Guys,
I have an S-Trim on a 383 motor and I will be rebuilding this year. I am toying with the idea of adding an Intercooler. Not sure if I should go with the expensive Vortech (new or used) or possiblity this unit from Jordon? I am looking for feedback on what the best route to take is regarding adding an Intercooler? Trying to understand total cost, improvement in HP and also the best place to install the intercooler. Obviously the less restrictions one has with the piping (tubing bending) the better the air flow.

Thank in advance!


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Jeff "No_Secrets" 1995 Vortech Supercharged 383 Stroker Trans-Am
Best ET with 8lbs):11.62@119.7MPH 1.78 60ft'
Toronto F-Body Motorsports http://www.tfbm.org/

 

I'm using the Vortech intercooler on my S Trim. I bought it to keep the intake temperatures down more for managing detonation than adding power. I was seeing intake temperatures of 212 F at the track running 9 psi with no intercooler. Now I only get a 10 F rise from start to finish at the track. The Vortech kit fits but may interfere with your driver's side header depending on which style headers you run. The intercooler rests about an inch above the valve cover; some header tube "loop up" above the valve cover and interfere.

 

OBE1 95Z28,

I am running SLP headers. Sounds like the Intercooler really makes a difference in terms of managing detonation and keeping temperatures at a reasonable level.

Thanx!

 

I've got a dash mounted Scanmaster so I watch my intake temps all the time. In street driving in San Diego, I went from 135 F on the freeway to 100 F (summer time); in bumper to bumper traffic I went from 165 F to 120 F (summer time).

 

I gained 55rwhp with it... I recommend it.. try adding an additional radiator.. it iwll help A LOT!

I will be adding a complete water tank for it...

 

The radiator and pump that come with the aftercooler don't seem very good. The pump has pretty low output and the heat exchanger is too small and was designed to cool oil. I was planning on replacing all that stuff but I kind of feel that if I am going to go through all that trouble I might as well copy the tubing going to the aftercooler core, then sell the aftercooler and just use a small spearco air/water cooler and mount it under the dash somewhere.

 

Can do that though, but i believe is a good offer for the $.

 

The Vortech Aftercooler kit has worked for me ... for 2 years now.
It also fits in the engine bay and will allow for the use of a STB.
Pics at website

Hope this helps

LWM