I just spent 2 hours or so of back-bending agonizing little gripping with the needle noze pliers to remove all the A/C Condensor fins in front of my intercooler and I can safely say that I noticed absolutely no difference and I'm glad I didn't try this on a good Condensor and risk ruining it.  (There are 2 sets of fins and to reach the 2nd set you must really put the needlenose far inbetween the tubes and bend them slightly, if your not careful it appears like there's risk of damaging the condensor.)

I even datalogged my HP/TQ with Datamaster laptop datalogger and the difference (if any) was so slight as to be negligible and within the realm of normal day to day variations.  I did clean my intercooler with solvent, gas, and water and tightened my intake hoses, seems like I'm getting maybe 0.5 - 1.0 PSI extra boost lately, might have had a slight leak before that I didn't know about.  I also put some plastic washers in the braindead design of "bolt the intake tube directly to the thermostat housing" to try and insulate the intake tube from heat; didn't seem to make any difference in performance or temperature; now I kind of feel like the intake tube gets hot from being directly over the turbine housing and downpipe; probably not much that can be done there short of heat insulating the intake tube itself.

So in summary, if you have your intercooler out and feel like having a sore back for a day or two after an agonizing 2 hours of bending over with a pliers, and you want every last bit of performance, you may want to try this mod.  Otherwise if you are expecting noticable seat of the pants difference; I'd recommend spending your time on something with higher potential return on investment.  The only caveat is I have only tested in 45*F weather; maybe there is more difference when it's warmer.

Josh

I did this mod last Friday.  I didn't notice any difference right away, it did take more than 2 hours, and yes my back was sore.  I did however start noticing a difference mainly when it got cooler out.  It's not seat of the pants but hey it's a free mod so why not.

Quote from: TookyCatI just spent 2 hours or so of back-bending agonizing little gripping with the needle noze pliers to remove all the A/C Condensor fins in front of my intercooler and I can safely say that I noticed absolutely no difference and I'm glad I didn't try this on a good Condensor and risk ruining it.  Josh

:roll:   That is some pretty strong opinions :lol:   Backing up to just logic, less air restriction over the intercooler will help more air flow over the intercooler and help it cool better, plain and simple :).  I did some tests (see quote below) on CFM (and AC SuperHeat readings, what you say, I have a degree in this stuff, this is the proper way to test an AC system) and there was little effect in AC capacity, you gotta think too that GM did NOT design the AC or the Condenser on the edge of it operational limits, there is plenty of leeway!  The last readings I did this summer (I already posted that info, not going to try and dig it out again just for this) and there was a drop in readings, some done in 40 degree weather, and some done in 98 degree weather.  Like others have said in the past, they found the AC Fins all smashed anyways, better to have some air than none!

Posted on May 13th 2003 and a few months before that:

Quote from: Jeff MAfter I did my black TGP here, ran some air flow tests on it, put a jumper on the fan relay socket to run the front fan (engine on so there is normal volts) and read around 150 cfm, then over 350 cfm with fins removed, it works.

Chill 8) , it was a good idea, but you don?t have to think so  :lol:

Jeff M

I double wrapped my intake to TBI pipe with heat resistant wrap and it did make a difference in the air temp once it reached the TBI. The pipe does get very warm before the wrap.

I did the A/C mod last year while I was cleaning all of the intake pipes and clamps. Was a big pain in the butt, and I did have to move around from my back being sore.

I also have the DEI intake tube cover kit on my upper intake pipe. Cost $50 at Summit Racing. Before the kit, the pipe would be pretty hot. After the kit, the pipe is nice and cold.

Tooky...do you have control of your secondary cooling fan by way of a manual switch or your MEMCal programmed to turn on much sooner than the stock settings? If you do not have air moving across the intercooler other than from the motion of the car...then no you will most likely not see a big difference. With the A/C fins removed and the secondary fan moving air from 100*F engine temp, I notice a signifigant charge air difference and reduced underhood temps. I have the numbers written down somewhere and will dig them up in the next couple of days. One other thing people may want to consider is chemical dipping the intercooler to remove the crappy paint that is on it. I would think the intercooler would wick more hot air away if that insulating layer of paint was not there... 8)

I did this mod when I replaced the crossover. I only removed the rear set of fins so that it is not noticeble from the front or when the intercooler is in place. I know I'm not geting as much cooling as possible but I agree with Jeff every little bit helps and my back is only half as sore. :lol:  Next I'm going to build a stainless heat sheild for the intake tube.

like i said before MOVE THE INTERCOOLER!

I did this mod to my STE and noticed a difference in cold weather.  But the warmer it gets, the less the removed fins seem to help.  Which makes sense because warmer air isn't going to cool the boosted air much.

It was kind of a PITA to do and does kind of hurt your back a little, but oh well, I'm 16, I think I can deal with it.

Shawn

I just had my condensor removed the other day. So it was a waste of time for me now that I look back on it  :oops:  :lol: