Side Mount Cooler Upgrades?

[lows_13]

Is it worth getting a side mount intercooler upgrade instead

of a front mount intercooler?

Do you get much for you money?

[raz0r$harP.UK]

Intercooler sizes increase from R32 -> R33 / Stagea -> R34 GTT

(I think the Stag one is approx same size as the R33).

R32 has slightly different piping so it's not a bolt in job like the other models. But the GTT intercooler is a cheap upgrade, especially if you're not chasing huge HP (it will handle ~200kw easily).

You can also get aftermarket side mounts: Trust / GReddy and ARC are two of the more common ones.

Take a look for some of Wolverine's posts. He recommends that you mesh the LHS front wheel guard to promote greater air flow through the intercooler too.

[C_DawG]

With the cost of front mounts these days I wouldnt bother.

Remember you can get cheap silicon tubing at truck supply shops, about a 3rd of what 'performance' shops charge.

[lows_13]

I think you meant to say remove the mesh from the guard to increase flow?

For the cost of a side mount compared to a cheap front mount these days,

worth it or not?

[Sydneykid]

I used an R34GGT intercooler on the Stagea as an upgrade (refer Stagea Section). Cost less than $150 and took about half an hour to fit the intercooler and about another half an hour to make a bigger (alloy) duct. No extra pipework, no extra clamps, no silicone joiners, no cutting bumper bar or supports, no moving horns, power steering or transmission coolers etc etc. For my power target of 200 4wkw, it should do the job just fine.

cheers

[JAS-25T]

im with SK,

i also upgraded to a R34GTT cooler for my r33 gtst

worked a dream, and easy to fit up. no one can tell it from stock!

[Fastrotor]

Yeah same GTT cooler as well.

People mention how cheap front mounts are, which is true, but noone mentions the stuff SydneyKid mentions though. A few guys recently posted of there woes fitting them..... and frankly i HATE cutting up my car, especially when the sidemount does the job adequately.

Gary

[lows_13]

Sounds good, not a bad way to go.

Are they much larger than standard.

I'm looking at putting it onto an R32, much modifing needed?

[Tangles]

Sounds good, not a bad way to go.

Are they much larger than standard.

I'm looking at putting it onto an R32, much modifing needed?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Read the stagea section, and you should come up with some info. I believe (from SK's threads) that the R34 GT-t intercooler is roughly 23% larger than the R33 'cooler.

I put a R34 'cooler on my Stagea, and it was around 3-4 rows higher, and considerably thicker. Should work all ok for my power output (want under 200kw4w).

Mine cost $200 + a $20 tip and postage from a fellow forum member. Do a flush and it'll be as good as new!

Brendan

Edited September 29, 2005 by bwilkeson

[ed]

You'll need minor adjustments on a 32 and it will be ALOT larger than the stock 32 unit.

Straight drop in for 33/stagea owners and a bit bigger.

Good bang for buck IMO, esp since there's no f*&king around.

Try and find one with the plastic ducting for it.

[Tangles]

You'll need minor adjustments on a 32 and it will be ALOT larger than the stock 32 unit.

Straight drop in for 33/stagea owners and a bit bigger.

Good bang for buck IMO, esp since there's no f*&king around.

Try and find one with the plastic ducting for it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yup, ED kindly sold me his 'cooler (thank you sir) with the plastic shroud around it... so I didnt have to fabricate something like SK did.

Brendan

[gun32gtr]

id personllly go front mount as there is quiet a few brands that sell bolt on kits at good prices.ie my mate bought a hybrid with all piping 4 $860

[lows_13]

Is having a front mount intercooler defectable?

Or are there certain rules around having one?

[ed]

End of the day, it depends on how much power you are chasing.

Decide on a power figure and pick your cooler.

Rules vary state to state. Best to post that Q in the state sections

Brendan, how much power you pushing now?

Edited September 26, 2005 by ed

[FATAZZ]

i recently fitted a r34gtt sidemount to my 32gtst,i got the idea from sydneykid,cheers!

i havent bothered putting the black plastic thing on the front(does it make that much difference?) though the plastic gaurd in my wheels arch is removed. all up $150.

[Tangles]

End of the day, it depends on how much power you are chasing.

Decide on a power figure and pick your cooler.

Rules vary state to state. Best to post that Q in the state sections

Brendan, how much power you pushing now?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi ED, how are you mate?

Thanks to the R34 GTT intercooler (once flushed) helped the Stagea to develop 141.3kw at the 4wheels. Thats with the list of goodies on my 'signature' below.

Got to install an Apexi SITC, Nismo fuel regulator, Z32 AFM, and upgrade the fuel lines and fuel pump, and Id like to see around 150 at the 4wheels with a retune of the Apexi SAFC.

Once I hiflow the turbo the car should have a lazy 180kw+ at the 4wheels, enought for a family wagon.

Brendan

[xRHETTx]

i recently fitted a r34gtt sidemount to my 32gtst,i got the idea from sydneykid,cheers!

i havent bothered putting the black plastic thing on the front(does it make that much difference?)  though the plastic gaurd in my wheels arch is removed. all up $150.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So how does it go? Can you notice a difference? Was it difficult to fit? I'd be interested in taking this part with my r32, until i can afford to go fmic with front bar etc.

[AzzurrA]

I'm interested to know this as well!

[Tangles]

The car runs very smoothly, got a nice AFR set to 12:1 via the SAFC, as in SK's threads (stagea section) the R34 GTT intercooler is roughly a 23% increase in size / therefore flow etc, and my car has been upgraded power wise by pretty much this figure.

If SK reckons its good for ~200kw@4w then youve got to take that with a fair consideration.

Fitment: straight bolt on job, easy stuff (mind you my workshop did it for me; I had a heap of gear installed at the same time.)

I might have sourced a decent brand name 'C-bend' style smallish front mount intercooler at a good price, so the R34 GTT intercooler might be taken off (in 4-6 weeks time?) and sold..... although Im sure this cooler would have been perfect for my wanted power output.

Plus Ive sourced an R34 GTT Neo turbo, so thats another reason Im seriously considering this brand-name 'cooler Ive sourced.....

On a R33 manual Ive read they are good for up to ~250rwkw... but that'd be max.

Brendan

Edited September 29, 2005 by bwilkeson

[FATAZZ]

i think/hope it gave me a little more uptop as it allows air to flow much better then the 32smic, i've given it a bootfull plenty of times and the outlet side of the cooler is always cool.

it collects air flowing through the front bar much easier as its alot bigger and hangs lower,i payed $50 for the modifications(changing direction of outlet pipe on the end tank). Cast ally is a bitch to weld.

so $150 all up:)