[GQshayne]

G'day.

I have done some searching and not found much info on the factory intercooler fitted to the 2.8 and GU 4.2. My GQ 4.2 has an intercooler and fan from a 2.8 fitted to it.

I have read on here where one member was commenting on the 2.8, and he noted one of its flaws was the intercooler.

My engine will only run moderate boost when set up, as much as the injector pump will support, so maybe 13psi or thereabouts, and will rund LPG as well. The aircleaner (standard pre-cleaner at the moment) and intake piping needs sorting out to flow nicely as well, as it is not as good as it could be.

So what is the factory intercooler like? Is it a low quality part that restricts airflow, or does not cool well? Should I hoik it?

I have not looked for direct aftermarket bolt in replacements as yet, but I expect PWR or similar would make one to fit in its place. As I intend to replace the pipes anyway, anything that required a few mods would be ok.

What are your thoughts guys?

Cheers,
Shayne

 

[GQshayne]

Nobody???????

 

[patrol_maverick]

Nobody???????

...Apparently not.

I've only got a naturally aspirated TD so I can't help too much, but If I were going to fit one I'd go for one of those water-to-air barrel type coolers.

From all the Patrols I've worked on, I haven't seen any real problems. The 3ltr ones are always oily, so it's fair to say they leak somewhere. You're probably best to go with one that has welded tanks instead of the factory crimp type.

 

[GQshayne]

Thanks.

Plenty of good aftermarket options, I just need to know whether the factory GU unit is any good, or whether I need to replace it.

 

[awill4x4]

Shayne, basically the standard intercooler hits the wall at around 2800-2900 rpm and simply can't flow any more air.
On the graph below is a comparison of a standard TD42 intercooler versus an aftermarket core. The aftermarket one did use a longer core but if anything the longer core should restrict flow but the reality is that it outflows the standard core comprehensively.
You'll notice on the graph where the standard core (red line) actually loses boost pressure at the 2800ish rpm mark whereas the aftermarket one continues as flat as Texas.
No other changes were made apart from changing the intercooler and both tests were within one hour of each other so the ambient temps were very similar.
Regards Andrew.

 

[patrol_maverick]

Plenty of good aftermarket options, I just need to know whether the factory GU unit is any good, or whether I need to replace it.

It also depends on your budget and how often the truck gets used... That's why mine is staying N-A.

 

[GQshayne]

Shayne, basically the standard intercooler hits the wall at around 2800-2900 rpm and simply can't flow any more air.
On the graph below is a comparison of a standard TD42 intercooler versus an aftermarket core. The aftermarket one did use a longer core but if anything the longer core should restrict flow but the reality is that it outflows the standard core comprehensively.
You'll notice on the graph where the standard core (red line) actually loses boost pressure at the 2800ish rpm mark whereas the aftermarket one continues as flat as Texas.
No other changes were made apart from changing the intercooler and both tests were within one hour of each other so the ambient temps were very similar.
Regards Andrew.

Great info thanks very much. I had a hunch this may be the case.

What can you tell me about this particular swap. What brand of intercooler was used, and was the engine standard in other respects? Was it on a GU factory turbo?

Cheers,
Shayne

 

[skegbudley]

Hi Shayne,
Have a look here.
ARE Cooling (Aluminium Radiators & Engineering P/L)

Products | Cross Country 4x4

 

[awill4x4]

Great info thanks very much. I had a hunch this may be the case.
What can you tell me about this particular swap. What brand of intercooler was used, and was the engine standard in other respects? Was it on a GU factory turbo?
Cheers,
Shayne

Shayne it was a custom build for a friend of mine you can see in the pics below the change in size and it was a pr i ck to fit and a fair bit of modifying the frame to fit it in as well.
It was a PWR core we used in that instance and you really can't go wrong with either a PWR or Adrad core the quality of both is 1st rate.
We have since gone to to a 2 core Laminova water to air intercooler bolted to the original manifold and we are also going to trial a 2 core Laminove one built into the manifold like we do for the 4 core units.
Regards Andrew.

 

[patrol_maverick]

So I guess you need a bigger hole in the bonnet now right? Otherwise it would be absorbing the rising heat where it's not getting any airflow.

 

[awill4x4]

So I guess you need a bigger hole in the bonnet now right? Otherwise it would be absorbing the rising heat where it's not getting any airflow.

It was always going to be a compromise and we didn't want to cut the bonnet anymore than original. Cross Country also do something similar but I did it 1st and posted the pics on Outers and they came up with their version after mine came on the scene.
No sour grapes on my part though as I'm interested in oddball custom work hence the move to Laminova water to air intercooling. (Damn you Matt for proving they work).
On Johns extended TD42 one the graph below shows the power and torque comes on sooner and gives approx 10% more torque. The one thing we never did was measure the inlet temps which I regret now as I'm sure they would have been lower than factory.
Regards Andrew.

 

[GQshayne]

Thanks for the info.