Upgrade Intercooler... Or Not ??

[Joel Russo]

Gents~
I value your experience and opinions...Hel p me on this one.
I know it's all about combinations with these cars, so I have tried to put together a good combination thus far.  Wanting to take the next step, and I think it may be the intercooler, thus my new thread.  If I go with the intercooler, I want the stock location one.
I have read, and re-read the Intercooler section of the Combination Synergy page that Steve posted.
This is a 13K car that sees little to no track time.  Stopped that years ago when the kids came into the picture.   
TE-60, Walbro 255/hotwire, 60# injectors, TT5.7 chip, Accufab FP reg, RJC DP, Pypes 2.5" w/Race Pro mufflers, 2600 10" NL, built trans.  The motor has not been opened up, stock heads, cam, valve springs....
Looking for that killer street combo with good driveability. 
I have researched the GN1 and the PTE.  Seems like two good pieces but the PTE is twice the price.  I don't mind spending the money, but want to realize some gain over the cheaper priced one.
So where do I go from here?  Is the intercooler the next logical step without opening up the motor?   If not, then what next?

[phil_long]

An alky kit?

[Joel Russo]

An alky kit?

No sir.

[phil_long]

I would think that would yield better results and be just as cost efficient for the $.....

[TURBOPOWERED68]

1-E85 instant "I DO"
2-Dutt neck IC
   

[Steve Wood]

If you are going to run race gas and turn up the boost into the 20's, then a less restrictive IC would make sense.  It is not quite as beneficial if you run alky or E85 altho it probably becomes more so once you are solidly into the elevens.

If you are not going to turn the boost up, then there is little point in spending money on a bigger IC-particularly with a turbo in the range of size that you currently have.

One has to look at the total combination of parts and not believe there is magic in one item...

If you buy the GN1 unit, be sure to check around for fit.  Seems I have heard some having problems with it at full lock steering due to a lack of clearance.

[Joel Russo]

Don't want to run race gas or E85, just plain old 93.  Used to run a different chip with race gas, and that was a pain in the ass.  Trying to keep it simple these days. 


So with the turbo I have, should I do the IC and the Alky ?  Sounds like in order to turn up the boost, I should have either Alky or race gas.  Since I don't want to run race gas, then is Alky in order?


Am I utilizing my turbo with only running 15-17 lbs of boost?

[Steve Wood]

Nope..that turbo will still be adding power past 25 psi.  At 15-17 psi it will probably not flow a whole lot more than the stock turbo....

Alky partially replaces the need for a bigger IC..at least until you get into the elevens.  The big mouth intercooler conversion works quite well with alky because it reduces back pressure quite a bit.  A bigger core will add a little more, but, depending upon compressor map, you may get some surge at part throttle out of it.

[Joel Russo]

So it sounds like I need to turn up the boost in order to maximize what I already have as opposed to installing a new IC. 
Apears as though the safest way to do that is to run alky??

[ttipe]

Your TE60 is not near its efficiency island. The compressor wheel is 60-1 (great compressor wheel) is in its "zone" probably starting about 21 psi. The stock intercooler with a stock neck has about 3.5 psi back pressure.If you dial in 17 psi (which is what you see at the intake plenum) your turbo has to produce 20.5 psi. That extra pressure generated by your compressor wheel (3.5 psi) is air rub (friction) making heat so your charge air temperature rises. What Steve said is correct....... Steve the Hemco arrived today.Thanks so much. There is a lot to be learned.

[ttipe]

Joel I'm nearly finished a pump gas motor with a few little twists. The secret to a pump gas engine is reducing heat, burn efficient and be cautious with spark. A pump gas engine that hauls is a little more interesting to do with the original LC2 cylinder heads.If your combo is listed correctly it appears like you are short on fuel pump volume.

[Steve Wood]

So it sounds like I need to turn up the boost in order to maximize what I already have as opposed to installing a new IC. 
Apears as though the safest way to do that is to run alky??

I did not say safest... race gas would probably be the safest...but alky is probably the most convenient and it's behavior as a "chemical intercooler" takes the ic out of the equation a little.

[Steve Wood]

...Steve the Hemco arrived today.Thanks so much. There is a lot to be learned.

Strange that, post office showed it out for delivery last Wednesday....m ust be a long route! 

[Joel Russo]

Joel I'm nearly finished a pump gas motor with a few little twists. The secret to a pump gas engine is reducing heat, burn efficient and be cautious with spark. A pump gas engine that hauls is a little more interesting to do with the original LC2 cylinder heads.If your combo is listed correctly it appears like you are short on fuel pump volume.

Thanks for the detailed information.  I am running the Walbro 255 w/Hotwire.  I just updated my profile....  Would I still be short on fuel?  Would new heads be a better choice to get the TE60 in it's range?
Sorry for all the questions, just trying to understand and want to spend the money on the right parts...

[daveismissing]

... and be cautious with spark. ...

If you don't mind could you elaborate Wayne?
 advance? gap? coil energy?