I want to say MalcolmV8 and James at Cobra Engineering both compared the two ICs. I no longer have the hard numbers but, I seem to recall the VMP unit was a definite step in the right direction. Check out both their YouTube channels and I think you'll find additional information, Justin.
Stock intercooler vs VMP intercooler
Hi there, just wondering is the stock intercooler really that much of a restriction as far as getting air through it? Is the upgrade worth it? I don't see a lot of data on it or threads out there about a before and after.
www.vmpperformance.com
VMP by PWR '03-'04 Cobra Terminator 87 mm Race Intercooler core
VMP by PWR 03-04 Cobra "Terminator" intercooler core upgradeDirect replacement with stock-sized flow tubes (PN: VMP-SUC030)Transition flow tubes available for other brand 1" lines (PN: VMP-SUC043)Bar and plate style for efficiency and durability87mm thick core for the best cooling performance13%...
www.vmpperformance.com
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That all makes sense now, Steve. At first, I thought I missed something in one of the posts, and then I was beginning to think you might be clairvoyant! 
Your experience with IAT2 temps with a 3.0L Whipple is spot on. The rotor profile used in the 3.0L blower is a more efficient profile with less leakage between the rotors and also the case, which produces a cooler, denser charge at any given overdrive. Your performance numbers are also spot on with what I would expect from the engine in a Terminator chassis.
The 3.4L rotor profile is two, perhaps three generations earlier than the 3.0L compressors. The difference in rotor profiles accounts for the higher discharge temps on the 3.4L blower compared to a 3.0lL rotor at the same boost level. Your observations about the launch and quarter mile temps indicate how much more efficient the 3.0L rotor profile is.
Although the final decision always rests with the car owner, I would seriously consider keeping the OEM intercooler and, instead of upgrading to a TVS blower and intercooler, putting a 3.0L Whipple on the engine. A new G3 TVS for a Terminator is $4,500. The excellent VMP intercooler with the Cobra Engineering coolant adapter is another $1,800 for a total major parts cost of $6,300.
By comparison, a 3.0L Whipple for a Terminator is also $6,300 and provides a much higher ultimate performance level for the car. I am not sure of the current retail value of a used 3.4L compressor, but it would impact either purchase decision similarly, reducing the out-of-pocket upgrade expense. Therefore, my admittedly biased opinion is the 3.0L Whipple would produce a better performance improvement for the same dollar spent.
Again, however, the final arbiter is the man writing the check and whatever he chooses is, by definition, best for his ride.
Your experience with IAT2 temps with a 3.0L Whipple is spot on. The rotor profile used in the 3.0L blower is a more efficient profile with less leakage between the rotors and also the case, which produces a cooler, denser charge at any given overdrive. Your performance numbers are also spot on with what I would expect from the engine in a Terminator chassis.
The 3.4L rotor profile is two, perhaps three generations earlier than the 3.0L compressors. The difference in rotor profiles accounts for the higher discharge temps on the 3.4L blower compared to a 3.0lL rotor at the same boost level. Your observations about the launch and quarter mile temps indicate how much more efficient the 3.0L rotor profile is.
Although the final decision always rests with the car owner, I would seriously consider keeping the OEM intercooler and, instead of upgrading to a TVS blower and intercooler, putting a 3.0L Whipple on the engine. A new G3 TVS for a Terminator is $4,500. The excellent VMP intercooler with the Cobra Engineering coolant adapter is another $1,800 for a total major parts cost of $6,300.
By comparison, a 3.0L Whipple for a Terminator is also $6,300 and provides a much higher ultimate performance level for the car. I am not sure of the current retail value of a used 3.4L compressor, but it would impact either purchase decision similarly, reducing the out-of-pocket upgrade expense. Therefore, my admittedly biased opinion is the 3.0L Whipple would produce a better performance improvement for the same dollar spent.
Again, however, the final arbiter is the man writing the check and whatever he chooses is, by definition, best for his ride.
Thank you for the insight Ed and Steve. My upper pulley is a Griptec 3.5" with a 6# (9.1" lower). I am leaning towards pulling the trigger on a 3.0L Whipple. I swear my 3.4 has got to be one of the first gens and changing spark plugs is a pain. So to hear Steve say the 3.0 Whipple is easier changing the plugs makes it way more appealing. Plus the new rotor pack like you mentioned Ed. What you said makes a lot of sense too Ed about breaking down the cost, would you guys get the race port on the 3.0 Whipple?
That all makes sense now, Steve. At first, I thought I missed something in one of the posts, and then I was beginning to think you might be clairvoyant!
Your experience with IAT2 temps with a 3.0L Whipple is spot on. The rotor profile used in the 3.0L blower is a more efficient profile with less leakage between the rotors and also the case, which produces a cooler, denser charge at any given overdrive. Your performance numbers are also spot on with what I would expect from the engine in a Terminator chassis.
The 3.4L rotor profile is two, perhaps three generations earlier than the 3.0L compressors. The difference in rotor profiles accounts for the higher discharge temps on the 3.4L blower compared to a 3.0lL rotor at the same boost level. Your observations about the launch and quarter mile temps indicate how much more efficient the 3.0L rotor profile is.
Although the final decision always rests with the car owner, I would seriously consider keeping the OEM intercooler and, instead of upgrading to a TVS blower and intercooler, putting a 3.0L Whipple on the engine. A new G3 TVS for a Terminator is $4,500. The excellent VMP intercooler with the Cobra Engineering coolant adapter is another $1,800 for a total major parts cost of $6,300.
By comparison, a 3.0L Whipple for a Terminator is also $6,300 and provides a much higher ultimate performance level for the car. I am not sure of the current retail value of a used 3.4L compressor, but it would impact either purchase decision similarly, reducing the out-of-pocket upgrade expense. Therefore, my admittedly biased opinion is the 3.0L Whipple would produce a better performance improvement for the same dollar spent.
Again, however, the final arbiter is the man writing the check and whatever he chooses is, by definition, best for his ride.
1 - 20 of 35 Posts
