Miata Mailing List: July 1997, Message #57
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From: 	BBirdwell@swri.edu

Subject: Too big IC?

Date: 	Wed, 2 Jul 1997 10:43:02 -0500



  First, I assume we are talking about intercoolers and not integrated 

circuits (those are over in Popular Electronics).

  I must respectfully disagree with the idea that a larger intercooler causes 

increased turbo lag. A greater flow capacity will actually decrease the 

pressure loss of the system in addition to providing additional cooling to the 

intake air charge. With the decreased pressure loss of a larger intercooler, 

the turbo does not have to work as hard to produce the same boost pressure and 

should actually spool up and produce boost even faster, thus reducing what is 

often referred to as "turbo lag".  

  Side note: whenever someone mentions "turbo lag", perhaps we should remind 

ourselves of "normally aspirated" lag which occurs with a stock engine. When I 

open the throttle on a stock engine, it doesn't matter if I wait one second or 

5 minutes, the power never comes on. Think of a stock engine as having the 

ultimate lag.  ;-)

  I swapped cars with a friend for few days and there were times I was afraid 

to pull out into traffic with his normally-aspirated Miata.  Horsepower is 

addictive...



Regards,

The (intercoolers are cool) BirdMeister

P.S. Try throwing the challenge "Your car suffers from turbo lag!" to the 

owner of a Porsche 911 Turbo...