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Monthly Archives: August 2021

  1. Renew, Reuse, Refresh - 2015+ MK7 Volkswagen Golf TSI/GTI/R Performance Intake Production Sample

    Renew, Reuse, Refresh - 2015+ MK7 Volkswagen Golf TSI/GTI/R Performance Intake Production Sample

    The cycle of innovation for the MK7 Golf's intake is approaching another full rotation, which can only mean one thing. Yes, we have the production level kit here in our R&D facility. We last left you with a 3D model and a sectioned-out prototype version of our design. Now though, we have the real deal, and we're stoked to show it off.

    Those following this blog might have already noticed that our production kit isn't far off from the aesthetics of our fitment prototype. This is all done on purpose, of course. Adding rotational molding to our manufacturing repertoire means that we can almost perfectly recreate our prototypes in production-level form. This round, however, the kit comes clad in cross-linked polypropylene (XLPE) for maximum strength and heat resistance.

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  2. Trickle Down Power - 2016+ Infiniti Q50/60 3.0T Performance Intercooler Design Plans and Prototypes

    Trickle Down Power - 2016+ Infiniti Q50/60 3.0T Performance Intercooler Design Plans and Prototypes

    Performance is hereditary at Nissan-Infiniti. These Infiniti Q's inherited some traits from the top dog, but only the ones that count. The Nissan GT-R, in all of its "affordable supercar" status, still commands a stratospheric price point while also still being a high-strung, needy performance vehicle. So, Infiniti took that heavy-hitting performance, toughened it up for daily duty, and slapped on a much more attainable price tag. This transformation didn't come without its sacrifices, though, specifically for the intercooling system. We're already on the case to improve the Q platform, but that doesn't happen without a plan.

    In our last post we covered all of the shortcomings in the VR30DDTT's air-to-water intercooling system, so now we know exactly where to start. First up is the size of the intercoolers.

    Air-to-water intercoolers cram a ton

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  3. Thermal Bypass Valves 101 - What are they and How do they Work

    Thermal Bypass Valves 101 - What are they and How do they Work

    The automatic transmission in your vehicle is practically the defining feature of the vehicle. The sturdy gear sets housed inside, transferring power from the engine, are the gatekeeper to hauling heavy payloads, traversing treacherous rock gardens, or setting blistering lap times. No matter how powerful your engine is, without the transmission, your vehicle is dead weight. 

    Where the transmission is the soul of your car, truck, or Jeep, keeping it cool can sometimes pose a challenge. True, there are many ways to maintain transmission fluid temperatures, but they won't do you any good if the fluid never makes it to the cooler. That's why a sturdy thermal bypass valve is essential for any automatic shifting performance vehicle.

    What is a thermal bypass valve? I'm glad you asked!

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  4. Mega Duty - 2017-2019 Chevrolet/GMC L5P 6.6L Duramax Aluminum Radiator Production Sample

    Mega Duty - 2017-2019 Chevrolet/GMC L5P 6.6L Duramax Aluminum Radiator Production Sample

    These Chevy L5P Duramaxes are designed for heavy-duty. It says so right on the badges stuck on the sides of the truck. GM did its best to prepare these trucks for the constant stress of heavy payloads and long hauls, but that still takes its toll on the cooling system. Luckily we have the perfect solution.

    In our last post, we revealed GM's enormous factory radiator and covered the trouble spots. How do you improve on an already gigantic radiator? Make it even more gigantic-er.

    Enhancing the size of this truck radiator was a tall order, given the

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  5. Righteous Pipes - 2017-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost/Raptor Turbo Inlet Tube kit Production Sample and Test Results

    Righteous Pipes - 2017-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost/Raptor Turbo Inlet Tube kit Production Sample and Test Results

    After ten years, it's not much of a surprise that the 3.5L EcoBoost is still sitting at the top of the F-150 food chain. These trucks pack gobs of power with plenty of potential for more right off of the factory floor. But, with big power comes big responsibility, and it's crucial to solidify your twin-turbo V6 to reach maximum potential. We've already overhauled the F-150's intake - now it's time to wrap up the inlet pipes.

    Designing intake components is always a delicate balance between fit and function. On the one hand, we want to engineer these inlet pipes for maximum flow. But, on the other hand, they still need to fit in the truck. With this in mind, our engineer, Ye, reached an equilibrium thanks to the use of rotational molded construction. This method gives Ye more freedom in the design phase when snaking our new inlet pipes through the intricacies of the Raptor's engine bay.

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  6. Ford Family Fun - 2020+ Ford Explorer ST Performance Intercooler Stock review and Design Plans

    Ford Family Fun - 2020+ Ford Explorer ST Performance Intercooler Stock review and Design Plans

    Spirited driving is now a family affair in a Ford. Ford needed a new herald for the ST badge since exiling their small car lineup to Europe and Australia. So, why not turn one of America's most popular SUVs into a performance machine? Thus, the Explorer ST was born. A 3-row monument to practicality now fitted with a heavy-hitting 3.0L twin-turbo EcoBoost, hunkered down suspension, and bolstered sport seats. From the factory, the Explorer ST already boasts enough grunt to shove you and the kids back in your seats, but we reckon there are more ponies to squeeze out, particularly through the intercooling system.

    Ever since Ford brought the EcoBoost engines to life in the early 2010s, enthusiasts have been on a quest for more boost. The downside to added boost pressure, however, is that it

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