CTS Intercooler Street Logged Temperature Readings

CTS Intercooler Street Data

Background:

The CTS stock location intercooler for the Mk7 GTI was installed and operated on the street to record temperature a pressure drop data.

CTS Stock Location Intercooler
CTS Stock Location Intercooler

Test Procedure:

Operating performance data was recorded during full throttle acceleration in third gear from approximately 2,500 RPM to 6,500 RPM. The GTI is equipped with a Shuenk IS38+ turbocharger producing boost pressure that peaks around 28 psi mid-rpm before tapering off to approximately 24 psi.

Temperature and pressure drop are measured before, during, and after the acceleration runs.

Test Results:

Temperature data over a series of pulls is shown on the chart:

CTS Intercooler Street Logged Temperature Readings
CTS Intercooler Street Logged Temperature Readings

The median temperature rise of six data points produced a 10 degF over ambient result, plotted along with airflow on the next chart:

CTS Intercooler Bench Flow and Street Cooling Data
CTS Intercooler Bench Flow and Street Cooling Data

A composite chart showing bench airflow and bench cooling versus other products is below:

CTS Intercooler Bench Flow & Cooling Test Results
CTS Intercooler Bench Flow & Cooling Test Results

Next is a comparison of airflow measured using a flow bench and pressure drop between the compressor outlet and intake manifold:

CTS Intercooler Bench Airflow vs Operating Pressure Drop
CTS Intercooler Bench Airflow vs Operating Pressure Drop

Conclusion:

The temperature drop median value of 10 degF over ambient is similar to other stock location intercoolers that have been street tested.

Note: The purpose of the bench cooling test is to identify candidate intercooler that are likely to perform well on the car, justifying the time commitment for installation and testing.

Pressure drop on the street averaged 2.7 psi peak, near the middle range of the intercoolers that have had this property measured.

References:

CTS product description

6 thoughts on “CTS Intercooler Street Data”

  1. Thank you for what you do, I really enjoy your work. I check every day and look forward to more of your experiments.

  2. It’s people like you that make the community so great. Thank you for taking the time to help countless people make important decisions for their builds!

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