I'm no expert about Cruisers. However, When I built my CRX, long ago, I decided on a "V" configuration with my radiator and intercooler. I saw the best results with thermal control during long track days. For my 01' S4 I upgraded the factory side mount ICs to bigger, all aluminum side mounts I know a lot of people have had great results from radiator/IC combo setups. (picture attached). This may prompt you to make new purchases, and I know the fear of non-OEM parts.
in any case...
Things to consider, in my opinion: 1- Air Flow will always take the path of least resistance. 2- Maximize the surface cooling area. 3- Minimize heat conduction from the engine bay.
So for your situation:
Use effective cowls to contain and direct the flow of air through the whole system.
Push the radiator/intercooler/condenser as far forward as possible. I would also minimize the space between the rad, IC, and con. This reduces turbulence in the system which reduces pockets for air to stagnate between the layers. Some people will argue that you should have about a 1-inch gap between each layer in order to divorce heat transfer (e.g. heat soaked radiator causing heat soak in your IC). I personally don't by into that logic.
lastly, when selecting a fan, ensure that you calculate the additional surface are created by the IC and con.
If you can, limit the amount the surfaces the air has to pass through. right now you have three, uneven, layers. try to stack the condenser over/under/side-by-side the IC. basically reduce the width of the whole thing and make airflow as even as possible across the entire system.
Also get creative. I had a friend who mounted a huge radiator under his car. It was very efficient, but he took the time to scallop a piece of sheet metal to induce fresh air/remove hot air. This concept is not really good for a truck pluggin up a mountain pass at a slow speed compared to a racecar with a relatively constant flow of cool air. But I mention it as an example of outside-the-box thinking. do with this nugget as you please.
in any case...
Things to consider, in my opinion: 1- Air Flow will always take the path of least resistance. 2- Maximize the surface cooling area. 3- Minimize heat conduction from the engine bay.
So for your situation:
Use effective cowls to contain and direct the flow of air through the whole system.
Push the radiator/intercooler/condenser as far forward as possible. I would also minimize the space between the rad, IC, and con. This reduces turbulence in the system which reduces pockets for air to stagnate between the layers. Some people will argue that you should have about a 1-inch gap between each layer in order to divorce heat transfer (e.g. heat soaked radiator causing heat soak in your IC). I personally don't by into that logic.
lastly, when selecting a fan, ensure that you calculate the additional surface are created by the IC and con.
If you can, limit the amount the surfaces the air has to pass through. right now you have three, uneven, layers. try to stack the condenser over/under/side-by-side the IC. basically reduce the width of the whole thing and make airflow as even as possible across the entire system.
Also get creative. I had a friend who mounted a huge radiator under his car. It was very efficient, but he took the time to scallop a piece of sheet metal to induce fresh air/remove hot air. This concept is not really good for a truck pluggin up a mountain pass at a slow speed compared to a racecar with a relatively constant flow of cool air. But I mention it as an example of outside-the-box thinking. do with this nugget as you please.
Last edited: