Aftermarket Intercoolers for BMWs and MINIs Boast Power Boosts
Stock intercoolers on BMWs and MINIs do not allow for peak performance. The stock intercoolers on these vehicles have a small frontal face and a basic design compared to certain aftermarket intercoolers. The main side-effect of the stock design is a decrease in engine power output.
When dealing with design of BMW and MINI performance parts, simple can be good, but basic can always be beaten.
When the surface area of an intercooler is small, incoming air isn't effectively cooled. In order to decrease the temperature of incoming air, a front-mounted intercooler (FMIC) - the kind of intercooler this article discusses - must have a large surface area, an expansive core, well-placed fins, and rounded endtanks.
Before discussing how select aftermarket intercoolers can boost power outputs in BMWs and MINIs, it's necessary to review how an intercooler works in a turbo-charged vehicle. (If you're already informed on the matter, feel free to skip the next paragraph.)
An FMIC mounted in front of a turbo-charged engine receives the hot air from the turbocharger and cools it. The FMIC is an air-to-air intercooler, which means that cool air from the atmosphere is used to cool hot air from the turbocharger. As the hot air moves through the intercooler, heat is absorbed by the fins of the intercooler and cooled by the atmosphere. The fins of the FMIC break up heat molecules that allows for quicker cooling. The air that then enters into the engine from the opposite side of the intercooler is full of oxygen. More oxygen equals more gas in the engine's cylinders, which means... more power!
Depending on the design and integrity of an aftermarket intercooler's construction, it can reduce intake air temperatures in a BMW or MINI from anywhere between 5 to 25 degrees farenheit. When it comes to deciding on an aftermarket FMIC, it's good to do some research. Check out car-specific forums, performance reviews and ask fellow car enthusiasts around town.
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