Condenser/radiator air flow modification. Your thoughts ?

[roadman5312]

  Wanted to start a thread on this modification were trying on the Challenger and get your thoughts on it. Basically I'm attempting to seal the area (gap )  between the A/C condenser and radiator, both sides and top. My theory is at low speeds under 30 mph the condenser will loose some air flow because it will take the path of least resistance, pulling in thru the gap. At higher speeds the radiator will get more air because it can't escape thru the gap. I've wondered about this for years as I've installed and serviced A/C systems, and dealt with engine overheating problems. Either way I believe its a win/win because in effect most of the air is getting tunneled thru the cond/radiator. The shields attach to the front of the condenser and seal to the radiator support .  This gap was common practice for many years, but as I study cars/trucks built from the 90's thru today I see the mfgr. starting using various methods to seal this gap.  So, your thoughts .     

[brads70]

I too have been working on funneling the air so it has no where else to go but thru the rad. It can't hurt.....

[CudamanTom]

Looks to me it will work. 

But I slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night. 

Seriously. IMHO It should help I would think. Keep us posted. 

[YellowThumper]

I too will most likely be making panels to seal off open areas. My radiator has been moved off of the core support towards the engine by 2-1/2 inches. Created a pass thru for intercoolers. There will be somewhat of an experiment for this because I want to see how current setup cools first. Then seal off better if required after the turbos are installed.
There is an a/c condenser sandwiched in there also.
As it currently sits with a duel ele fan it has no issues cooling during hot driving days. But admittedly will be a different animal when turbos are mounted.

Mike



Mocked up with cold half duct work.

[Chryco Psycho]

the oppostie side of this is that at low speeds the A?c wil be more efficient but at the cost of cooler air to the rad so it could actually run hotter at low speed not being able to pull cooler air from the side of the rad behind the condenser so it will be interesting to see the results .

[YellowThumper]

Ultimately I believe better/worse cooling from one or the other will be a direct result of how easily the air will pass thru either core.
If the a/c condenser is a higher restriction then the radiator a lot of the air will end up bypassing (go around) it and engine will cool better because the easier flowing radiator will draw what it can no matter the path.
Now same restrictive flow a/c condenser with the perimeter shielded as you have indicated. You would now be limiting the amount of air flow allowed to the radiator. As long as it is able to out flow the a/c.

Now if the radiator is more restrictive then shielding or not should make no difference. I would assume this is not the case based on size and realistic overall cooling requirements.

Now on another note...
Obviously they are both there to disperse system heat. So you are cruising down the highway with the a/c blasting on a warm/hot day. Condenser is hot (doing its job) and the only air allowed to the radiator has been heated further. I believe there will be an issue cooling the engine at speed. If sides and top are left open the (easier flowing) radiator will draw thru a/c and additional air from around it that has not been heated from the a/c.

My assessment on the newer cars being sealed off is due to the fact we spend a lot of time with stop and go traffic. Sealing it off makes the a/c more efficient instead of the other way. Add in the electric fans and they can idle all day without issue.
Also all newer cars utilize an extensive amount of aluminum that dissipates heat everywhere better than the old iron.

My plan as noted earlier will be to seal off openings in stages. I will block the top opening between the core support and the rad. Sides are already sealed by the relocation brackets. If there is still temp issues I will fabricate a scoop for the lower opening to draw additional air in.
Intercoolers will remain un shielded. Basically sacrificing their efficiency to improve drive-ability.

Glad to know I am not the only one that has pondered this issue.

Mike.

[roadman5312]

the oppostie side of this is that at low speeds the A?c wil be more efficient but at the cost of cooler air to the rad so it could actually run hotter at low speed not being able to pull cooler air from the side of the rad behind the condenser so it will be interesting to see the results .

               I agree CP that is a possibility. I plan on using a mechanical temp gauge temporarily mounted under the dash when I start testing the car. As these are easily removed I can get accurate results with them on and off.

[roadman5312]

YellowThumper, glad someone else has pondered this theory. Another thing to consider.     With no shields the air that is pulled in between the cond/rad is only effecting the radiator on the very ends of the core and loosing some flow in the middle of the radiator. With the shields in place your in effect tunneling all the air threw both heat exchangers.  Just a thought.   

[Chryco Psycho]

Good so we have a definate answer soon !