Keeping the blower cool...

**Glenn_03Cobra** · 04-24-09, 10:28 AM

A common problem with Eaton Supercharged Cobras and Lightnings is heat soaking, which fades performance after multiple runs. I've been looking at the Killer Chiller concept as a solution for limiting increased intercooler fluid temperatures, while on the track or running through the twisties on the back roads. Kincaid Performance estimates that their Killer Chiller "system will lower your IC temps a minimum of 50-55 degrees F..." they go on to say, "...this will substantially lower your air charge temps, prevent power fade, and timing retard, not to mention help protect your supercharged engine from detonation!" Wow, there's a statement.

The Killer Chiller (KC) system feeds off of the air-conditioner lines to provide cooling to the intercooler fluid, which would explain the decrease in IC temps. Below are pictures of the KC kit and an installed KC in an 03/04 Cobra. The last picture is a diagram showing the flow of the system. As you will see in the diagram, the KC system is connected between the Eaton blower and the Heat Exchanger (HE). This is most likely to allow the HE to provide fluid cooling, while the air conditioner is off.

Kincaid Performance provides the parts necessary to install the KC.
[attachment=0:1hsxjghk]killerc_chiller_photo2_blu_bkg.jpg[/attachment:1hsxjghk]

To install the KC on an 03/04 Mustang Cobra, the bumper is removed to position the KC out of the way,
outside of the engine bay.
[attachment=1:1hsxjghk]0304_cobra_kc_install.gif[/attachment:1hsxjghk]

Notice that the KC is inline supporting the heat exchanger.
[attachment=2:1hsxjghk]advanced_kc_system.jpg[/attachment:1hsxjghk]

Over this past weekend, I had a conversation with Steve at True-Forged Wheels (TFW), who showed me an installed TFW cooling system, which re-locates the battery into the trunk providing space for the TFW main unit.

Over the next couple of months, I will continue my research on intercooler systems from companies such as Kincaid Performance and True-Forged Wheels. Watch for updates here. Feel free to comment or ask questions.

Killer Chiller information and pictures provided courtesy of Kincaid Performance.
More information can be found at http://www.killerchiller.com

**StangFreak** · 05-06-09, 07:36 PM

I've seen Steve's set up in action at one of RET's Dyno Days. He drove around the block and we all stuck our finger into the reservoir. I could not believe the water was ice cold.

**Powershift03** · 05-07-09, 10:31 AM

Glenn, my only issue with this is if you even run your car hard enough to worry about heat soak. I don't see you pushing the car enough to warrant this modification/expense. I mean, my car running the Whipple doesn't even need it. I think this is a good mod for someone who pushes their car to the limit on a regular basis.

**SVTRonDogg** · 05-07-09, 10:37 AM

A Heat Exchanger and Reservoir is more than enough.

If you want to drop the downstream temps further, port the Eaton or get a Whipple

**Glenn_03Cobra** · 05-07-09, 11:28 AM

You're right, I don't usually run the car hard, when we get together. I do like to push it but, only when I'm on the back roads with nobody around. After a few turns, I notice a performance decrease. Eventually, the car will see the road coarse and quarter mile; this mod is a good one for that.

There are other mods that I need first but, this one is definitely on the list for the future. I'll probably install an A/C assisted cooler rather than an ice box since, the added cooling is just a matter of turning on the A/C rather than stocking the box with ice. Plus, the price of an ice box and larger HE are close to the price of the A/C assisted unit that is more efficient and requires no maintenance. And, the Killer Chiller is tucked away, rather than moving things in the engine bay to make it fit.

I plan to investigate this further in the near future and will write something up on it... good discussion!

**Powershift03** · 05-07-09, 01:52 PM

The larger aftermarket "ice box" (intercooler reservoir) is not just for ice either. It also doubles the amount of intercooler coolant for the system. The larger aftermarket Heat Exchangers (such as the Dual Pass H/E) also hold significantly more fluid than the stock unit. Adding those two parts, along with a good head cooling mod, are basic/proven mods to help with the cooling issue. They are also easy to perform mods. Sometimes the "keep it simple" mods are the best thing you can do for your car.

Also... if your noticing a performance decrease after "only a few turns"... you may have another issue to address.

**Glenn_03Cobra** · 05-07-09, 02:55 PM

Brian... I'm not sure you understand that I started this thread as a general discussion topic and it was not intended to use my car as a subject since, it is basically stock. The A/C assisted mod is still considered new compared to the common mods (Resevoir / HE); it is still in the "proving" stage. Although I am interested in the unit, I do not yet have all the facts and have plenty of time before I make a purchase decision. However, since I had researched it, I wanted to share my findings here.

As a note... I'm talking about twisties in 1st and 2nd - the tach usually between 3k and 6k and long hard pulls out of the turns. The car gets a healthy workout and stays strong for the first few twisties. I plan to data log the event and have the results looked at. When I'm ready, I'll install the right mods and get the car tuned, which will ready the car for potential track events.

**Julie GT07CS** · 05-07-09, 09:44 PM

You guys crack me up! Why did you buy Whipple's when the Eaton's were good enough, huh???

This is the same type of mod to me, a bit of overkill but really cool to add.

**Powershift03** · 05-07-09, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by Julie_GT07CS

You guys crack me up! Why did you buy Whipple's when the Eaton's were good enough, huh???

This is the same type of mod to me, a bit of overkill but really cool to add.

LOL Julie, you are too funny.

Making the Whipple/ Eaton comparison isn't quite the same deal. And, who ever said an Eaton was "good enough" anyway? HA HA! A Whipple is just way more efficient than an Eaton, thus making a lot more power.

I'm not slamming the Killer Chiller. I know it can help, but I also know it's not cheap (around $800), and involves lots of electrical and pluming work. It also has the same end result as the two easier mods I mentioned.

A large intercooler reservoir, and a large dual pass heat exchanger, can be purchased for $500. Neither of those mods are too involved to perform either... you trade out the old part for new.

But, like you Glenn.. I would be interested to see performance figures from a reputable tuner on the Killer Chiller.

**Julie GT07CS** · 05-07-09, 10:43 PM

Hey, you know I am the official entertainment on here.

I vote they make those intercooler things bigger so you can pack a few drinks in there at the same time... :P

**Glenn_03Cobra** · 05-07-09, 11:45 PM

The KC is $649. Like anything else that is not mass produced and only one or two competitors, the price starts high. Perhaps we'll see the prices drop, which will offer more incentive to try it.