87 XT intercooler. Water vs air.

[SiriusBlack]

I have an 87 XT coupe, with the EA82T engine. I want to install a top mount intercooler and can't decide which one. An air to air is more reliable, but probably doesn't cool as much. An air to water however has the possibility of leaking and getting coolant down the intake. So I'm looking for advice on this. Keep in mind the cooler will be getting it's airflow from the factory hood scoop.

Thanks in advance.

[Numbchux]

AWIC leakage is pretty rare, certainly on anything with any quality.

 

But, they are a much more complicated system, and getting core/exchanger/pump all working together is kind of a challenge. I highly doubt you're making enough heat on an EA82t to justify all that. Just a simple early WRX one would be perfect.

Edited December 23, 2020 by Numbchux

[SiriusBlack]

Well, shedding as much heat as possible from this engine, considering it's factory heat issues, is good. Mainly I'd like the air as cool as possible, because the cooler the air is the more dense it is. Which means more air for more power.

Edited December 23, 2020 by SiriusBlack

[SiriusBlack]

Realistically, you can't get the charged air colder than ambient air temperature. Will the WRX top mount intercooler successfully get it all the way down to ambient air temperature?

[carfreak85]

13 hours ago, SiriusBlack said:

Will the WRX top mount intercooler successfully get it all the way down to ambient air temperature?

Short answer?  No, and neither will an A/W IC.