The air con needs to work fractionally harder not only due to the condensor now being shielded by the intercooler which reduces the airflow, but also because the consensor will suffer heat soak being placed next to the radiator.
In everyday driving conditions, you'd struggle to notice any difference - you may notice a slight dip in ac performance when stationary or in slow moving traffic when airflow is at it's minimum.
Only a very small compromise though when compared to the benefits of the fmic.
I am just referring to a discussion I had with Tim - he mentioned a possible 2 degree drop in AC temp at the vents with this. Of course depends on conditions. Such is his rep I am quite happy to give it a go assuming I can get this S60 extracted from Qatar
Where is AC is fitted, all of our (Volvo) intercooler/radiators/condensers are squashed up together with the possible exception of Claymore. For my S70 I have some 12 mm (?) spacers to move the intercooler away from the radpack a little
Agree there are better positions for intercoolers though my 5 turbo has an twin fan alloy radiator at the front and the Renault Sport intercooler at the back - good for an 8 degree drop in water temps.....can't find the AC.....
Last edited by jamesy12345; Tuesday 12th August 2014 at 09:42.
FWIW, my climate temp setting was always set to 22*C as that was the most comfortable.
Now it's set to 24*C!
The condensor does not suffer from heat soak as much as you think because with the FMIC installed you have to remove all the plastic side and top bits that trap all the air, especially the large piece that was attached to the cross member.
Heat is no not trapped and I suppose air flow is improved with the larger holes on the FMIC.
Either way, I've had to turn up the Climate temp to keep the car comfortable inside. At 22*C it's a little too cold and uncomfortable!
Other ppl that have had the TW FMIC fitted have also noiticed the same.
Also remember that even thou the condensor is now sandwiched between the Rad and IC, it's now sitting closer to the Rad fan. I suppose this means more air is able to contact the condensor from the fan when stationary.
I also gave the condensor a good clean with a brush and water and also some degreaser. It was about 40% clogged up with dust and dirt before hand.
Last edited by LeeT5; Tuesday 12th August 2014 at 09:48. Reason: missing info
2014 V60 Polestar 6spd Auto :: Polestar map peak boost 17.4psi :: IPD 3" DP + 150cel :: Polestar 2.5" exhaust :: Paddle Shift Geartronic :: Black glass :: Maxton Splitter :: K+N Filter :: IPD Aluminium Top engine mount :: Brembo 6 pots :: 20" Polestar rims :: Brembo 371mm floating discs :: Sensus RTi + DAB + BT + WIFi :: D3S XENARC 6000k Active bending headlights
The ac condensor is always fitted at the very front of the rad pack, the S60R does have the smaller supplementary intercooler that sits in front of the condensor.
22 degreesC isn't cold btw
Vent temperature should be 5-6 degree celcius...unless you're in mine
I suggest testing the vent temp with a digital probe just to compare.
Last edited by stephenevans99; Tuesday 12th August 2014 at 09:51.
2014 V60 Polestar 6spd Auto :: Polestar map peak boost 17.4psi :: IPD 3" DP + 150cel :: Polestar 2.5" exhaust :: Paddle Shift Geartronic :: Black glass :: Maxton Splitter :: K+N Filter :: IPD Aluminium Top engine mount :: Brembo 6 pots :: 20" Polestar rims :: Brembo 371mm floating discs :: Sensus RTi + DAB + BT + WIFi :: D3S XENARC 6000k Active bending headlights
stephenevans99 (Tuesday 12th August 2014)
it's not a swiss watch - it's a closed loop control system with some lag in feedback. The ac will work by monitoring cabin temp then blasting out (much) colder air from the vents until the temperature sensors see the requested value
Assuming the AC is working 'better' then this air will be colder for a short time even without moving the dial from 22 or whatever
2014 V60 Polestar 6spd Auto :: Polestar map peak boost 17.4psi :: IPD 3" DP + 150cel :: Polestar 2.5" exhaust :: Paddle Shift Geartronic :: Black glass :: Maxton Splitter :: K+N Filter :: IPD Aluminium Top engine mount :: Brembo 6 pots :: 20" Polestar rims :: Brembo 371mm floating discs :: Sensus RTi + DAB + BT + WIFi :: D3S XENARC 6000k Active bending headlights
Lol....been in the freezer?
Err, no! I got in my car, stuffed the sensor in the vent, started my car and idled for five minutes then checked temp. The meter is sat on my left leg in the car. The meter was pulled out a draw from my garage.
There's not a fridge or freezer for 50yds!
its very accurate too. Shoots up to 30*C as soon as you touch the end. Reading is instant and digital.
Last edited by LeeT5; Tuesday 12th August 2014 at 16:38.
2014 V60 Polestar 6spd Auto :: Polestar map peak boost 17.4psi :: IPD 3" DP + 150cel :: Polestar 2.5" exhaust :: Paddle Shift Geartronic :: Black glass :: Maxton Splitter :: K+N Filter :: IPD Aluminium Top engine mount :: Brembo 6 pots :: 20" Polestar rims :: Brembo 371mm floating discs :: Sensus RTi + DAB + BT + WIFi :: D3S XENARC 6000k Active bending headlights
Excellent results then... Well done. I must be wrong saying the ac is less efficient with the condenser next to the rad. Learn something new every day.
Last edited by Harvey; Tuesday 12th August 2014 at 19:35.
Good write up Lee.
I think personally i'll keep the R as it is and have a holiday instead.lol
Jimmie (Tuesday 12th August 2014)
Great write up Lee. You have given me a few pointers with some of my issues. Got car going to Volvo for a smoke test. Dreading the results for that......... Am going to check those little one way vac valves though. Might be a cheap fix!!
Me: 2005 V70 2.4 T5 SE. All standard.
The Wife: 2008 C70 2.5 T5 SE. All standard.
LeeT5 (Wednesday 13th August 2014)
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