Cool Deal
Mishimoto’s intercooler offers lower discharge temps in a bolt-in package
By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of Mishimoto
Ford’s EcoBoost engines are pretty impressive. They really do deliver on making a small engine seem bigger. And, if you can stay out of the boost, the will knock down some impressive fuel economy numbers too. That’s all well and good, but what we want from our EcoBoost Mustang is increased performance. As we have found, one of the roadblocks to unlocking that potential is the factory intercooler.
Fortunately, there are numerous aftermarket replacements that will improve on the factory cooler to lower temperature of the air entering the engine. As we know, cooler air makes more power, as the charge is denser and it allows for increased ignition timing. One of the latest options is from Mishimoto (PN MMINT-MUS4-15; $650).
“…The engineers at Mishimoto designed the EcoBoost Mustang intercooler to fit with the stock active grille shutters, as well as prevent airflow blockage to the radiator and A/C condenser by mounting it in the stock location,†says the company. “The cooler is constructed with cast end tanks that are CFD-tested for maximum airflow. This EcoBoost intercooler also includes an in-tank air diverter on the hot side to provide optimal flow through the core…â€
Mishimoto recently released these videos highlighting the benefits of its unit and its companion piping kit…
Clearly, this unit has benefits. Not only does it drop inlet temps by 35 degrees, it offers a 25-percent increase in core volume and a 165-percent increase in external-fin surface area. This means that those inlet temperatures should be more stable, even under extended boost, as the car might see on a road course. Moreover, since this unit doesn’t obstruct the engine radiator, those temps should remain in check too.
If that piques your interest, you might want to see how the intercooler and piping installs, and Mishimoto was kind enough to produce these install videos as well…
Of course, if that’s not enough information, Mishimoto has extensive information about the testing and development of this intercooler on its site.