Air to air Intercooler core vs Air / Water charge cooler cor

[4agedub]

Is there a significant difference in the physical core between an air/air intercooler and air/water charge cooler core?
I understand that the charge cooler is boxed off and fed with water to cool it, but besides that is there any difference on the core itself?

Reason for the question, I want to modify my current air / air cooler and box it up to change to charge cooling with an ice box.

[petew]

Water to air intercoolers don't need to be as big. My engineer friend was telling me the other day, water is 30 times as effective at removing heat over air. You could box up your current intercooler, but it might be just as easy to grab something like these...

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from ... r&_sacat=0

You can pick them up for under $300 dollars in various sizes already done.

[fastfil]

Yes, the core itself is a different structure. WTA core has smaller coolant passages giving less restriction to intake flow.

[woodsbuggy1]

Not sure how your fuel tank is setup, but just curious if cooling the fuel would offer much benefit since fuel is much more dense than air. I plan to monitor my air to air intercooler efficiency next year since I will have the capability and water to air is not a viable option for me.
Good Luck
Kenric

[petew]

You should be able to put a large air to air intercooler on your buggy with fans on it too. Most of us with sedans don't have that opportunity.