Kento

I would rather not rely on the radiator fans for airflow through main radiator core, which is the reason I went with a SMIC in the first place. That is what I meant by being concerned with fabrication issues for the heat exchanger; I'd figure you'd need to make some ducts (and possibly create some room) for a large enough heat exchanger to work efficiently. Just plopping a HE in front of an open area doesn't guarantee that there will be sufficient airflow through the core.

clayne

Exactly. Even with ducting to venturi it in there...

SPOautos

If the heat exchanger were to be in front of the radiator in the nose of the car (not the original plan but could be done for people that need it) it would fill up the entire area similar to a fmic, however, remember its only 1" thick instead of 3" like a FMIC.

If it were installed on the passenger side where the 2nd oil cooler usually goes it would need a duct...which really isnt a big deal.

In either case the heat exchanger should be large enough to extract the heat that the charge air introduces into the water. If not then I guess I'll find that out when its tested and I'd make changes as needed but I really dont think it'll be an issue

STEPHEN

clayne

Stephen,

I really recommend you setup some form of thermistor logging before even approaching it. This will tell you where heat is and isn't in various conditions.

Thermistors are VERY cheap. But as far as how to do the logging, that requires more electronic effort.

You really need to know the aerodynamics of the underhood layout. Adding a heat-exchanger does not mean air will even enter it efficiently if air cannot be evacuated from under the bay fast enough. It's a pressure differential. In order to get air in, you've got to get it out first.

SPOautos

The heat exchanger isnt under the hood so I'm not exactly following you. On my setup its going to be in the location of the 2nd oil cooler. On other people it might could be in front of the radiator is they already have a 2nd oil cooler.


STEPHEN

clayne

If we're talking the oil cooler locations, monitor those as well.

Also, get rid of the windshield fluid reservoir and use an aftermarket overflow tank - they block oil cooler ducting airflow.

SPOautos

Ok, I'll check into the washer reservoir. I've never heard of anyone moving or replacing it though, even guys with upgraded oil cooler systems

STEPHEN

clayne

That's because they didn't know about it, or just decided to leave it there.

Trust me, it's right in the way and is a restriction. I chucked my washer reservoir when I had the fender liner off. Hardly a necessity to have a jug of water hanging off the front of the car when I can get out and clean it with a rag.

SPOautos

The more I think about it though the more i like the idea of using something like a very large alum transmission fluid cooler in front of the radiator. It should get pleanty of air flow as its designed to be there and in addition really shouldnt affect the coolant temps since its so thin and again....designed to go there

I might try it out both ways and see if there is any difference

STEPHEN

SPOautos

The more I think about it though the more i like the idea of using something like a very large alum transmission fluid cooler in front of the radiator. It should get pleanty of air flow as its designed to be there and in addition really shouldnt affect the coolant temps since its so thin and again....designed to go there

I might try it out both ways and see if there is any difference

STEPHEN

Kento

But will a trans oil cooler be efficient enough when used as a water heat transfer medium? The designs and heat dissipation requirements are different.

As far as mounting in front of the radiator, just because the A/W IC heat exchanger is only 1" thick vs. the 3" thick FMIC doesn't mean that its effect on airflow through the radiator will be minimal. Remember that Mazda already had to compromise the positioning of the radiator for space reasons, so any reduction in airflow to the radiator is a bad idea.

SPOautos

I'd have to call some vendors and get some info before I could make a desicion on if a tans cooler would work well.

As for the location of the cooler what I would probably do is have it designed both ways and test both ways then if they both turn out to work well I'd offer it either way. Then people can deside which location would best fit thier needs.

STEPHEN