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So, @Squatch got the opportunity to test out the CVF intercooler.
It took: finding my OBDII reader; not trusting it over Bluetooth; downloading and paying for FORScan; and, careful test track selection.
…then, it took a lot of removing aftermarket parts, cursing, bloody knuckles, and more cursing.
Overall, I’m really happy with it and as soon as I can remember that it’s exactly where the stock intercooler was then I’ll drive in the rain again… kidding… kinda… still feels exposed.
My 2022 Bronco Badlands - 2.3L 7MT
Relevant Mods:
Rough Country Hidden Winch
Smittybilt X2O GEN3 12K WINCH WITH SYNTHETIC ROPE
CVF Intercooler:
Love how thick it is compared to stock, but that led to a big mistake. I didn’t realize I would have to remove the bumper to take off the Active Grille Shutters—thanks, Ford Rockstars. Fortunately, I don’t have ACC or other junk so once I rescheduled time to install it, everything went smoothly.
Installation Notes:
So, I have made it overly complicated for myself due to the Hidden Winch. However, it is really straight-forward otherwise.
Follow virtually any front skid plate removal, then you will see one of these bad boys hanging down on each side that supports the intercooler.
*I, simply, had to support the winch plate and remove bolts for it reversing the Hidden Winch install instructions.
You MUST remove the bumper to remove the Active Shutters. Bad Ford, bad! That did require unplugging the connector and since I don't have ACC I did not have to reconnect anything, but you may.
You have to reuse some parts like the flippy-flappies that were on the backside of the stock intercooler. There is one screw and it hates you. PB Blaster on removal, had to chase the threads on the new intercooler because the thread tolerances… well, they are intolerant. Otherwise, a few simple plastic slot-tab pairs.
The rubber isolator mounts… duh, right? (It's largely straight-forward)
My personal issues:
I have the Rough Country Hidden Winch installed with a heavy Smittybilt “X2O GEN3 12K WINCH WITH SYNTHETIC ROPE” on the plate. Yes, I had to use a jack to lower it each time and pull slack out and winch it back in… I did it to myself, I know.
*that jack has been around since before they stopped making Broncos
Regular install is just a quick slip of the factory skid plate and everything is right there like that one house that leaves a giant bowl of candy out for Halloween—much faster.
Testing:
Format:
Okay, so I tried my best to really wind out the engine, but it’s not a drag racer and the amount of “runway” you need to get to triple digit speeds is a ton! So, I have repeatable results from about 20-80 MPH(I made about 7-8 passes each, stock and CVF, then kept the 3-4 most reliable). Basically, hot and heavy with cool-downs in between. An hour-plus slog through traffic in 85+ and humid would be cool to log, but the data output is just too cumbersome.
Results:
As you can see, there’s a 31 degree drop in temps. I don’t have all the data this polished because FORScan collects a ton and it can be a pain to sift through.
*Matrix GIF
I did, however, look at enough of the raw numbers to know to expect 25 degrees plus, but this was even better!
My Bronco lives in hot and humid Miami, so your results may vary, but I believe in torture testing and this CVF intercooler definitely put a smile on my face.
***Stay tuned for my review of the CVF charge pipes! Hint: woosh!***
It took: finding my OBDII reader; not trusting it over Bluetooth; downloading and paying for FORScan; and, careful test track selection.
…then, it took a lot of removing aftermarket parts, cursing, bloody knuckles, and more cursing.
Overall, I’m really happy with it and as soon as I can remember that it’s exactly where the stock intercooler was then I’ll drive in the rain again… kidding… kinda… still feels exposed.
My 2022 Bronco Badlands - 2.3L 7MT
Relevant Mods:
Rough Country Hidden Winch
Smittybilt X2O GEN3 12K WINCH WITH SYNTHETIC ROPE
CVF Intercooler:
Love how thick it is compared to stock, but that led to a big mistake. I didn’t realize I would have to remove the bumper to take off the Active Grille Shutters—thanks, Ford Rockstars. Fortunately, I don’t have ACC or other junk so once I rescheduled time to install it, everything went smoothly.
Installation Notes:
So, I have made it overly complicated for myself due to the Hidden Winch. However, it is really straight-forward otherwise.
Follow virtually any front skid plate removal, then you will see one of these bad boys hanging down on each side that supports the intercooler.
*I, simply, had to support the winch plate and remove bolts for it reversing the Hidden Winch install instructions.
You MUST remove the bumper to remove the Active Shutters. Bad Ford, bad! That did require unplugging the connector and since I don't have ACC I did not have to reconnect anything, but you may.
You have to reuse some parts like the flippy-flappies that were on the backside of the stock intercooler. There is one screw and it hates you. PB Blaster on removal, had to chase the threads on the new intercooler because the thread tolerances… well, they are intolerant. Otherwise, a few simple plastic slot-tab pairs.
The rubber isolator mounts… duh, right? (It's largely straight-forward)
My personal issues:
I have the Rough Country Hidden Winch installed with a heavy Smittybilt “X2O GEN3 12K WINCH WITH SYNTHETIC ROPE” on the plate. Yes, I had to use a jack to lower it each time and pull slack out and winch it back in… I did it to myself, I know.
*that jack has been around since before they stopped making Broncos
Regular install is just a quick slip of the factory skid plate and everything is right there like that one house that leaves a giant bowl of candy out for Halloween—much faster.
Testing:
Format:
Okay, so I tried my best to really wind out the engine, but it’s not a drag racer and the amount of “runway” you need to get to triple digit speeds is a ton! So, I have repeatable results from about 20-80 MPH(I made about 7-8 passes each, stock and CVF, then kept the 3-4 most reliable). Basically, hot and heavy with cool-downs in between. An hour-plus slog through traffic in 85+ and humid would be cool to log, but the data output is just too cumbersome.
Results:
As you can see, there’s a 31 degree drop in temps. I don’t have all the data this polished because FORScan collects a ton and it can be a pain to sift through.
*Matrix GIF
I did, however, look at enough of the raw numbers to know to expect 25 degrees plus, but this was even better!
My Bronco lives in hot and humid Miami, so your results may vary, but I believe in torture testing and this CVF intercooler definitely put a smile on my face.
***Stay tuned for my review of the CVF charge pipes! Hint: woosh!***
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