Can an intercooler be too small?

[SFA hilux]

Hi. I have a turbo 2.8 (3l ln106) hilux.
I’ve just had it Dyno tuned, they raised the max boost from 7 to 10psi adjusted the timing and no doubt the fuel, it’s dropped the egts about 30-40c.
I’m not trying to get more power, just engine longevity.
im looking at a top mount intercooler, it’s core size is 200mm x 140 x 65. So it’s tiny.
I don’t have a lot of room.
Is it worth using or is it too small possibly just causing some restriction and nearly no cooling benefit? I just want to keep my engine nice and cool. Thank you.

 

[phs]

What’s too small what’s to big,
There are a lot of factors to consider if doing it properly.

I’d suggest a water to air cooler if room is an issue & it will perform better as well just go with a reputable manufacturer as if it lets go that’s the motor gone

 

[discomatt]

if going a aftermarket and small top mount why not just do it properly and put in a front mount, the only reason any company puts in top mount is cost saving and simplicity, if there is room at the front it will always work better for the simple fact its not sitting on a massive heat sink

 

[SFA hilux]

What’s too small what’s to big,
There are a lot of factors to consider if doing it properly.

I’d suggest a water to air cooler if room is an issue & it will perform better as well just go with a reputable manufacturer as if it lets go that’s the motor gone

I was leaning towards water to air for that reason. I just like my vehicle for its simplicity and lack of electrics. Don’t have room up front for a radiator but was thinking of putting it under the tray and shielding it from stones etc.
Just like the simplicity of the top mount. May need a fan though.

 

[SFA hilux]

if going a aftermarket and small top mount why not just do it properly and put in a front mount, the only reason any company puts in top mount is cost saving and simplicity, if there is room at the front it will always work better for the simple fact its not sitting on a massive heat sink

Yeh I appreciate that. I don’t think factory’s would put a top mount in if it didn’t do anything though.
There is no room in the front unless I ditch the air con.
Plus early Toyota’s don’t have amazing engine cooling from factory, I don’t like the idea of putting Something hot in front of the Radiator.
My understanding is that some form or intercooling no matter how minimal is better than nothing? But I’m not 100% on that theory.
Also don’t think a low boost low hp engine will be making that much heat anyway?
I appreciate allyou guys info cause I have no idea, haha!

 

[cam04]

I was leaning towards water to air for that reason. I just like my vehicle for its simplicity and lack of electrics. Don’t have room up front for a radiator but was thinking of putting it under the tray and shielding it from stones etc.
Just like the simplicity of the top mount. May need a fan though.

Top mounts generally only heat sink when sitting or going real slow. Race cars run a water spray for when that is happening. It is easy enough to set up a water spray using winscreen washer equipment - ask any subaru owner....

 

[discomatt]

A small fan would also do wonders for a top mount, the other option is to upgrade to a good set of thermo fans if a front mount is at all possible, AU falcon fans are a great and cheap option

 

[SFA hilux]

This is what I’m thinking. Obviously putting a scoop on the bonnet as well which I’m not too excited about.

 

[RBJET]

I would think any amount of cooling would be better than nothing so long as the piping isn't a restriction.

 

[phs]

^ that’s the thing, the added pipe and cooler decreases airflow also heats back up again if it travels around the world prior to entering the engine.

 

[phs]

This is what I’m thinking. Obviously putting a scoop on the bonnet as well which I’m not too excited about.

You can add a fan over the cooler too which will force air over the cooler and eliminate the “ heat sink effect “

 

[SFA hilux]

^ that’s the thing, the added pipe and cooler decreases airflow also heats back up again if it travels around the world prior to entering the engine.

Yes that’s what I’m wondering about? I just don’t know enough to know if it will still cool or up loose that ability.
Its not really adding any pipe. The cooler will basically fit in where the cross over pipe was.
I’ve just don’t some measurements and I don’t have enough room for a fan,unless it pokes up into the scoop but then I have to cut the bonnet bracing, not sure if that’s a good idea.

 

[red hilux]

This is what I’m thinking. Obviously putting a scoop on the bonnet as well which I’m not too excited about.

I fitted one of those to my hilux surf, the 3litre version though.
I was able to cut a hilux scoop in and stand the cooler upright

Will try find a pic for you when I get home from work

 

[red hilux]

 

[SFA hilux]

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I fitted one of those to my hilux surf, the 3litre version though.
I was able to cut a hilux scoop in and stand the cooler upright

Will try find a pic for you when I get home from work

Thanks that’s great. Hilux must be a little different maybe your rocker cover looks like drops down a little towards the back. I don’t think I would be able to get mine that low.
Notice any difference in egts?
would you do it again? Would you use that size intercooler again?
I just don’t really want to have it covering my oil cap so I have to take it off every time I change the oil (which is all the time in an old diesel)

 

[red hilux]

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Thanks that’s great. Hilux must be a little different maybe your rocker cover looks like drops down a little towards the back. I don’t think I would be able to get mine that low.
Notice any difference in egts? Cant remember, was years ago
would you do it again? Yes
Would you use that size intercooler again? yes as it fitted perfectly, the same one your looking at
I just don’t really want to have it covering my oil cap so I have to take it off every time I change the oil (which is all the time in an old diesel)
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[SFA hilux]

Thanks a lot mate, really appreciate your experience! Hard to get 1st hand knowledge on the old L series motors now.

 

[Olelux]

Thanks a lot mate, really appreciate your experience! Hard to get 1st hand knowledge on the old L series motors now.

Gday. What did you end up going for? I’m looking at intercooling my 106 aswell. Same issue as I haven’t got much room up front for a front mount. Now I’m looking into water to air set up as the plumbing is a smaller in diameter. I have no room to run plumbing with a front mount

 

[SFA hilux]

Gday. What did you end up going for? I’m looking at intercooling my 106 aswell. Same issue as I haven’t got much room up front for a front mount. Now I’m looking into water to air set up as the plumbing is a smaller in diameter. I have no room to run plumbing with a front mount

Mate I haven’t done anything yet. Ha. It’s been cold and I’ve put it on the back burner. to be honest I can’t decide. I really like red hilux set up, but my diesel mech mate reckons it will be too small. He recommends water to air.
Sorry to not be able to help you, I will be very interested to hear how you go if you beat me to it, ha.

 

[Olelux]

Mate I haven’t done anything yet. Ha. It’s been cold and I’ve put it on the back burner. to be honest I can’t decide. I really like red hilux set up, but my diesel mech mate reckons it will be too small. He recommends water to air.
Sorry to not be able to help you, I will be very interested to hear how you go if you beat me to it, ha.

I’m looking into water and air. What ever way I go has to be done before the July school holidays lol so it’ll be soon. Lol