24v vs. 12v intercooler

[Reb.B]

okay, did some checking in on the 12v and 24v intercollers and the 24v is 1" taller, but it has 18 tubes (i think if i remember right) and the 12v which is an inch shorter has 20 tubes. the size of the tubes look the same, . . but the fins that flow the air are smaller on the 12v. so, in a stock horsepower set-up, the 24v should work better having more air to flow through and more cooling area (i think). But for some of us running large masses of air, ... would the 12v intercooler be better because of more tubes? More boost can get across. Also the slower air flows through the cooler it will get, ... but also more tubes meens more air that is getting cooled. maybe we can get some flow numbers and how effective each cooler is. Thanx, ... Reb

 

[illflem]

The 24 valve intercooler is said to run quite a bit cooler.

 

[Jim Fulmer]

I had heard that a powerstroke cooler was the best to use but have never taken a measure of them to see what mods had to be done to make it fit!



Jim

 

[dresslered]

I believe that BPINE is running a 24V intercooler in his 12V.

 

[Reb.B]

i thought that the 24v would run cooler, but is there a point when u need more tubes, like in the 12v?

 

[illflem]

reb, I don't think the difference would be much flow wise. If for example each tube was 1/4" in diameter a 24v cooler would be 4. 5 square inches of flow area, while a 12v would be 5. 0.

 

[Reb.B]

i think u may be right. The main restriction is probably from 3. 75" neck to the 2" that goes around the radiator. And that is in both intercoolers.

 

[illflem]

Remember air isn't like a liquid, there is very little friction loss from a restriction as long as the distance isn't too long.

 

[C Schomer]

Air and water behave the same way in ducts. A restriction is a restriction. Craig

 

[Whitmore]

2 things come to mind



1) what is the BTU rating of both intercoolers?



2) what is the flow rating of both coolers?



I would think that the 24v intercooler would be higher for both



cheers, Kevin

 

[Reb.B]

(whitmore) why would u think the 24v would have a higher flow rating. The 12v has More tubes. the tubes are the same size. The abilty to cool would prabably be best with the 24v. I'm sure the 24v cools better on a mild HP set-up, but on high HP and large amounts of boost and air flow, ... . would the 12v, with more tubes be better? This is the question. Or is it a matter of the weakest link and could that weakest link be the reduction from 3. 75" hose to 2" (or less) that raps around the radiator.

what we need to do is take a a before and after temp on both intercoolers on a high HP rig. And is there a point were more air is better than colder air. Again i am talking about the high HP high mass flow setups. thanx again, Reb

 

[R.ebel]

Charge air coolers

The 24 valve cooler does flow more CFM (verified by Piers). Don't know about any increased cooling capacity, kind of doubt there would be much of an increase in temperature drop due to increased airflow even when the the increased surface area is taken into consideration. The charge air would be spending less time in the cooler.

 

[illflem]

Craig, I'm sure that air flowing though a pipe/duct isn't as affected by friction loss as a liquid. Water has a viscosity of 1 @ 70°, air's viscosity is . 018. Using the same scfm plug the numbers in here just changing the viscosity and you will see http://www.freecalc.com/gasfram.htm A restiction will cause an increase in velocity, volume will be the same (to a point), but with air less friction loss(drop in psi) than water. If I'm not mistaken you can get 55 times more scfm of air though the same size pipe as you can water with equal pressure drops.

 

[Extreme1]

According to PDR, the 24 valve has 12% more flow capability than the 12 valve cooler.



Not an issue until you get up there in horsepower.



Also, the 12 valve has 19 tubes vs the 24 valve's 18 tubes

 

[BWatson]

So has anyone decided whether it would be advantageous to put a 24 valve intercooler into a 12 valve truck? Say for a mid-power (350-400hp truck) with an HX-35 turbo (possible HX-40 in the future)? I have to pull my intercooler out soon anyway for some other work and have a friend that works for a company that makes the radiators and intercoolers for Dodge (and many other companies). He can get me one at cost so I thought I would do it if it would be worth it. Found one issue though. I checked his catalog and it lists the same part number for intercoolers for all Dodge Rams with the 5. 9 Cummins Diesel from 1994-2002. So I wonder if they only make the coolers for the later 24 valve engines and just sell these for all 2nd gen applications. Any thoughts on this? Where else would you get a 24 valve cooler? From the dealer? Thanks.

 

[BPINE]

I believe that BPINE is running a 24V intercooler in his 12V.

I would say it is not worth the time and money.

 

[Cooker]

Wow this is an old thread...



I have a 24v cooler in my 12v also. I did some other things about the same time so I cannot say that there was any difference or not.



One person, I think it was Extreme1, dynoed both on the same day. The 24v cooler was 10HP better.



Unless you need to replace your original cooler or you can get a 24v cooler really cheap I do not think I would mess with it. JMHO

 

[thekidfan]

I had heard that a powerstroke cooler was the best to use but have never taken a measure of them to see what mods had to be done to make it fit!



Jim

Jim, was a little dissapointed to see such a short response! Then I noticed date and comment about old thread. Anyway, how is the R&D going with those fancy new coolers Piers' is playing with? take care Jeff

 

[Jim Fulmer]

I need to do a little more testing before production but I won't be back home till after the first so I should have time if everything works out... ... ... Piers was looking at Dec. for production (I think)



He wants to make sure that you guys get the best end product.



Jim

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I got me one of them there 24-valve intercoolers in my '94.



After I installed it I was hoping for more power and EGT reduction than I really saw. Just like what was said up above - if you can get one cheap or if your 12-valve intercooler took a dump... do the swap. Otherwise, there isn't any compelling reason to go through the hassle.



My old 12-valve intercooler is in a 1st Gen now.



Matt