Connecting an intercooler up? Easiest way?
Turbo Mini Forums

Hi, iv recently got hold of a series 2 RS turbo intercooler and am planning on fitting it to the mini. However, iv been looking at ways to do the piping and its not gonna be cheap by the looks of it. Whats the best/cost effecive way to go about doing this?

many thanks.

James.

i used a plenum chamber supplied by Nic on this forum
it makes it so EASY an install

here is some pics
i used a cossie intercooler but it makes most intercooler fitments sooo... .. much
neater with no sharp twist or bends







HERES NICS "EXCELLENT" PLENUM



I cannot recomend this product highley enough the workmanship is 1st rate

contact nic with pm

Hmmmm nice plenum, that is one way of doing it...

JF.

Is that a 2wd one?

Thats is a nice plenum, maybe one day. But im gonna keep the original plenum on mine. What i really want to know is what to use for the piping that connects the intercooler to the plenum?

2" alloy pipe, and silicone hose is the way to go. I have used the below for the hose with good results.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/ZENARacing

Cheers, that company seem to be good prices. iv been looking on:

http://www.performancesiliconehoses.co.uk/

Someone mentioned using piping from a milk farm or something but im prob better using alloy stuff.

2 good choices of modded plenum, both have their advantages depending on what you want.

JF

This is still the best installation of a series 2 RST intercooler I've ever seen:

http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=2325

Benross

The alternative is to pm giallofly and he does modified inlets for the plenum and the turbo (and whilst your at it you may as well get a dumpvalve take off put on there!)

That pic was taken by me @ Benross international racing today.

The link to that sexy IC install is great, obviously soeome with a clinical approach and access to some pipe bending gear.

No good if your car has a factory fit servo mind.

James, that is your very Plenum, It is in the post 2morow.

JF

niceone!! can i use that pic in the future jon?

Sure can.....

Cheers boyo, shame you havent got one of your inlets on there though

yes this is two ways of doing it both EXCELLENT!.......... to say the least

the bling intercooler install ie fabola!!

............if you have the time tools and patience

Anyway two top plenums there gents

Jon, thanks very much. Very greatful for that. I will prob be needing to send you my inlets sometime.lol.

That intercooler piping is great on that link. Looks amazing. I Guess im going to have to fork out and get some alluminium tubing and silicone hoses.

On my hilslimber I spent £150 on silicone hoses. For my road conversion currently in progress I plan on doing it a little cheaper.

A couple of hours down the scrapyard with a screwdriver should relieve plenty of suitable hoses of some turbo diesels.

I just need to find a local scrapyard now.

Wil

Fastest 998 mini in the world? 13.05 1/4 mile 106mph

2" stainless dairy tube/bends is a cheaper alternative to thinwall ally, its marginally heavier, but has very few other disadvantages.

Ive used Zenaracing on ebay too and can recommend them, just dont order during the chinese new year LOL

"Turbo's make torque, and torque makes fun"

"did you know you can toast potato waffles?"

Thanks for the advice. I think i will go and have a ravage through some scrappies as i know of some good ones. Gotta be something that will do the trick.

Not sure of any dairy farms nearby.lol.

Edited by hammoj28turbo on 24th Apr, 2007.

Any ever used these kits from the bay of E, seem good value for money.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Universal-Intercoole...1QQcmdZViewItem

133.5 bhp 123 lb torque 116mph @6640rpm 9.5psi
Shakespear RWYB 14.995 91.83mph

Hi,
2 1/2" pipework may be a bit on the large side.
Cheers,
Gavin :)

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Ive used them for my install, there good value but the joining hoses are only rubber I got some Silicone one to go with them, but like Bat says 2 1/2" is quite large