Integrated Engineering Flow Test

Background:

Two aspects of intercooler performance that I have interest in knowing about are cooling efficiency and pressure drop across the core.  This test is being performed to assess pressure drop by measuring airflow.

The test subject is an Integrated Engineering intercooler for the Mk7 GTI / Golf R.  The IE intercooler is a stock location replacement aftermarket unit and for this test the Version 1 of the product is being evaluated.

Test:

The test of pressure drop across the intercooler is done with a flow bench.  The intercooler is attached to the flow bench using the IE cold side discharge silicone hose and an adapter that is sized to approximate the throttle body of the Mk7 GTI.

On the inlet to the intercooler the IE silicone inlet hose is used with a bellmouth to promote smooth airflow into the system.

The flow bench is operated at a test depression of 28″ of H2O and the airflow through the intercooler at that pressure is recorded.

Results:

The Integrated Engineering intercooler flows approximately 217 CFM @ 28″ of H2O.  This result is shown on the chart along with results from other stock location intercoolers that have been tested on the flow bench:

The next chart shows the Integrated Engineering intercooler along with all other intercoolers that have been flow tested.  This includes stock location, front mounted, and bicoolers:

Note: The (-) signifies tests that were conducted with a different bench adapter that allows for slightly higher airflow.  Intercoolers with this marking likely will flow ~ 2 CFM less if tested with the current style adapter.

Conclusion:

The Integrated Engineering intercooler performs in the middle range of all of the stock location Mk7 GTI intercoolers that have been tested.  Flow performance is within the measurement margin of error of the APR and Mishimoto intercoolers.