Cxracing's TDI specific intercooler kit?

sackman · May 30, 2015

What do you guys think of it?

http://www.cxracing.com/mm5/merchan...e=KIT-GOLF-TDI-9906-IC0014&Category_Code=INCK

I've read some say inlet/outlet on the same side does not give good air flow.

Maybe I should just stick with the $200 ebay kits..

Pitchar · May 30, 2015

it would be more convincing if there was data on how much the charge temperature dropped and at what ambient temperature. You might benefit from it in Oregon but anyone down South probably wouldn't. I went with a water/methanol injection with my supercharged Mustang because it dropped the charge temp by over 100 degrees

burpod · May 30, 2015

if you want to do an fmic in an mk4, the best way is to get the driver side pd130 intake manifold and make it a simple loop, and not have all that IC piping crammed in the timing belt area. IMO.

not sure what "Pitchar" is talking about, because an fmic would do just fine in the south lol...

Digital Corpus · May 30, 2015

And with 300°F air, a 100° drop is still less than what my dinky stock SMIC is capable of when it's heatsoaked.

Pat Dolan · May 31, 2015

not to want to derail thread, but it really is a nice looking part. However, is anyone doing a good liquid-to-air for ALH these days???? Would rather pump water around than have a pile of air waiting for turbo to compress.

BuzzKen · May 31, 2015

*scratches head*, so, somebody correct me if my thinking is wrong, but I'm pretty damn sure completely removing the rebar isn't the best idea for support of the front 'frame rails'?

And, what bumper cover would be used with this intercooler? Because if you're going to just cover up half of it with a stock cover, kinda seems pointless.

Yreka · May 31, 2015

BuzzKen said:
And, what bumper cover would be used with this intercooler? Because if you're going to just cover up half of it with a stock cover, kinda seems pointless.

That was my thought as well.. Can see it here, looks like only the bottom half exposed

Digital Corpus · May 31, 2015

That's how I've seen most SMICs run, honestly...

GTiTDi · Jun 1, 2015

I have my FMIC in an ideal location right behind the grille...however I have less limitations real estate wise on my Mk2

john.jackson9213 · Jun 1, 2015

Frankly, I suspect the water to air intercooler is the very best idea to remove lots of heat in a small space. Not the cheapest, but the best way to do it.

poormanq45 · Jun 2, 2015

Why not just do the stealth dual SMIC?

jimbote · Jun 2, 2015

john.jackson9213 said:
Frankly, I suspect the water to air intercooler is the very best idea to remove lots of heat in a small space. Not the cheapest, but the best way to do it.

the mkiv's have plenty of space for a fmic ... i'm not convinced awic is the way to go ... do some oem's use it? yes, but aftermarket setups can be overly complex and wonky... with air to air the only pump you need is the turbo

burpod · Jun 2, 2015

if you do it *right* the fmic on the mk4 is pretty easy and only requires a little bumper plastic trimming and you can still even fit grill fog lights

nothing fancy is really required.

Jakx1331 · Jun 2, 2015

Plus I've done the research and talked with guys ho have water to air coolers, they still run an intercooler. W/A coolers don't always work and get heatsoaked easily. Then gaskets brake they leak. Not good I idea for a DD car.

stefan2m · Jun 2, 2015

Why not source a used smic from either a S4 or even RS4?
Get someone else (you trust) to chip in on a deal for a pair...

CNGVW · Jun 2, 2015

I have it on my Beetle TDI/CNG car.

sackman · Jun 24, 2015

I hate to modify anything that has to do with the safety features of the car, just in case you end up in a wreck and the reason the lawyers find for not covering you medical bills is modification to the safety or structural integrity of the car.

I might look to darkside's SMIC as an alternative, now that I've seen how it is setup.

NHgranite · Jun 27, 2015

Can you expand with your thoughts on how to do it right? Routing of charge pipes, orientation of intercooler, dimensions, etc.

Thanks.

burpod said:
if you do it *right* the fmic on the mk4 is pretty easy and only requires a little bumper plastic trimming and you can still even fit grill fog lights nothing fancy is really required.

DJGonzo · Jun 28, 2015

Not trying to offend anyone, but that intercooler design is a joke. If you will be running a FMIC, do it right and get one that has inlet and outlet on opposite sides.

For that amount of money you can do WAY better than that

Digital Corpus · Jun 29, 2015

And stick to 2" pipe unless you're going past 225-250 whp

Fix_Until_Broke · Jul 1, 2015

DJGonzo said:
Not trying to offend anyone, but that intercooler design is a joke. If you will be running a FMIC, do it right and get one that has inlet and outlet on opposite sides.

For that amount of money you can do WAY better than that

So, what makes an inlet/outlet on opposite sides "right"?

DJGonzo · Jul 2, 2015

Laws of physics, fluid dynamics for starters

Fix_Until_Broke · Jul 2, 2015

Ok - I'm reasonably familiar with both of those. My question still stands.

What's "Right" about a opposite side inlet/outlet, or what's "Wrong" with a same side inlet/outlet?

DJGonzo · Jul 2, 2015

Terrible efficiency, air turbulence, etc. Try to mentally picture where that air is gonna go to. Is it going to cool air efficiently?

I don't claim to be an expert but I know a lot of thought and R&D is needed to design an efficient intercooler. I know personally a few folks that have gone thru this process (to the point of doing flow analysis) in order to develop a well engineered kit.

I don't think its a good buy. A cheap egay core and making your own piping would be a better bang for the buck.

Of course, there's also Garret, Precision, Vibrant, insertnamehere, cores that are much better (read: efficient) than just plain old cheapo cores, but the price reflects that. But that's outside of the scope of conversation here, since most setups here do not make over 300whp and the kit linked here is only $420.

dutch.mafia · Jul 3, 2015

Are there any other FMIC kits out there (decently priced)? I'm in the neighborhood of around 180-190 hp, and my side mount is not doing the job anymore. I was actually going to buy this kit, but now that all of the problems have been pointed out, I don't want it anymore either.

sackman · Jul 17, 2015

I'm looking at the darkside smic and vented wheel fender from idparts. I've read that is good for up to this power output.

burpod · Jul 17, 2015

lol @ vented fender liner for efficiency improvements... it's nice in theory or for small builds. otherwise it's really a waste. you can also make you own vented fender for about $5 from lowes

GTiTDi · Jul 19, 2015

burpod said:
lol @ vented fender liner for efficiency improvements... it's nice in theory or for small builds. otherwise it's really a waste. you can also make you own vented fender for about $5 from lowes

$5 including rivets and satin black spray paint

kiwibru · Jul 19, 2015

If you live in an area that has generally "cool" ambient air temps the SMIC with vented fender works very well. Eurojet, etc. work well in these situations for the mentioned HP wanted. Easy set up too.

Cxracing's TDI specific intercooler kit?

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