Tube and Fin or Bar and Plate?

[Bhamsan]

I've asked this question in multiple threads about aftermarket SMICs, since they have been coming out all at once. What is the difference between and tube and fin and bar and plate? Which one is better? Of the SMICs out there, which are which? I'd like to know, because I am planning on upgrading and I want to make sure I don't buy the wrong kind. Thanks.

[warrier04]

i asked turbohoses this same question, and the response i got was along the lines of this:

tube and fin is lighter (weight-wise), but that's negligible.
tube and fin heatsoaks quicker than bar and plate.

not alot of info, but enough for some to make a decision.

drew.

[protegeV]

the concenesus is pretty much that Bar&plate is better but is also more expensive...

[warrier04]

the concenesus is pretty much that Bar&plate is better but is also more expensive...
agreed. forgot to add that ...

[protegeV]

That was really just a blanket Statement. There are many opinions on Tube&Fin versus Bar&Plate. What I have heard many many times is that While Tube&Fin is cheaper, lighter, and may actually cool better, it doesnt stand up to high pressure applications, nor can it take abuse from road debris.

Bar&plate core on left, Tube&fin core on right
http://www.are.com.au/techtalk/tti01a.JPG

Bar & plate
http://www.mr2sc.com/websites/Products/Intercooler%20-%20Spearco%20IC%20Top.jpg

Tube & Fin
http://wrx.anastrophe.com/glamtech/toaster.jpg

[Bhamsan]

Thanks Ray, thats pretty much what I was looking for. Where were you on those other threads I asked this question!?! Haha, good info!

[EvilMSP]

Ah very interesting indeed, and great pics btw.

When you say tube and fin is not meant for high pressure applications what do you mean exactly. Is it a PSI thing? A horsepower thing? Like if you go +300 hp it looses its effeciency?

[Metal MP5]

I was shown the difference in person and i didn't hesitate to go with bar and plate. It seems like a logical choice =)

[protegeV]

Ah very interesting indeed, and great pics btw.

When you say tube and fin is not meant for high pressure applications what do you mean exactly. Is it a PSI thing? A horsepower thing? Like if you go +300 hp it looses its effeciency?has to do with pressure. It might only take 5psi to hit 300 on a GM 3.8V6, whereas it will take 20psi on an FS-DE...
just look at the cross section of the cores in the first pic and it is obvious that the bar&plate will withstand a lot higher PSI. ;)

[EvilMSP]

Oh yeah I definetly get what you mean. I just wanted a little clarification and now I get it. Muchas Gracias.

[protegeV]

no prob bob ;)

[EvilMSP]

Oooh you chainged you avatar, good improvement (you post whore :))

[protegeV]

(werd) "the orracle" prompted me to do it, he has a nice avatar also :D

[wicked]

don't forget to mention bar and plate flows considerably better then tube and fin.

[Notorious]

In a tube and fin IC, the tubes are ROUND. this makes it so that in a given height, you have less surface area. Bar and plate is SQAURE, which has more surface area than a same height circle. The fins on an IC are flat on the bottom. With a Bar and Plate, its SQAURE tubes will contact the fins more.

0.5*3.14 = 1.57 tube/fin
0.5*4=2 bar/plate

both are the same height, the contact area on the bar/plate is greater

the weight difference will be pretty much unnoticable