The temperature difference between the outlet and inlet is remarkable.
Be aware that there is some science content in the future. It’s all possible thanks to the A80 Toyota Supra with a large turbocharger. This is a great formula for fun, especially if there’s an intercooler visible in the front.
This is where science comes in. Thanks to the Warped perception YouTube channel. The intercooler’s task is to cool the air before it enters an engine. Why is this important? Cooler air is denser. This means that you can get more into your engine. More air equals more fuel and more horsepower. An intercooler is not necessary for naturally aspirated engines. Intake air temperatures aren’t a problem so it isn’t necessary. However, turbochargers’ compressed air is hot at over 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93.3 C).
Cooling down the air is as easy as pushing it through cooling fins like a radiator. The turbo’s hot air enters the passenger tank of the intercooler, and then exits to the driver side. Although it’s easy to talk about the process and this video shows us how to actually see it.
It seems boring to watch air move around at first glance. Even with the smoke machine, the air is just going in and out of one side. High-speed cameras show that this is not an instantaneous event. The entire passenger-side tank is filled with smoke, before we can see the other side. Temperature differences can also be seen between tanks. To highlight this, we add a little water to wash the residue from the clear tanks. The tank appears to dry almost immediately. It takes some time.
What is the temperature difference? Two probes are added to the tanks for the final run. With the boost pressure at near 20 pounds, the air temperature is reached 204.6 degrees F (95.8 C) before entering the intercooler. It’s 73.6F (23.1C) on the other hand. This is a difference in temperature of 131 degrees. It can have an impact on the power output for this Toyota.
Unfortunately, custom clear tanks do not pass after this pass. However, the point has been made. Intercoolers can chill air for boosted vehicles. They are simple and effective. This concludes the science experiment.
