1996-1998 Mustang Cobra Charge
Cooler Upgrade, Satin
Vortech's Maxflow® Power Cooler
is an air-to-water charge cooling system that has been optimized for the Fox
body 5.0.
Vortech uses an air-to-water charge
cooler system to minimize pressure loss. Unlike the air/air systems for this
application, that send charge air on a long trip through several bends plus
a long cooler core, the charge air does not travel any further than the non-cooled
version, so there is virtually no boost loss.
Each system features our exclusive
dual-pass cooler unit and a front mounted heat exchanger ("radiator"),
ideally placed in the cooling air. A water reservoir, formed of high-strength
plastic polymers for durability and features an easy fill, wide mouth design
that allows the addition of ice for an even cooler air charge. Also included
are a heavy-duty water pump, mounting brackets, hoses and hardware.
Charge cooling means cooler, denser
air that yields more power and reduces the detonation threshold while allowing
higher boost options. Power gains up to 100 horsepower are possible depending
on the engine modifications and boost level. This system provides cooler, denser
air charges with temperature decrease as much as 100 degrees F, allowing more
timing with less fuel required and more power.
Requires that the battery be relocated
to the trunk area.
Why Air-to-Water?
Air-to-air charge cooling systems
utilize tubing that runs from the supercharger to a heat exchanger mounted in
the front of the car and then returning to the engine throttle body. The problem
with this is the torturous path that the tubes must run causes excessive pressure
loss because of the bends and long lengths. Also, the heat exchanger cannot
properly receive cooling air and is less effective.
Air-to-water systems use two heat
exchangers, both can be optimally sized and placed, one between the supercharger
and throttle and the other in the cooling airflow. Hoses connect the two heat
exchangers to each other with a pump and reservoir to complete the system. On
a Maxflow® Power Cooler system, the boosted air charge travels only four
inches through the cooler core. The air-to-air systems travel several power
robbing feet.
Air-to-air charge cooling systems
can and do work well in many installation and they are generally less complicated
and cheaper. Other times, only an Air-to-water system can provide a satisfactory
solution, this is the case for the Fox body Mustang.
