I have a rx7 fd and I am rebuilding it for street use and some track days. I currently have my intercooler front mounted but I am concerned that with hot Florida days and track days the intercooler may block cold air to the radiator. Does know if I am blocking the radiator from getting cold air.

 

some people dont like front mounts because of that reason but im not sure how much air it actually blocks

you can always get a vmount setup

 

I wouldn't say "block" but "reduce" would be more correct. You're probably taking 25% of the cooling capacity of the radiator (and a/c core) out by putting an FMIC in front of it. It is a compromise...you're putting the appearance and ability to safely run higher boost above that of reliable coolant cooling by putting the intercooler in front of the radiator. With a large enough radiator and a low fan setting, you can usually still do okay even with an FMIC, but if you start to run it hard for more than a few minutes at a time (such as on the track) then you may see temps go up. You want a nice aftermarket water temp gauge to keep a close eye on things.

 

go V-mount

 

V mount is expensive imo

I have a large smic and don't have a problem with temps, its also reasonably priced.

I also have a koyo rad.

The more cooling mods you do, the less you have to worry about placement.

Vmount is best for street, then I think smic, then fmic.

I also just bought the silicone hose set, and taking out my ac.

I don't think I'll have to worry about temps with all that.

 

v-mount is probably "best" for any application, because it equally splits incoming airflow between intake air temps and coolant temps. But, the expense and the packaging/plumbing for a vmount are what make it unattractive. And, you don't get that awesome appearance of an fmic.

 

I would suggest that experience over time has proven that vmount is a superior application. This topic has been beat to death and there are many threads on it if you care to search.

The best "inexpensive" vmount kits are in the $1200 range.

You can probably make your own for about $800 if you know how to fab or have a friend who will do work cheap.

 

i wanna go v mount after my used motor install

 

i agree its best, some ppl want a daily driver and fmics tend to make temps higher then the other set ups when sitting in traffic, even though it looks best, i think smic is right in the middle and i dont mind mine!

 

I would also look into a water/meth injection kit while your still debating on intercooler upgrade options. So many debates on differnt types and setups on intercoolers, water/meth injection can be easily replumbed once you decide on your intercooler upgrade decision.

 

I removed the A/C components from my FD and dropped in the Koyo N-Flo Radiator, Samco Hoses, New Thermostat/Thermoswitch and put in the Motul coolant and I also have a fmic. Summer in NY can get very hot and I have done a little spirited driving and ran the car hard on a few 90+ degree days and have never really had any issues. I have the Apexi power FC with handheld and my water temps average 85-89C on normal driving days and only goes up to around 95C when its hot out and I am really romping on it. I also run the stock fans for the time being but I will be upgrading to some nice slims soon.

 

v - mount is they way to go

 

Thank you for all the info. I know there has been a few threads on this topic but I wanted to be sure I was making the right choice for my project. My car has been down for 7yrs after a sleezy mechanic rebuilt the engine. I am shopping for a v-mount rotary extreme set up.

 

The key to most any properly functioning intercooler set-up is DUCTING. Remember that.

And building your own V-mount can be done for a decent price, as long as you have some sort of mechanical/fabricating initiative.

 

Not that great at fabrication so I am stuck paying for someone elses system. I removed the radiator yesterday and I will be looking at getting some ducting although I dont know where to look.

 

If you're clever enough, you may not even need to weld anything. Sheet metal works well for ducting. Search around and check out some V-mounts that other people have either fabricated or bought. It will give you a pretty good idea as to what you'll be getting into.

 

Yes I will into fabricating some duct work but I am afraid to takle the v-mount. I have seen the results of the well made v-mount from RE and I dont want to loose things like A/C. I live in FL and it gets very hot inside a car sitting at the light.

 

If you were considering intercooler choice, I'd suggest you stay with a good SMIC for a streeted car. FMIC's are fine for a track car, where the car is almost always moving and you have a consistent steady air-flow....no stop and go. FMIC and VMICs both require some fabbing and alot more plumbing, usually along with relocating or at least reducing the size of the battery. A FMIC is also exposed to damage from road kill and debris and requires cutting the bumper reinforcement, compromising crash worthiness. Not good things for a street car.
All that said, you already have a front mount. If you're not good at fabricating then I'd learn to live with it as best you can. Do ANYTHING that will aid cooling....
Make sure the stock fans are working properly at all speeds. Flush you cooling system and run as much distilled water to coolant as you can safely get away with. Ask around, but in FL you should be able to run at least 80/20 I'd think...maybe with some water wetter product.
Make sure belts and ALL hoses are in good shape. Replace the cap(s) if they're old or you don't know the age. Make sure your belly pan in secure and sealed well. Get upholstery foam and cut 'n' stuff any gaps you can find to force as much air thru that FMIC and radiator. Consider a vented hood to reduce air pressure in the engine bay and improve flow, but know that in addition to cost, almost all aftermarket hoods come with some fitment issue. And as someone has already mentioned, you could considere an AI system, probably post-turbo, pre-intercooler.
My .02

 

A FMIC, as long as the cooling system is adequate, shouldn't be a problem. The biggest issue, as stated above, is that the only opening for it is down low and it will inevitably take a rock or few, without some sort of shielding to protect it.

 

I was looking to go into front mount but after reading this thread I will I think I will stay v mount. What did you end up going with ?