Air to Air Intercooler - Advise please

[StuB]

I've got a supercharged 2.8 BMW M52TU (dual vanos) running a Vortech V2SQ at 6 p.s.i. boost, seeing me to about 285 bhp.

Looking to increase boost to 7 p.s.i. (>300 bhp) and have been advised by ESS (the original supplier) to fit an intercooler. Their i/c sits on top of the engine and would require the removal of the strut brace - not an option for me.

I've looked at a number of a/a intercoolers and want a few pointers from anyone in the know, answers or views on the following;

Does the i/c sit between the air filter and the s/c or is it between the s/c and the throttle? Need to know to plan the routing. My guess is that it'd be more thermally efficient on the pressure side (after heat addition on compression)?

Are there any 'icing' problems to be expected running an i/c? I get a lot of issues on my bike which runs CV carbs and don't want this hassle with the car.

What tips can I get with respect to mounting the i/c? The car's a Z3 (no jokes please) and there's plenty of space in front of the rad behind the bumper.

I'd be happy to visit a few scrappies to look, but don't know what cars have suitable i/c's that would fit nicely behind the front bumper.

Anyone recommend a good source of large bore silocone hose/pipe? Not much available in Halfrauds etc.

Thanks

Stu

[StuB]

Thanks Guys.

Will look at dimensions possible now I know what to do about pipe routing. I have the car out today so will take some pics & send them soon Matt. I'll also look at prices in scrappies to compare with new/e-bay.

[StuB]

No BMW applications on the Vortech wesbite, but lots of bumf about why Air/Water are better (but I think there's a big weight/packaging issue here).

I'll keep looking at air/air for now and see what happens when we get it on a dyno again.