Question about intercoolers

[vgames33]

Is there any relationship between the size of an engine and the size of the required intercooler? For example, if a 3.0L engine and a 5.0L engine make the same power (say 500hp), would the larger engine need a larger intercooler in a turbocharged application? If so, why? Wouldn't both engines require the same amount of airflow to maintain equal power levels, or would the levels of boost change the flow requirements (assuming the 3.0L needs more boost than the 5.0L to make 500hp)?

Basically, could both applications use an intercooler that was rated for 600hp?

[RahX]

I'm pretty sure they base the size of the intercooler on how much air it can cool to attain xxx horsepower. So you could assume a 600hp intercooler is good UP TO 600 hp on a boosted engine, that is only if your engine can make that much power. I'm also pretty sure it is an estimate since not all combinations are the same. It would be like putting 4" exhaust on a 4cylinder when you only need 2". Now on the other hand I would assume that a larger intercooler might affect your boost if you aren't near 600hp since it is a larger volume cooling more air effectively dropping pressure. Again, it is like the 4" exhaust on a 4cylinder. I would plan your build accordingly and get one that is closer to what you need. Finally, to answer your question, I would put my money on the idea that 600hp is 600hp whether or not it is a v6 or a v8.

[534BC]

Seperate it into two parts.

Airflow (capacity) or hp for larger or higher revving engines.
Cooling ability (temp drop compared to the differential between inside and outside)

They really should be figured seperately based on needs as it is possible to have a large cfm intercooler that doesn't cool real well OR a small flowing intercooler that drops a large temp. Oversizing the flow capacity will be a waste, but oversizing the cooling part will be utilised.

[MaxR]

Originally Posted by vgames33

Is there any relationship between the size of an engine and the size of the required intercooler? For example, if a 3.0L engine and a 5.0L engine make the same power (say 500hp), would the larger engine need a larger intercooler in a turbocharged application? If so, why? Wouldn't both engines require the same amount of airflow to maintain equal power levels, or would the levels of boost change the flow requirements (assuming the 3.0L needs more boost than the 5.0L to make 500hp)?

Basically, could both applications use an intercooler that was rated for 600hp?

The size, or displacement of an engine, has no corelation to the size of an intercooler. What dictates the size of an intercooler is the amount of air a turbocharger/supercharger is able to compresses. Usually the higher the compression of a turbocharger/supercharger the larger size of an intercooler surface is required to cool down compressed air to achieve nominal temperatures required for proper engine management.
Cheers