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Is it possible to paint an intercooler without obstructing it's heat-exchange abilities? Would a regular flat black high temp paint work?

I wouldn't recommend it. Any type of coating on top of the metal would act as a thermal insulator. Probobly wouldn't effect it too much, but still would nonetheless.

Mark,

Indeed. . . even the aftermarket ones that like to slather their logos all over everything are VERY minimal with the paint they put on there. Usually it's just enough to get the message across and nothing more.

Some people intentionally paint heat exchangers with a thin layer of properly black paint since it's supposed to improve heat transfer. Just as many people say it's a bad idea since the paint insulates it a little.

Maybe you could look for a type of paint with a relatively high thermal conductivity?

I wouldnt paint it.

However if you do plan to see what Radiators are coated with. Its black and transfers heat well.

yeah....wouldn't paint it.

I can give you a very technical explanation if you'd like....

Ok,

What about The plastic end tanks of the Saab 900 I/C?
Has anyone considered that idea?

If someone were to prep them right to get it to hold, and maybe some high heat caliper paint or something. Would that make the intercooler perform worse?

I don't know If it's worth it to have your engine bay decorated up, some would call it rice, but some people, namingly myself wouldn't mind having something to show off, As long as it's in good taste.

i just wanted to get a front mount intercooler to keep my stock appearance, but it'll be hard to hide a huge silver intercooler hanging out behind my bumper

what about anodization?

THAWA wrote:what about anodization?

$$$$ for something that size


So Laurel, you're already thinking aftermarket FMIC as opposed to the stock TMIC setup?

here's someplace that does it, just a quick search so I'd shop around.

What if you just painted the front of the IC? wouldn't still work because the paint wouldn't cover all the little fins and stuff that the air flows past?

Isn't the front of the IC what gets most of the wind/heat exchanging? What you can do if that other stuff is too expensive or is too much trouble, is get a screen and paint that, then attach that infront of the I/C. Dunno if that would give you enough of the effect you are looking for though. I believe someone did this with a tmic or soemthing.

Black body emitter?

i thought about a screen. that may be what i'll have to do, though I really dislike the look of chickenwire on cars

well not that big, try one of the smaller hole'd screens, like something you'd get from home depot maybe?

NO.

McMaster-Carr has this great hexagon hole aluminum (if I remember right) sheet that would be perfect for grille work and much higher quality than that cheap rice shit. More like stuff you'd find on exotics if you painted it black. You can get it in various sizes, I remember 1/4" holes were an option I was looking at. They have other perforated metals, too, but this doesn't restrict airflow as much.

Steve

grills are so sick though..

i wish there was just another way to do it....

Maybe if you scorched it with a torch? Oh, wiat that soot would insulate...

Steve

APS in OZ make stealth i/c.

http://www.airpowersystems.com.au/wrx/f ... cooler.htm

I've decided to paint my intercooler with a high temp aluminum paint. Actually it's the engine paint. It's all about the looks.

I still say it will insulate it and prevent heat transfer.

ciper wrote:I still say it will insulate it and prevent heat transfer.

Insulate in a good way? I'm confused.

$J-MoNeY-$ wrote:

ciper wrote:I still say it will insulate it and prevent heat transfer.

Insulate in a good way? I'm confused.

No

With an intercooler, you WANT a good heat exchange. That's what the thing's for. Hot air travels THROUGH the IC piping and is cooled by the outside air travelling OVER it.

If it's insulated, cold air will be kept out, and the hot air will continue through to the intake. . . . BAD.