5s top mount IC?, reasonable? Options

[crankyelbow]

I've been pondering the turbo route, and I'm amazed how readily available and cheap the ct26 turbo is - along with the proper manifold and other bits.

One big way to cut the costs, and something I always wanted to try in my turbo yaris, would be a top mount intercooler. The response should be amazing with the minimal piping that would be used in such a setup.

Given the layout of the motor, it would seem to be EXTREMELY easy to route piping, mount the IC... in fact it seems the 3sgte uses a top mount IC stock (as did the turbo yaris in stock trim overseas)... BUT...

What would be the approx boost limits given this setup? Clearly the air wont be cooled anywhere near as effeciantly as with a FMIC, but given a hood scoop/heat shield, what are the approx limits? Has this been done on a 5s before?

[crankyelbow]

Egg cooking IC's are no good

I'll examine a water/air setup... and actually pop the hood and stare for a while.. see what crazy ideas come up... learn what numbers to run and run them, see the limits of all the above setups.

Sub $300 for water/air... not unreasonable at all! .1psi pressure drop sounds VERY nice also! Now THAT sounds best case to me... the piping would be even easier with water/air too... but there is a little more effort to be put into routing the lines and heaet exchanger... also weight too, but not very significant.

Much research to do indeed! Just trying to think outside the box with this build, try something new and preferably come out cheaper in the end

This post has been edited by crankyelbow: Mar 29, 2009 - 3:06 PM