Thread: are full sized intercoolers worth while

Originally Posted by rijidij

I was fortunate to buy my '96 130 from another member on here who had just fitted the full Alisport setup including full size intercooler, full size aluminium radiator, silicone hose kit, exhaust manifold and, best of all, Garrett GT2556v variable geometry turbo. The fuel is tweaked and an EGT gauge fitted (vital for these type of mods)



As far as I can see, it's all pretty much bolt on stuff with no mods, well certainly nothing major.

The result, well for a little 2.5 litre diesel it goes very well, easily out performing the Td5 Xtreme I had (not chipped)
The radiator and intercooler are very efficient units. The water temp is very stable and changes very little wether it be 0*c or 45*c.
EGT's max out in the 500's and that's with the fuel turned up a lot and 18psi boost.

I haven't had it on a dyno, but I did do some acceleration runs one day, just for interest.
I should point out, these times were done on a local road which starts off flat for a couple of hundred meters then goes up hill.

Td5 (Not chipped)

0-60 10.7
0-80 16.7
0-100 22.9
80-100 16.3 (uphill)
80-110 N/A Just couldn't pull that extra few K's

300Tdi VNT Alisport

0-60 6.9
0-80 10.0
0-100 16.9
80-100 8.84 (up hill)
80-110 15.9 (up hill)
80-120 25.9 (up hill) It just wants to keep going.

I must also point out, the 130 is my daily driver and I enjoy driving it, but I would not trust a small capacity turbo diesel with this much performance as my touring vehicle, reliability speaking. Yes it could be 'tuned down' a little, but where's the fun in that
My choice of vehicle for touring is my County 4Bd1turbo.

Cheers, Murray

How is your fuel mileage with these mods?

i run the same upgrades but on a td5 (vnt, intercooler, 3"mandrel system etc etc.....) it returns around 600Ks from the 70L tank even running BAS hottest map. Which includes at least one offroad run. and racing p platers in hatch backs

The temp of radiator goes up by about 5 to 7 deg c but i want to fit bonnet vents to help and also perhaps plumb the boost hose to the intake manifold to reduce lag might it will work might not just another idea. with the kit Im looking at all plumbing is included with it and tuning instructions. I have in person seen buddleys air to water intercooler and with out a lot of welding gear and not having a snorkel i can not do it.