Isn’t relocating intercooler in front of radiator an issue?

[TurboTJ]

For my Gen 2 I think its best to go aftermarket IC in stock location. Stacking intercooler in front of A/C and radiator. I don't know , not worth for me to try in Arizona.

I would agree but this simply isn’t possible for those of us wanting to run a winch without without a massive front bumper (which would stop me from fitting in my garage).

Why doesn’t anyone make a stock sized intercooler that could go in the grill? That way you only block half of the radiator/AC condenser and you wouldn’t block the tranny cooler at all. You also wouldn’t be changing the airflow as much which would mean a tune would be less necessary and would make it harder to deny a warranty claim.

I noticed that one of the Shelby Raptor test vehicles has the grill mounted IC. However, none of the production vehicles did. I am taking this to mean that they discovered problems with the IC in the grill and ultimately decided not to do it but I could be interpreting this wrong.

 

[jabroni619]

I would agree but this simply isn’t possible for those of us wanting to run a winch without without a massive front bumper (which would stop me from fitting in my garage).

Why doesn’t anyone make a stock sized intercooler that could go in the grill? That way you only block half of the radiator/AC condenser and you wouldn’t block the tranny cooler at all. You also wouldn’t be changing the airflow as much which would mean a tune would be less necessary and would make it harder to deny a warranty claim.

I noticed that one of the Shelby Raptor test vehicles has the grill mounted IC. However, none of the production vehicles did. I am taking this to mean that they discovered problems with the IC in the grill and ultimately decided not to do it but I could be interpreting this wrong.

Which brings up another question. Why can't the stock IC simply be relocated?

 

[Badgertits]

For my Gen 2 I think its best to go aftermarket IC in stock location. Stacking intercooler in front of A/C and radiator. I don't know , not worth for me to try in Arizona.

Probably best in general
Regardless of where ya live (in in MA btw) cuz, ahhhh that’s how it’s designed from the factory so probably a reason for it.

addtionally- would LOVE to see some comparisons in IATs for the aftermarket stock location ICs vs the huge engine rad wedged ones. Like, what exactly are you “giving up” w/ a stock mount vs a rad mounted one? There’s NO way to fab a mounting point or setup w/ a winch in that location?

Aside from that- my guess is the difference in performance & ability to keep IATs consistently cooler over the crappy stock IC is insignificant/negligible w/ a beefier stock mount vs rad mount. And I’d also guess the larger rad mounted ones come w/ the penalty of overheating issues....

 

[TurboTJ]

Which brings up another question. Why can't the stock IC simply be relocated?

I don’t know if you could relocate the exact intercooler because of where the inlets and outlets are but I think keeping the same size is probably the best option - keeps your warranty intact, no tuning required, doesn’t block your AC and you don’t have to worry about your car overheating. Maybe Cobb can make a smaller version of their grill-mounted intercooler with some ducting for the above benefits.

I’ve never seen a production car put the intercooler in front of the entire radiator or in front of any transmission cooler.

Here is how the intercooler s are packaged on a GTR. Notice how the oil cooler/tranny cooler have their own fresh air source and how the intercooler doesn’t block the top of the radiator.

 

[TurboTJ]

Probably best in general
Regardless of where ya live (in in MA btw) cuz, ahhhh that’s how it’s designed from the factory so probably a reason for it.

addtionally- would LOVE to see some comparisons in IATs for the aftermarket stock location ICs vs the huge engine rad wedged ones. Like, what exactly are you “giving up” w/ a stock mount vs a rad mounted one? There’s NO way to fab a mounting point or setup w/ a winch in that location?

Aside from that- my guess is the difference in performance & ability to keep IATs consistently cooler over the crappy stock IC is insignificant/negligible w/ a beefier stock mount vs rad mount. And I’d also guess the larger rad mounted ones come w/ the penalty of overheating issues....

Think you guys missed the point of relocating the IC. The OP wants to put a winch where the current IC is. Upgrading the stock IC in the stock location doesn’t help.

 

[Eubster]

I believe alternatively there are kits to mount a winch behind the rear bumper if you're willing to give up the factory spare tire location. You could always move the spare up into the bed.

 

[jabroni619]

I believe alternatively there are kits to mount a winch behind the rear bumper if you're willing to give up the factory spare tire location. You could always move the spare up into the bed.

That’s an option. I opted for a hitch mounted winch plate.

 

[Badgertits]

You know- considering the design intent of the Raptor & all the niche equipment that you can tack onto it from the factory to begin with, a factory winch should be an available option. Maybe on the next gen?

powerwagon got one

 

[nikhsub1]

I don’t know if you could relocate the exact intercooler because of where the inlets and outlets are but I think keeping the same size is probably the best option - keeps your warranty intact, no tuning required, doesn’t block your AC and you don’t have to worry about your car overheating. Maybe Cobb can make a smaller version of their grill-mounted intercooler with some ducting for the above benefits.

I’ve never seen a production car put the intercooler in front of the entire radiator or in front of any transmission cooler.

What all of you fail to understand is that air flows through the intercooler. Very well I might add. It isn't 'blocking' anything. The air temp differential from ambient to after the intercooler won't be more than 5 degrees or so. *** cars sandwich the AC/Intercooler/Radiator in that order with the radiator being last. This is from the factory. Now, you may ask yourself why that order? Well, I can theorize as I've owned one and replaced the IC on it as well with a stouter unit. AC condensers get hot, in fact when it is hot and you turn the ac on, you feel the decrease in power as now the IC is getting super heated air.

Secondly, there are aftermarket companies that make aftermarket intercoolers that are relocated to the bottom of the vehicle - removing the IC from in between the AC and radiator. The units are smaller but are a true FMIC. Guess what? They do not perform nearly as well as a good aftermarket IC in the stock sandwiched location.

In order to know why Ford did what they did with the OEM setup we have to understand their goals. IMO the stock IC is the weakest link in the cooling system, bar none. Not only is the unit a pile of shit to begin with but they place it right behind where the license plate is supposed to go. Fans on an IC? That is a first for me, never seen it before. Typically fans are not needed on an IC because when moving, an IC needs to get airflow - almost impossible when you block 80% of the opening to get the air you need.

I know everyone on the internet is a PHD and all that but what I can say is that I have done extensive heat exchange testing - including studying the effects of sandwiching them, the very subject we are discussing here. Anyway, get a blower or a hairdryer and blow it though a radiator or intercooler if you have one laying around, you will see it's almost like nothing is there in terms of affecting the airflow.

 

[jabroni619]

What all of you fail to understand is that air flows through the intercooler. Very well I might add. It isn't 'blocking' anything. The air temp differential from ambient to after the intercooler won't be more than 5 degrees or so. *** cars sandwich the AC/Intercooler/Radiator in that order with the radiator being last. This is from the factory. Now, you may ask yourself why that order? Well, I can theorize as I've owned one and replaced the IC on it as well with a stouter unit. AC condensers get hot, in fact when it is hot and you turn the ac on, you feel the decrease in power as now the IC is getting super heated air.

Secondly, there are aftermarket companies that make aftermarket intercoolers that are relocated to the bottom of the vehicle - removing the IC from in between the AC and radiator. The units are smaller but are a true FMIC. Guess what? They do not perform nearly as well as a good aftermarket IC in the stock sandwiched location.

In order to know why Ford did what they did with the OEM setup we have to understand their goals. IMO the stock IC is the weakest link in the cooling system, bar none. Not only is the unit a pile of shit to begin with but they place it right behind where the license plate is supposed to go. Fans on an IC? That is a first for me, never seen it before. Typically fans are not needed on an IC because when moving, an IC needs to get airflow - almost impossible when you block 80% of the opening to get the air you need.

I know everyone on the internet is a PHD and all that but what I can say is that I have done extensive heat exchange testing - including studying the effects of sandwiching them, the very subject we are discussing here. Anyway, get a blower or a hairdryer and blow it though a radiator or intercooler if you have one laying around, you will see it's almost like nothing is there in terms of affecting the airflow.

What front licence plate?