Is an intercooler really necessary?

I'm goin to be running an 1/8th mile and plan on water/methanol injection so is there really any point in running an intercooler? It's a track only car. What would be the benefits of running one and the downsides of not running one?

I think you could get by without one... but I think you'd be leaving a bit of horsepower on the table. The water injection makes up for it, but not completely IMO.

I was always told to run both. The only downside to an air to air intercooler is more complexity, more weight, more piping lose, pressure lose through the core. However, the advantages of a denser charge out weigh all of that.

Meth or water or a mix is good for gaseous intercooling as well. Meth adds a higher octane fuel. Some consider these to be more hazardous because of complexity of the system (like failing to turn on).

I'm running hot air. Probably just going to add injection as well.

-Scott.

I was thinking about trying to get my without and A2A and then maybe if I decide I need one fab up an air to water IC. How much hp do you think I will leave on the table not running one? I'm going to be around 8.5 to 1 on compression with the trickflows.

i would run an a2w for a track car. Why would you want to give up power?

i would run an a2w for a track car. Why would you want to give up power?

The water can heat up, which means you need to take a break between runs to let it cool (or flush it and replace with fresh) if you want your best possible time.

If that doesn't bother you, then I agree, A2W is best.

Thanks, that really helps alot. This way fits my budget a little better that way I can by the parts a little at a time.

Thanks, that really helps alot. This way fits my budget a little better that way I can by the parts a little at a time.

i think i paid 200 for my a2a kit. one of the biggest a2a intercoolers as well. Plus if you want cooler after that, run a co2 spray bar on it.

Meth is a substitute for race gas, not intercooling. If you would run an intercooler on a race gas combo, then you should run it on a Meth combo also.

So if I'm alreadyrunning 110 an a2a is good enough?

So if I'm alreadyrunning 110 an a2a is good enough?

Depends on boost level and a whole slew of other things. However, with a properly built and tuned 110 octane combo with an a/a intercooler, I would expect you could run 25+ psi boost safely.

How much more would I benefit from going with a good air to water setup? I can almost afford to go that route just the same as the air to air.

Any opinions on this kit?
http://www.frozenboost.com/product_info.php?cPath=216&products_id=1008&osCsid=599cea0b44fe6ad363a9b9e231fb6248

How much more would I benefit from going with a good air to water setup? I can almost afford to go that route just the same as the air to air.

It highly depends on the intercooler design. But, the tiny avenger project gained 10-15% by going from air/air to water/air.