Truck runs on 100% e85 and afr are normally rock solid 11.5:1, I've read a couple posts where Trick says the entry intercooler is good for 10-12psi on a stock 5.3. I'm trying to do 15psi on a 10.5:1 5.3 with a small cam so I'm really curious about an intercooler swap. I also made low peak power at 5200rpm on the dyno and made identical power at 12.x psi and at 15psi.

Rich, how did you measure pressure drop across your intercooler?

 

Our times are VERY close including 1/8 mph and 1/4 so I'm gonna say it probably isn't losing the power. I think it's just hard for these bricks to push through the air once we get faster and faster

 

I put a pressure gauge on the turbo before the intercooler and compared that to my boost gauge that was reading from the intake. 2-3psi drop is ok, but more than that you probably need a better flowing intercooler. It helps to also relate it to RPM.

 

What's your setup consist of? I need another 100-150whp and I'll be planning some changes to get there, as well as making sure I can run more consistently, whether it's a larger intercooler or adding meth to my e85. Interesting point about pushing bricks through air. But rapidly rising IATs will have a similar effect as diminishing aerodynamics. I can't change the shape nor would I want to as I love these trucks but I'm sure I can improve things. 185-190* IAT when it's 89* ambient is a huge piece of data.

Rich, I've already drilled and tapped my compressor housing for 1/8" npt so I can add a sending unit there and add a pid.

 

Yea if you have the pro input or want to pipe it in through another port. I did it the lazy way and video taped the two pressure gauges and tach

 

What pressure differential did you see before/after the intercooler? I definitely plan on upgrading but I will test both setups to make sure it was a worthwhile purchase.

 

Put the pre ic in the tubing if possible.
Heck take the tubing off the ic.
Hook up a shop vac. The tanks are thick enough to drill and tap 1/8 npt.
You could do both sides.
Just put the vacuum on the side your tapping. It will suck out all the shavings.
Get a couple of vacuum psi gauge a d compare right at the ic.

3" race it's twice as big as that intercooler.
5" race is the one birdman11 is using. Over 1100 hp.

 

I was worried when my IATs were in the 120 range at the top... the stock IAT table pulls like 6 degrees, if I recall correctly, at 120

 

Great build man! Thanks for documenting your build so well, I'll be doing a 2wd rcsb turbo/80e swap this summer and this should help alot. Good to see you're closing in on your goal, 11.7 in a truck is pretty awesome

 

It depends on the tune. This is what my IAT vs spark table looks like. So, when I was at the mid point of my run and the IAT's were in the 180's, the computer was pulling 10 degrees of timing LOL



Below is a stock LQ4 IAT vs spark table:


Thanks man, you will find this forum invaluable. Lots of guys have done this exact same build. Just use good parts and a good tuner and ask lots of questions and yours will be fast no doubt.