Intercooler location? Whats common?

[nicky51]

I just wanted to know what is a good size of intercooler that you can mount and still keep ac on an m20. I did notice a lot of room behind the grill.. Any pics maybe?? Thanks..

[einstein57]

I guess it depends on how much valance and bumper your willing to cut. On top of the frame rails is the usual method of choice with 2.5" plumbing

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=34

[redsubdivisions]

You know, this is actually hilarious to see considering I just spent Googling the shit out of this, only to come find out it's being asked on the forums.

I actually went out and looked in my car to get a hint and in order for A/C to be kept on this, you're going to have to relocate the oil cooler behind the kidney grills (seems like the best spot) and end up getting some type of new A/C lines that can be rerouted to some extent. I can see why people remove A/C; it's a hassle. But the despite the popular M20 turbo move of scrapping the A/C lines, I too would actually like to know what it consists of when keeping the A/C. Living in Florida without it is a nice ticket to heat stroke in traffic. lol

The common intercooler size is 18x12x3 if you want to keep A/C, but obviously the smaller size will only yield limited numbers when it comes to power. If there's anyone else there that has accomplished A/C with the M20 turbo, I'm quite interested. Chime in your experiences.

[matias88e30]

I actually think 18x12x3 will be fine,...

[downforce22]

You know, this is actually hilarious to see considering I just spent Googling the shit out of this, only to come find out it's being asked on the forums.

I actually went out and looked in my car to get a hint and in order for A/C to be kept on this, you're going to have to relocate the oil cooler behind the kidney grills (seems like the best spot) and end up getting some type of new A/C lines that can be rerouted to some extent. I can see why people remove A/C; it's a hassle. But the despite the popular M20 turbo move of scrapping the A/C lines, I too would actually like to know what it consists of when keeping the A/C. Living in Florida without it is a nice ticket to heat stroke in traffic. lol

The common intercooler size is 18x12x3 if you want to keep A/C, but obviously the smaller size will only yield limited numbers when it comes to power. If there's anyone else there that has accomplished A/C with the M20 turbo, I'm quite interested. Chime in your experiences.

+1 on ac

[mattdk318i]

i put mine between the frame rails, and just cut out the center of the bumper


see sig

[einstein57]

1)Get a spal thin mount pusher fan to replace the factory pusher

2)mount the intercooler with the inlets under the headlights (the a/c lines can be pushed down for clearance)

3) mount the oil cooler under the intercooler (may need to flip)

4) trim valance and bumper as needed.

5) enjoy boosting with the a/c on full blast

[downforce22]

1)Get a spal thin mount pusher fan to replace the factory pusher

2)mount the intercooler with the inlets under the headlights (the a/c lines can be pushed down for clearance)

3) mount the oil cooler under the intercooler (may need to flip)

4) trim valance and bumper as needed.

5) enjoy boosting with the a/c on full blast

Thanks,
do you have a link to exactly what you used for this application?

[Sputnik]

thanks,
do you have a link to exactly what you used for this application?

+1

[Kvasi]

Mine

[gearheadE30]

I use a Volvo 740 Turbo Intercooler intercooler, mounted upside down in front of the AC condenser. Obviously no way to keep the aux fan, but I got the cooler for $10 and it seems to work great. It's also black and looks very OE. The inlet and outlet will be located right under the radiator support. Unfortunately it does make running the underbody tray impossible, but otherwise it's been great.