DEI CryO2 Test - Cold Front

The aftermarket is chock full of individual bolt-on parts and multi-leveled systems designed for making the big steam we covet. Bits that enhance intake airflow, volume, or air temperature are the go-to components for generating that sacred horsepower. When taking a closer look at the nuances of intake air for our Mustangs' powerplants, we've learned that increased density is a major criteria for posting big power numbers at the feet.

Power adders such as nitrous oxide, as well as forced-induction systems like turbochargers and superchargers, are the popular methods of simultaneously increasing a Mustang engine's intake-air density and volume. A fast, cold air charge basically mixes with fuel and allows more oxygen to enter the combustion chamber, which in turn promotes a more-powerful combustion event by eliminating the pre-ignition that is a byproduct of increased cylinder pressure. The result, of course, is more horsepower, which we all agree is good.

Enterprising 'Stangbangers use small shots of nitrous oxide plumbed into the intake airstream of their supercharged Steeds as a way to give air-to-air 'coolers a little help and eek more horses out of their blown combinations. While it's a method that certainly does work, we recently conducted a cold-air test that highlighted another process, namely spraying liquid carbon dioxide directly on an air-to-air intercooler's core.

Design Engineering Incorporated's CryO2 Intercooler Sprayer Kit (PN 080108; $541.52) brings this CO2 "freeze" technology to supercharged 'Stangs in the form of an all-inclusive package designed for small- or large-sized, air-to-air intercoolers. The kit, which we installed and worked with at GTR High Performance in Rancho Cucamonga, California, actually proved to be a more-effective, cost-conscious strategy for improving the intercooler's efficiency.

So that's your brief overview of the details that lie ahead in the following photos, captions, and dyno and temperature information. Read on and learn how cryo cooling is a great option to consider (over nitrous) for your blown Pony's air-to-air 'cooler.

Horse Sense: When it comes to pre-'11 Mustangs, just trying to keep up with the mega-impressive Coyote 5.0s is becoming a tall order. As many of you know, thanks to the addition of Fox and '01 Bullitt project 'Stangs, our pre-'11 upgrade game is pretty tight. So while keeping up definitely isn't easy at this stage in our wonderful hobby's life, believe we're now working harder to stay on top of the latest and greatest for late-model 'Stangs.

On The Dyno

However, despite enabling the intercooler to transfer heat better, we also noticed that the spray-cooling process is somewhat short lived, especially when it's used manually. Using a throttle-position-style activator is probably the most optimal method of triggering the CryO2 system for use on the dyno, or high-end freeway blasts and such.

When firing the unit with a button, the drag-race environment is perfect for cryo-cooling an air-to-air intercooler. A couple of shots right before staging a supercharged Pony is a sure way to leave the line with big steam.