The S55 that powers the 2015–2020 BMW F8X M3, M4 and M2 Competition is dripping with technology, which includes an air-to-water intercooler as a means of keeping cool.
What is the difference between a charge cooler and an intercooler?
The difference is that a “charge cooler” uses water to cool the air (it is a reverse radiator) and an intercooler uses air as the cooling medium. Since water has a greater heat carrying capacity than air a charge cooler is much smaller than an intercooler.
How does charge air cooler work?
Charge air coolers—otherwise known as intercoolers—act as the middleman between the turbo and the engine. They sit in front of the truck radiator and take the hot, compressed air from the turbo and cool it down before it reaches the engine. This increases engine efficiency and power.
Does the S55 have an intercooler?
S55 Air-to-Water Intercooler. In summary, a top mounted air-to-water intercooler shortens the intake tract and reduces lag. Water is also more efficient at cooling the charge air. However, water is tougher to cool down once it’s hot (as compared to air).
Do intercoolers increase horsepower?
It also makes the compressed air denser as it enters the intake manifold, which causes a richer air-to-fuel mix in the engine’s cylinders. The result is increased power output. So, the answer to the question is yes! An intercooler does help to increase horsepower.
How much does an after cooler cool the intake air?
An aftercooler is a mechanical heat exchanger that cools air to within 5-20 degrees Fahrenheit of ambient temperature as soon as it is discharged from the compressor.
What’s the difference between an intercooler and an aftercooler?
While an aftercooler is a heat exchanger that operates by cooling the air emerging from a compression unit, an intercooler is a device attached to an air compressor that cools the air before engine intake.
How do I know if my charge air cooler is leaking?
The only way to accurately determine if a charge air cooler is leaking is to do a pressure test. Testing is quick and easy. It usually takes about 20 minutes using a Dura-Lite Tester-Kit.
Are water to air intercoolers better?
The present study found that the air to water intercooler is more efficient and the heat transfer is much better than that of the air to air intercooler. This is due to the air flow to the water inside the intercooler is better compared to the system that uses an air to air intercooler system.
Does charge air cooler have coolant?
For the indirect variant, the charge air is cooled by a coolant, which is then recooled by external air in a separate low-temperature coolant circuit. The indirect charge air cooler can be located close to the engine, between the compressor and the throttle valve.
How much power can a stock S55 handle?
S55 Stock Turbo Max Boost Summary Though, it’s really not recommended as it begins to push the turbos, engine, and DCT to their limits. A “safe” upper limit for the S55 stock turbos lies in the 25-26psi ballpark. Push too far beyond 26psi and the turbos quickly exceed their efficiency range.
Is the S55 water cooled?
The S55 that powers the 2015–2020 BMW F8X M3, M4, and M2 Competition is dripping with technology, which includes an air-to-water intercooling system as a means of keeping cool.
Do I need a tune after intercooler?
Nope. Upgrading the intercooler doesn’t require a tune.
Is intercooler worth upgrading?
‘ and unfortunately, no, a turbo intercooler does not add horsepower to your car. That said, however, it does give you better and more responsive performance as your car has more access to oxygen and it can mean that you can tune your car more aggressively without risking damage to your engine.
Does intercooler increase sound?
Intercooler doesn’t change any engine sound. You won’t notice any difference. However, the cold air intake increases the sound of intake. When you accelerate you can hear the sound of air rushing into engine.
Is a heat exchanger the same as a intercooler?
The term heat exchanger can be used loosely to define cooling devices that exchange heat between two media. Meanwhile, intercoolers are a particular form of cooling equipment that achieves cooling within air compressor units.
Why is an after cooler used?
An aftercooler is a mechanical heat exhanger that is designed to remove the heat-of-compression from the compressed air flow and to prep the air so it can then enter a dryer and/or be used in air-operated equipment.
What is the purpose of intercooler?
The intercoolers (Charge Air Coolers) are designed to reduce fuel consumption while increasing the engine power and efficiency. The intercooler’s task is to reduce the temperature of the inlet gas and thus densify the air required which optimises the combustion.
Is the intercooler before or after the turbo?
The intercooler’s job is to cool down the air after it has been compressed by the turbo or supercharger, but before it enters the engine.
How does an aftercooler improve engine performance?
An aftercooler is a device positioned on a marine engine that controls the temperature of the air after it has traveled through the engine’s turbocharger. The turbocharger increases a boat’s power and energy efficiency by pushing pressurized air into the cylinders.
How does an intercooler increase volumetric efficiency?
An Intercooler reduces the air temperature, volume, and increased air density for the next stage. Thereby increasing the volumetric efficiency and compressor efficiency. The reduced temperature gives better lubrication to the cylinder and piston rings.
What happens when intercooler leaks?
The biggest sign that your intercooler is damaged or leaking is that your engine will start to overheat. Since the intercooler is leaking, hot air continues to enter the engine. Your dashboard will signify a noticeable increase in temperature.
How do you test an intercooler?
What causes a charge air cooler to leak?
The most common causes of charge air cooler leaks are heat stress, constant engine vibration and vehicle accidents/collisions. Basically, the harsher the environment in which your truck or equipment runs, the more vulnerable it is to charge air cooler problems.
What type of intercooler is best?
Overall, the air-to-air intercooler is the most popular intercooler style and provides the best bang-for-buck.