Just out of curiousity, what is the maximum safe psi level for the stock intercooler? I'm getting a lot of stuff done in the next two months, (new engine w/ streetport, power FC, new dp, mp, and exhaust, etc.) and I was wondering if upping the boost to just 12psi would be okay with the stock IC. I'll be getting a FMIC, single turbo, and other required equipment later on, but for now, what do you guys think?

 

10psi

 

Heh....10? Define safe. Max that is dosen't explode?

I'm running about 15 with no problems.

And for inquiring minds, I am looking to upgrade.

RedX7, I'd strongly suggest doing the same. If you're going to be doing all of that too, just get the IC while you're at it.

 

I boosted around 11 to 12 psi regularly on my stock IC. This was years ago when my only power mods were a dp, cb and RB inlet duct. I'd recommend keeping it to 10 psi as a safety measure, however, especially with a new engine. It's not really worth the extra power you will gain. Patience, Grasshoppa

 

I think you should be ok running on 12psi. Many don't install a bigger IC when they get the ECU, dp and intake and run fine. I plan on doing the same. Will be getting a custom IC next year.

 

I find your question "what is the maximum safe psi level of the stock intercooler" to be quite confusing. Because of its small size and internal configuration the stock intercooler has a limited ability to cool the intake charge, has a limited flow rate, and a high back pressure. Therefore, the higher you boost, the higher your air temperature going into the IC, the higher your flow rate going into the IC, the higher the back pressure exerted by the IC, and the higher the charge temperature coming out of the IC. The result is your turbos will be working harder possibly leading to premature turbo failure and your the risk of detonation is much higher.

With the mods you are doing and planning a better IC should be installed early to increase your engine reliability. Even with a better IC you will need to control your boost!

 

I would be too.....

How high do your intake temps get after a couple runs through the gears at 15 psi?

Also, as others have pointed out, the stock IC has a large pressure drop. Your turbos are probably cranking out more like 17-18 psi to make 15 psi. With a better IC, they will work easier (and cooler).

And BTW, don't be surprised when the endtanks blow off your stock IC, there's a reason Racing Beat sells a reinforcement kit...

BTW, I like the line in your sig regarding life....

 

As stated before...you're nuts.

 

I blew a motor with streetport, intake, dp, mp, cb, pfc, and stock i/c at 10psi.

So 10psi can even be unsafe.

 

That sounds more like a tuning error to me.

 

it was, the tuning error was having a stock intercooler

 

My M2 ecu dials it in at 12psi with no problems, 12 is fine,

 

FYI, the Motorola Cup FD's used to run 14 psi with the Mazda Comp. all aluminum IC (same size as stock, but end tanks were aluminum). They were running super rich though too because the extra fuel evaporates and cools the combustion chamber.

I wouldn't run more than 12 though for the street. My stock IC eventually cracked one of the endtanks & I was running 12 psi though it was due more to age & heat than anything else. Mostly heat & that's the problem with the stock IC, it just doesn't cool enough. For all the money you're spending, bite the bullet & get the IC. Especially if you're going front moount, have it installed while the engine is out.

 

10 psi!!! So run 12psi, but I wouldn't recommend it, it is just way too small.

 

When I got my M2 downpipe and ECU, they recommended 12 psi as a maximum. They have a lot of experience, so I'm going with their suggestion.

12 psi max.

 

I ran 12 all the time and on cool days 14 psi. The intercooler wasn't designed for high boost and I have heard of them cracking due to pressure, but mine never did nor did any of the others around. Run 12 psi and you'll be fine. If yours goes bad I have 2 stockers around. LOL

 

Thanks guys. I guess I'll probably keep it at 10 for everyday driving, but just bump it up to 12 every now and then if I'm feeling froggy.

 

With 12 (14 winter) psi spikes, I was starting to bend the flanges on the stock intercooler. Now with the RB intercooler straps, no problems

 

I ran 12 with stock IC and Stock ECU for about a year...
No Problems...
From what I read, which makes sense...
The function of an IC on the street is more that of a Heat Sink, than a radiator.... while on the track it's a different story...

On the street you only boost for 15 Seconds max continuously since if you continue you'd kill yourself in most urban areas... or others....
So after that air doesn't stop flowing through the intercoller to cool it off but the pressure and heat from the turbos sure does... so it gets a chance to get rid of all the heat you just built up during that quick sprint...

On the track, the IC rarely gets that chance so it has to be able to get rid of the heat as quickly as the turbo supplies it...

So don't go on teh track, don't leave the stock IC on indefinitely and you can get away with 12's....
All this of course is dependent on how healthy the car is to begin with... if the IC allready has heat stress cracks... you're making a serious gamble... but so is life...

 

I agree with this. I ran 12psi when it was warmer than 75F degrees out and 13-14psi when it was colder than 75F. Really the 14psi was during winter when it was like 50F and less outside.

If you have a PFC just watch your intake temps. If you can get under boost without your intake temps rising alot dont worry about it. Personally I dont like for intake temps to get over 50C

STEPHEN

 

Actually you have NO ecu in your sig. It says you WAITING for a pfc. If thats the case you cant run over 10psi on the stock ecu or else its bye bye engine

STEPHEN

 

I run 12 PSI with my M2 Stage III ECU on my stock IC all the time. No problem. It is tuned for intake, DP, Hi flow cat or mid, and IC upgrade. I have all but the IC upgrade. I plan on upgrading to a PFS IC to match my intake later this fall.

 

Yea.....I had my motor rebuilt and had a new chip at 13psi w/ stock IC. 3 years later a coolant seal blows ....
should I have had a bigger radiator as well as a better IC? or would a better IC be fine....?

BTW motor is being rebuilt and car will be for sale....great car

 

3 1/2 yrs on 12psi on stock ECU. Same motor, no issues. Your results may vary

 

Tell me about it........