Aluminium Intake Manifold: Benefits & Install

The pursuit of enhanced engine performance often leads automotive enthusiasts to explore aftermarket components, and the aluminium intake manifold stands out as a significant upgrade within this realm. Edelbrock, a renowned manufacturer, produces aluminium intake manifolds designed to optimize airflow, thereby increasing horsepower and torque. Installing an aluminium intake manifold typically requires specific tools, including a torque wrench, to ensure proper sealing and prevent damage to the engine. Furthermore, the benefits of an aluminium intake manifold are most noticeable when paired with complementary modifications, such as performance cylinder heads, to maximize the engine’s overall efficiency.

Unpacking the Aluminium Intake Manifold: Benefits and Seamless Installation

An intake manifold is a critical component in your engine, responsible for evenly distributing the air/fuel mixture to each cylinder for combustion. Swapping a stock intake manifold for an aluminium intake manifold is a popular upgrade, and for good reason. This guide will provide a comprehensive look at the advantages of making this change and a step-by-step overview of the installation process.

Understanding the Role of the Intake Manifold

Before diving into the benefits of aluminium, let’s clarify the core function of the intake manifold. It acts as the delivery system for the engine’s air and fuel. Its design directly impacts the engine’s breathing, influencing horsepower, torque, and overall efficiency. A well-designed intake manifold ensures that each cylinder receives a consistent and optimal mixture, maximizing performance.

Aluminium vs. Other Materials: Why Choose Aluminium?

Intake manifolds can be manufactured from various materials, including plastic, cast iron, and, of course, aluminium. While plastic is lighter and cheaper, and cast iron is durable, aluminium offers a compelling balance of properties that make it a desirable choice for performance upgrades.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Weight Reduction: Aluminium is significantly lighter than cast iron, resulting in a lighter overall vehicle. This weight reduction contributes to improved handling, acceleration, and potentially even fuel economy.
• Improved Heat Dissipation: Aluminium dissipates heat more efficiently than plastic or cast iron. This is crucial because a cooler intake charge is denser and contains more oxygen, leading to improved combustion efficiency and power output.
• Durability & Longevity: While not as robust as cast iron against direct impact, aluminium intake manifolds are resistant to corrosion and can withstand the rigors of engine bay conditions for many years.
• Flow Dynamics: Aluminium allows for smoother internal surfaces during manufacturing, promoting better airflow compared to cast iron or some plastic manifolds. This translates into improved engine breathing and performance gains.

Key Benefits of an Aluminium Intake Manifold

Switching to an aluminium intake manifold can unlock a variety of performance enhancements. These include:

1. Increased Horsepower and Torque: The improved airflow and cooler intake charge contribute to more efficient combustion, resulting in noticeable gains in horsepower and torque, particularly in the mid-to-high RPM range.
2. Enhanced Throttle Response: The lighter weight and optimized airflow characteristics often translate into a snappier throttle response, making the car feel more responsive and engaging to drive.
3. Improved Fuel Efficiency: While primarily a performance upgrade, the more efficient combustion process can also lead to a slight improvement in fuel efficiency, especially under consistent driving conditions.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: An aluminium intake manifold adds a visual upgrade to the engine bay, providing a clean and performance-oriented look. Many aftermarket options are available in polished or powder-coated finishes to further enhance the appearance.

Installing Your Aluminium Intake Manifold: A Step-by-Step Guide

The installation process can vary slightly depending on the specific vehicle and intake manifold design, but the core steps remain similar. It’s recommended that you consult your vehicle’s service manual and the specific instructions provided with your new intake manifold. It is always advisable to disconnect the negative battery terminal before working on your vehicle.

1. Preparation:

   • Gather all necessary tools, including wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, and potentially a torque wrench.
   • Carefully review the installation instructions provided with your new manifold.
   • If you aren’t comfortable doing the install yourself, consider consulting a professional mechanic.

2. Removing the Stock Intake Manifold:

   • Disconnect: Disconnect any sensors, vacuum lines, fuel lines, and throttle cables attached to the original intake manifold.
   • Remove: Carefully unbolt and remove the stock intake manifold. Take photos as you disassemble to remember how everything goes back together.
   • Clean: Thoroughly clean the intake manifold mounting surface on the cylinder head to ensure a proper seal with the new manifold.

3. Installing the Aluminium Intake Manifold:

   • Install Gaskets: Install the new intake manifold gaskets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure they are properly seated to prevent leaks.
   • Mount Manifold: Carefully position the new aluminium intake manifold onto the cylinder head.
   • Tighten Bolts: Tighten the manifold bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings in the correct sequence. This is crucial for even pressure and a leak-free seal. Typically there will be an instruction that will say "Starting with the middle bolts, tighten each bolt in a circular motion from the middle, outward" or something similar.
   • Reconnect: Reconnect all sensors, vacuum lines, fuel lines, and throttle cables that were previously disconnected. Double-check that everything is securely attached.

4. Post-Installation Checks:

   • Inspect: Carefully inspect all connections for any leaks or loose fittings.
   • Start Engine: Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises or vacuum leaks.
   • Test Drive: Take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure proper performance and identify any potential issues.
   • Re-torque (if required): After the initial test drive, re-torque the intake manifold bolts if recommended by the manufacturer.

Important Considerations

• Compatibility: Ensure the aluminium intake manifold is compatible with your specific vehicle make, model, and engine.
• Tuning: Depending on the design of the new manifold, you might need to adjust your engine’s tuning to optimize performance and avoid potential issues. Consider consulting with a qualified tuner.
• Accessories: Check if you need to purchase any additional accessories, such as new gaskets, bolts, or fittings, to complete the installation.

By understanding the benefits and following the correct installation procedures, you can successfully upgrade to an aluminium intake manifold and unlock improved performance for your vehicle.

So, there you have it! An aluminium intake manifold can really give your engine a performance boost and improve its overall efficiency. While the install might seem a little daunting, with the right tools and a bit of patience, it’s totally achievable. Happy wrenching, and enjoy the enhanced performance from your new aluminium intake manifold!