Intercooler black paint experiment

[Halon]

Thought this was interesting and worth sharing.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f1QL9veQaNg

f1QL9veQaNg






CLIFF NOTES.

Tested the temp in vs. temp out on an intercooler using a hair drier (simulate hot air coming from turbo) and thermal couples. Tested with no air flowing across the outside of the FMIC, then was tested with air flowing across it (using a radiator fan). Temps were measure in CELCIUS.

Bare Alum IC = 38* drop in temp with no airflow, 100* drop in temp with airflow
Black Spray Painted IC = 77* drop in temp with no airflow, 97* drop in temp with airflow.

Black performed significantly better with no airflow, both performed pretty much identical (marginal difference) w/ airflow.

Note that when they painted the outside of the FMIC, they don't appear to just shoot a light coat either. They prime and spray paint it with what appears to be a pretty healthy coat. Even blew the paint with a blower to try and get it as deep into the fins as possible

[Kracka]

Interesting! Thanks for sharing.

[goodhart]

Watched this last week. Pretty primitive way of testing, but it's gotta count for something!

[scheides]

LOL @ hairdrier being part of the tool kit in the miata!

Interesting results with no airflow, didn't expect that much difference but the science is def there.

Results with airflow: not surprising.

[cmspaz]

Results with airflow: not surprising.
I'm with Scheides on this.

If there were any substantial performance or efficiency gain at all from this, all of our OE units would be black, radiators too. It isn't like this is brand-new technology that is just being implemented.

[A//// Guy]

Interesting results for sure, especially with no airflow. Real life engine tests would be another story I think, would be interesting to see.

[Halon]

I'm with Scheides on this.

If there were any substantial performance or efficiency gain at all from this, all of our OE units would be black, radiators too. It isn't like this is brand-new technology that is just being implemented.

Geez not trying to start a debate or argument here, just thought I'd share the vid as I thought it was interesting, that's all. Never said it was some kinda new technology, just sharing stuff I found interesting.


FWIW, the two heat exchangers that came OEM on my car are black.

[polishmafia]

Screw you guys! I'm going to go paint my intercooler neon green!

[A//// Guy]

Geez not trying to start a debate or argument here, just thought I'd share the vid as I thought it was interesting, that's all. Never said it was some kinda new technology, just sharing stuff I found interesting.


FWIW, the two heat exchangers that came OEM on my car are black.

I agree, plus the amount of money spent from the factory to coat parts black would add up. Being that stock applications are usually held back from maximum performance, I doubt manufacturers would see any value in spending that additional expense anyway.

[Kracka]

Most OEM radiators, oil coolers, etc. are black or close to it.