PTE FMIC Intercooler Bench Cooling Test

Project Bicooler: PTE Candidate

Background:

Continuing to evaluate front mount intercooler options to use in a bicooler arrangement another product for consideration is from Precision Turbo and Engine.  The PTE intercooler has a large front mount core measuring 26″ x 8″ x 3.5″ with 2.75″ inlet and outlet.

PTE Intercooler Test Fit
PTE Intercooler Test Fit

Test Procedure:

Testing of the PTE intercooler initially consists of flow testing on a flow bench and then a bench cooling efficiency test.  The flow bench test measures the airflow through the intercooler at a test depression of 28″ of H2O.

PTE Intercooler Flow Bench Test
PTE Intercooler Flow Bench Test

The bench cooling efficiency test involves flowing hot air through the core for two minutes and then activating a cooling fan to push ambient air through the cooling fins for an additional minute while hot air continues to pass through the interior of the IC.  Throughout the testing the outlet air temperature is measured.

PTE FMIC Intercooler Bench Cooling Test
PTE FMIC Intercooler Bench Cooling Test

Results:

The flow bench test resulted in an airflow of 217 CFM through the intercooler.

PTE FMIC Flow Test Chart
PTE FMIC Flow Test Chart

The image below is of the internal fins of the PTE intercooler.

PTE Intercooler Charge Air Fins
PTE Intercooler Charge Air Fins

Results from the bench cooling efficiency test compared with the stock GTI intercooler are shown on the next chart:

PTE Bench Cooling Test vs GTI IC
PTE Bench Cooling Test vs GTI IC

The PTE IC is compared with the other FMIC options that I have tested in the next chart:

FMIC Composite Cooling Results
FMIC Composite Cooling Results

Combining the airflow and cooling data for all of the front mount intercoolers on the next chart:

FMIC Intercooler Combined Performance Chart
FMIC Intercooler Combined Performance Chart

Conclusion:

The PTE intercooler has very good airflow for a smallish (compared to the stock location IC) FMIC.  It also cools well when operating with cooling airflow.  The ability to absorb heat lags the Majesty and Vibrant products.

Seeing how the PTE performs on the vehicle on the street would be a better environment to compare with the other products given the differences these tests have highlighted.  For the time being that option won’t be pursued and I will pass on the PTE intercooler.