Intercooled vs non-intercooled

[Ken55]

Hi all, I recently looked at a '91 non-intercooled truck in very nice stock form. I was wondering if there are any major disadvantages to purchasing the non-intercooled version of this engine. Would tweaking the power levels up be different etc... . Thanks for any advice on this subject.

Ken

 

[sparks57]

I would highly recommend getting an intercooled engine. If you get a non intercooled engine, you will be trying to put an intercooler in it at some point. Intercoolers (actually aftercoolers on our rigs) cool the air comming from the turbo before it gets to the intake.

 

[Greenleaf]

Some things to think about is the cylinder head. Known to be weaker if you go and get wild with the hp ie turbo boost/timing. Specifically is the gasket and the ports machined into head for the injector. An IC engine will blow a head gasket easily enough too.



You will be prone to contending with egt issues when you modify the fuel system as incoming air is hotter than a unit equipped with IC.



The charging system is a challenge at times as well as not having a crank sensor for a tach.



Auto trans will not have OD.



I would not hesitate to buy one that is clean and straight. I;d just go easy on it a bit.

 

[Ken55]

Thanks much guys, Maybe I'll keep looking or see if he'll come down some. I should be looking at those new '04. 5's but somehow the older trucks keep calling me!

 

[EZGZ]

The methods of increasing power are the same. It just might cost you more cause theres a bit more to do that the factory already did.



You might be satisfied with it the way it is.

If it is a smokin deal maybe you could drive like it is and if you don't like it sell it or trade it later.



Good trucks that old are hard to find with much life left in them.

 

[dpuckett]

If I had it to dao again.......

I would DEFINITELY go with an intercooled engine, though CB Parker seems to be having fits with his 93 THe lack of an intercooler makes for afro engineering or paying through the nose for power upgrades, namely turbo. I have the cracks in the head, but run it anyway. I have a PDR HX35 on mine, but it required many hours of planning and plotting, plus some cutting on the crossover to get it to fit. THen there was the air inlet- factory was 3" on the older ones; 4' on newer. THe head gaskets are weaker, or blow because they are 2-3 years older. Injectors are harder to fit for it, performance wise, due to the hotter air that flows in and out. The 89-90s are harder to intercool, due to grille designs. Have to cut holes for the cooler in all of them.



I do like the lack of a PCM, external (non PCM) volt regulator, pump is timed better for performance (1. 4-1. 45 vs 1. 25). Interior isnt much different. My 91 has more rear leafs than Mom's, but that could be due to a host of factors.



All in all, if you like stock performance (or dont want to go more than a Banks kit), and it is in good shape, for a good price, go for it. For the BOMBaholic, it isnt such a wise choice.

 

[Ken55]

Great info!!! Thanks much. I believe I'll keep on looking for a later model. He said he has someone else that's interested anyway so I'll tell him I changed my mind. Gotta love the TDR for all the knowledge that's out there.