then as a general guide you do not want to go any thicker than 3.5" for a street car, and that is with an upgraded radiator and good ducting.

 

will do...thanks........