intercooler?

[MIKE MOG]

EHAT IS A INTERCOOLER, WHAT DOES IT DO AND WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
MIKE

[More Power]

The intercooler is located in front of the radiator and behind the A/C condenser.

Intercoolers are heat exchangers that cool the hot compressed air exiting the turbocharger and before it enters the intake manifold. Cooler intake is denser, which means more air and oxygen molecules can occupy the same volume. More air molecules improves the combustion process, which allows the engine to produce more power. Cooling the intake air also reduces combustion and exhaust temperatures.

Turbochargers can generate up to 300 deg F or higher intake air temperatures at max boost pressures. An intercooler can lower that temperature by something approaching 200 degrees. A basic rule of thumb is that for every 10 degrees F you lower the intake air, you gain 1% more power. Drag racers know that an ice bath intercooler works best. Gale Banks used one on his land speed record Dodge.

Cooler combustion temps also lower oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust, which is a big consideration in diesel exhaust emissions nowadays.

MP

[madmatt]

duramaxs actually have charge air coolers. intercoolers are generally mounted internal of the engine, ie, industrial 5.9l Cummins is mounted in the head and Cat puts theirs where the intake would go on a truck engine. we had to watch our terminalogy while w/ Cat while discussing charge air coolers because a couple of intercooler mfg. filed suit against mfg. calling their charge air coolers "intercoolers", although many still call charge air coolers, intercoolers.

[MIKE MOG]

SO THE INTERCOOLER IS LOCATED BETWEEN THE CONDENSER AND RADIATOR. I HAVE ALSO HEARD THAT WHEN YOU GET OFF OF THE FREEWAY YOU SHOULD LET THE ENGINE IDLE TO COOL DOWN THE TURBO TO PREVENT CARBON BUILD UP. IS THIS TRUE?
THANKS FOR THE INFO.
MIKE