audifool

Trying to figure out the best way to throw on an old intercooler to my audi -->

On the A4 in front of the radiator there is a *small/skinny tube* that sticks out between the radiator and front bumper.. How does anyone fit an intercooler here??? Can that be moved?

Lucas_Gchips

Firstly, Luminium does not expand under turbo Boost pressure, silicon does slightly.
Second, the aluminium help cool the intake charge slightly..

audifool

Why not wrap all the tubing in insulation?

Bollinger

Wrapping it in insulation is pretty definitely not a good idea. The air inside is definitely hotter than the air outside (hence the intercooler) and so insulating it will just hold the heat in.

DrHandball

I believe that the thermal conductivity of aluminum is a lot higher than that of silicone. So while it would take longer for the silicone hose to heat up is also works the other way, too it will take longer to cool off. Consequently, the aluminum will cool off more quicly than the silicone for the same reason. It can conduct heat away at a faster rate than the aluminum. You can also think of it this way, aluminum and most metals conduct electricity quite well while silicone and most plastics do not. While it is not always true (I can't think of any exceptions but there may be some) electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity are related. That is good electrical conductors are usually good thermal conductors. Silicone is a good insulator.

Also, the aluminum tube can provide additional heat transfer if it is exposed to an air stream. Lucas's comments about expansion are also correct.

audifool

Who cares if the silicone expands/contracts slightly w/ boost pressure.
Wouldn't it be much easier/ cheaper to install the silicone tubing in an aftermarket Intercooler install wouldn't it???

audifool

You don't think the engine is giving off tons of heat?
I see your rationality behind that explanation though...

xr4tic

so unless your tubing is running next to the turbo and exhaust manifold, forget the insulation.

xr4tic

Getting curves and bends in silicone isn't as easy as aluminum. The best bet is to run aluminum tubing to the IC, and connect it with a piece of silicone hose for flexibility reasons.
I bet the sluminum is cheaper/easier to get. Plus you can weld aluminum. To connect two pieces of silicone, you'd need a splice, and clamps. This is not good since you want to keep the number of clamps in the system down.

Plus if you're tubing is expanding, then you're motor is not receiving full boost right away, this will contribut to lag (although it may or may not be noticeable)

xr4tic

the outside temp sensor, or an A/C line. Or maybe it's a power-steering cooling line. There is a pic of it moved on the European Speed website, check under the "A4 1.8T Front Mount intercooler install".<ul><li><a href="http://www.europeanspeed.com/">http://www.europeanspeed.com/</a></li></ul>