intercooler question
 

the 93 is getting a full rebuild. i was wondering if it is worthwhile to get a new intercooler. im not sure, which one, but its some all aluminum one. something like $1k. anyway, i am not doing any performance modifications i wont be cranking up the boost, becuase i dont want detonation to happen. So, my question is, is it a worthwhile reliablity mod to get a new intercooler. i think its something like 10hp. something im questioning, is whether or not a 11 year old stock intercooler will keep the new motor in good shape. there is 73k on the car if that helps. thanks in advance for the advice.

An IC is not a reliability mod. If you want to make performance improvments in the future, it could be a worth while investment. But if you are going to remain stock forever, $ 1000.00 is quite a bit to pay for 10hp.

on a stock car with stock boost the tiny intercooler is OK if you have plans on upgrading than it will eventually become necessary. a new rad is a reliability mod that could be worthwhile

If you want reliadility then make sure you've done all tha reliability mods and then go for the IC which is not a reliability mod actually.

Look into a rad first. If you plan on doin some heavy mods then get an IC later.

stock ic is good for stock motor, and even w/ a few bolt on's. such as an intake dp and catback. if the car is completly stock, spend that 1k for reliability and get a dp, alluminum ast, replace your belts and vaccum hoses, mabie a turbo timer, bigger rad, lots of little reliability mods that need to be done before an ic.

actually pettite racing says the stock intercooler is the most efficiant one out there for stock boost levels.

skip the ic unless you plan major mods. if the car doesn't have a stainless steel downpipe get one asap as it carries a huge amount of heat out of the engine. i like SNracings list.. definitely an aluminum AST, replace all belts and hoses, especially the 2 heater hoses. i run a larger radiator but don't think it makes a great diff if your original is in good shape...

howard coleman

Stock IC is about the worst oem design around, regarding sizing and function ... just ask Mazda. They track tested the FD and cooked an engine. They redesigned the IC system in 99.

check sae article at bottom of this link.

http://www.rx7.net.nz/newrx7.htm

A used PFS (with intake box mod'd) or pettit would be a good upgrade.

ok, thanks for all the replies. so far, the mods are as follows. RB catback and intake, with K&N. since the motor is getting pulled, i am getting a new radiator. i dont know what other reliablity mods there are, so i was thinking that the IC might be a good way to go, especially with summer coming, and being in san diego. also, if there are any other recommendations for mods that should be done while motor is being rebuilt or that should be done anyway please let me know. im sorry, im pretty new to all of this. i have heard quite a bit about msd ignition and underdrive pulleys. the car is going to remain stock as far as cranking the boost goes.

These are reliability mods (that pretty much everyone who mods their car at all should have :) ).

1) Down pipe
2) Aluminun Air Separation Tank
3) Boost Gauge
4) Replace all the vacuum hoses (since your getting your engine replaced, it would be a great time to do so)
5) Radiator (but you already are doing this)
6) Replace all your coolant hoses, especially around the turbos.

im gonna bump this, cause i want a little more info on the ignition. also, im not familiar with what an ast is. and i was told by the most reputable rx-7 shop (tri-point) that a downpipe increases the chance of detonation. thanks again for all the help.

Since the engine will be out, you should consider replacing your clutch.

A boost controller should be on your list if you are doing more than 1 performance mod.

thanks, its already got a new clutch and flywheel. i dont want to increase the boost, so i think ill pass on the controller.

The controller would be used to keep your boost from increasing when you do the mods.:eek: