Its definitely been a while again so i think im due for an update.
The 4EFTE engine came with a standard top mount intercooler. I have seen these retained by fellow Mini 4EFTE builds but i wont be going down that path. To maximize the use of a TMIC you would need a bonnet scoop and i personally dont like the look of these on a Clubman bonnet or the fact that they stick out.. it would ruin the clean look im aiming for.
I opted for a Water to Air intercooler system for the main reason that there wasnt really any place to put a front mount intercooler without hacking away at the body of the mini. The W2A system consists of a heat exchanger which the air passes through and by the use of water, cools this air. Water travels from a separate radiator and fan through a water pump to the heat exchanger, taking note* of which way the water passes through, then to an overflow tank back to the radiator. I used the largest radiator and overflow tank i could, to maximize the amount of water to cool the system. The radiator also has a thermo installed to control the radiator fan, as well as an override switch mounted inside.
*It is important to position the water feeding the heat exchanger in a 'counter-current' design.This means that cold water from the radiator should be fed into the 'cold (outlet)' end of the exchanger and the hot water that has absorbed all the exchangers heat comes out of the 'turbo end of the unit. The reason for this is that the coldest water is keeping the coolest end of the exchanger cool, and the slightly warmed water at the hot end will not actually increase the temps at the 'hot end'. If the water flow is changed to a 'concurrent' design, so the cold water cools the hot end, then like wise, the water temps will heat up, and thus the 'cold' end of the exchanger can not be any colder than the temperature of the heated water. (This info was taken from another site)
The Water to Air intercooler system was purchased from frozenboost.com.
Pictures explain better than words.
The 4EFTE engine came with a standard top mount intercooler. I have seen these retained by fellow Mini 4EFTE builds but i wont be going down that path. To maximize the use of a TMIC you would need a bonnet scoop and i personally dont like the look of these on a Clubman bonnet or the fact that they stick out.. it would ruin the clean look im aiming for.
I opted for a Water to Air intercooler system for the main reason that there wasnt really any place to put a front mount intercooler without hacking away at the body of the mini. The W2A system consists of a heat exchanger which the air passes through and by the use of water, cools this air. Water travels from a separate radiator and fan through a water pump to the heat exchanger, taking note* of which way the water passes through, then to an overflow tank back to the radiator. I used the largest radiator and overflow tank i could, to maximize the amount of water to cool the system. The radiator also has a thermo installed to control the radiator fan, as well as an override switch mounted inside.
*It is important to position the water feeding the heat exchanger in a 'counter-current' design.This means that cold water from the radiator should be fed into the 'cold (outlet)' end of the exchanger and the hot water that has absorbed all the exchangers heat comes out of the 'turbo end of the unit. The reason for this is that the coldest water is keeping the coolest end of the exchanger cool, and the slightly warmed water at the hot end will not actually increase the temps at the 'hot end'. If the water flow is changed to a 'concurrent' design, so the cold water cools the hot end, then like wise, the water temps will heat up, and thus the 'cold' end of the exchanger can not be any colder than the temperature of the heated water. (This info was taken from another site)
The Water to Air intercooler system was purchased from frozenboost.com.
Pictures explain better than words.
You'll find below my setup temporary installed.
The radiator mounted where the existing mini radiator once sat. Looks pretty snug to me.
this is very neat work. are there any more pix of the complete and working setup..?
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