what are the pros and cons of an air to water intercooler compared to an air to air intercooer?




thanks.

 

Air-air:
Pros - Less weight, less cost, less complexity.
Cons - Heat soak, not very effective until the car is moving, may block air to radiator if the car or ic is not designed well.

Air-liquid:
Pros - Capable of over 100% efficiency with an ice bucket, no heat soak if a heat exchanger is not placed in the engine bay, works well from a standing start, usually a lower pressure drop than an air-air ic, components can be placed in different locations of the car so it can be used where an air-air ic will not fit.
Cons - Expensive, heavy, more maintenance, generally not as efficient as an air-air ic unless an ice bucket is used.

Basically, an air-liquid intercooler is best when used with an ice bucket for short-run events like drag racing. An air-air intercooler is a good all-around intercooler.