Why does Subaru use a top mount intercooler?
Subaru has long been recognized for its innovative engineering, particularly in its turbocharged models. One of the standout features in many of these vehicles is the top mount intercooler (TMIC). This article explores the reasons behind Subaru's choice of a top mount intercooler, examining its benefits and implications for performance and design.
What is a Top Mount Intercooler?
A top mount intercooler is a type of air-to-air intercooler that is positioned on top of the engine, rather than in front of it. This design is particularly common in Subaru's turbocharged models, such as the WRX and STI. The intercooler plays a crucial role in cooling the air that enters the engine, which helps improve performance and efficiency.
Benefits of a Top Mount Intercooler
Subaru's decision to use a top mount intercooler comes with several advantages:
- Compact Design: The top mount intercooler allows for a more compact engine bay layout, which can lead to better weight distribution and handling.
- Reduced Turbo Lag: By placing the intercooler directly above the engine, the distance between the turbocharger and the intake manifold is minimized. This can result in quicker throttle response and reduced turbo lag.
- Less Vulnerability to Damage: A top mount intercooler is less exposed to road debris and potential damage compared to front-mounted options, making it a more durable choice for everyday driving.
- Efficient Cooling: The design allows for effective cooling of the intake air, as the air passes through the intercooler before entering the engine, enhancing overall performance.
Considerations and Trade-offs
While there are many benefits to using a top mount intercooler, there are also some considerations to keep in mind:
- Heat Soak: The proximity to the engine can lead to heat soak, where the intercooler absorbs heat from the engine, potentially reducing its cooling efficiency during prolonged use.
- Limited Airflow: Depending on the vehicle's design, a top mount intercooler may have limited airflow compared to front-mounted options, which can affect performance in high-demand situations.
Conclusion
Subaru's use of a top mount intercooler is a testament to its commitment to performance and innovative engineering. By prioritizing a compact design and minimizing turbo lag, Subaru has created a system that enhances the driving experience. While there are trade-offs to consider, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks, making the top mount intercooler a popular choice among Subaru enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the front mount intercooler do in WRX?
A front mount intercooler setup is a standard modification on any turbocharged vehicle making decent power. The larger the core, the cooler the temps will be to the intake. And getting cooler temps to the intake is the main goal with intercoolers to optimize the performance out of your engine, and other modifications.
What does a top mount intercooler do?
A top mount intercooler will be more efficient with airflow than a front-mounted, with the only reason being the shorter path from your turbochargers to intake. You'll get air quicker and sooner, but don't confuse this with lag, as it is pressurized.
What is the advantage of a top mount intercooler?
Top-mounted intercoolers also provide better heat dissipation, reducing the risk of heat soak and ensuring consistent performance. Additionally, they offer more significant surface area for cooling, allowing for better cooling capacity and improved engine performance.
How much HP does a front mount intercooler add?
It will depend on the vehicle, engine, turbo installed, ambient temperature, humidity, altitude, etc. Normally intercoolers add horsepower based on percentage of increase not a specific number. The average increase between without and with is 5% to 10%.
What is better, front mount or top mount intercooler?
The FMIC is an easy victor when stationary. Hot air rises, so the TMIC sitting above the engine will absorb some of this heat. The heat soak is most noticeable sitting in traffic, staging or on the grid. When in motion and when both options have well designed air ducting the difference is not as measurable.
Does a top mount intercooler add horsepower?
Intercoolers are designed to make your engine more efficient at generating horsepower. But they do not themselves add horsepower. The greater the temperature drop of the intake air achieved by the intercooler, the more power the engine can generate.
What are the benefits of an uprated intercooler?
As intercooler fans are responsible for ensuring efficient cooling of the compressed air, upgrading the intercooler can provide several advantages, including increased cooling capacity, improved reliability, and enhanced overall performance.
What are the disadvantages of a front mount intercooler?
However, there are disadvantages to a FMIC.
The size of the intercooler's core means that in order to "fill" the core the turbo will have to work harder and push more air for any given volume of air at a given boost pressure (PSI).
Why do Subarus overheat?
Debris, dirt, or mineral deposits can accumulate over time, obstructing the radiator's proper functioning. Water Pump Problems The water pump circulates coolant throughout the engine, facilitating heat transfer. If the water pump fails, coolant circulation is disrupted, leading to overheating.
Why do Subarus have top mount intercoolers?
Which Subaru intercooler has better airflow? A top mount intercooler will be more efficient with airflow than a front-mounted, with the only reason being the shorter path from your turbochargers to intake. You'll get air quicker and sooner, but don't confuse this with lag, as it is pressurized.
