OE: None on Merkur, standard on the SVO and TC. The TC one has slightly better flow than the SVO part, but both are inadequate for high flow engines. Also, the placement of both have limited air cross flow so the operational efficiency is not high.
Intercooler Flow @ 28" H2O
SVO 320
TC 360
The compressor housing on the non-OE intercooled have a different bolt pattern to the input elbow than the OE intercooled 2.3s. The bolt pattern is rotated about 30 deg clockwise. To rotate the compressor housing to accommodate most intercooler installations there are 3 options: get an OE intercooled compressor housing, cut and reweld the input elbow or buy an adapter.
Periodically cleaning the inside of the cooler core is very important. Any oil or dirt will dramatically reduce the efficiency of the charge cooler.
Aftermarket: Several are available from the aftermarket. Most are placed such that they get good cross flow. Not all are sized large enough for high flow engines. The sizing of the core and tubing is critical to prevent flow restriction. Routing and insulation on the tubes is important to prevent radiation from the exhaust manifold heating the cooled charge air !
Modifications: Home made intercoolers can work just as good as purchased kits. The same design issues of: high flow, isolation from heating, good cross flow air are still important. Adding insulation such as bubble pack wrapped with aluminum foil can dramatically reduce heating of the tubes. Simply touching the tubes after a hard run will indicate where insulation should be located. See exhaust manifold section for adding heat shields.
Water-to-air charge coolers are an alternative to air-to-air intercoolers. The advantage to water is that at stopped or low speeds they are still effective. The disadvantage is added complexity of adding a: tank, pump, plumbing, heat exchanger, in addition to the core itself.
Spraying water on the charge cooler core can evaporation cool the core at low speed or high boost. Using a pressure switch in the charge air to turn on the sprayer can be quite effective.
Thanks To http://www.merkurencyclopedia.com/
