Hi Guys and Girls,

I have completed a sucessful prototype replacement inlet manifold for the 3rd Gen V6s and am turning my attention to the rest of the family to see if it can be readily adapted.

What I do know about the 12v motor's plenum: I have one to play with, it's got variable runners, the tb is on the driver's side, the bolt pattern fits the 3rd gens 65mm tb - the bore is too small to accept it without machining.

Anyhow, the cost of changing the lower manifold flange, swapping the TB flange side and reattaching will easily bring to cost upto the $1000 mark for a completed unit.

So could I get people to reply to the poll so I know if this is worth doing - given that a $1000 manifold might double the value of some of the 2nd gens I've seen near my place.

Thanks, look forward to people's thoughts on the idea/project. Ian. :cool:

Have you got any old castings i could modify?

Whats it need?

TB relocated to drivers side... can do.

cut lower flange off plennum and weld on plate/adapter to suit 2nd gen lower inlet tract.
bracket/tapped holes for throttle cable. can do

Will look tommorrow/ but much work involved in the variable inlet butterflys/motor?

Would like to work with you as much as possible on this.... Cheers Dan

Just going on the general consensus here there wouldnt be a HUGE amount of takers...
I reckon someone like mytsgt95 might be keen as he wants to really mod his SOHC out.
But yeah even if i was keeping my SOHC $1K is a lot of money for what in essence is a $1500 car

The old casting went back into the fire for reincarnation. The variable butterflies would be scrapped/not used. Does this upset the cars not having the butterflies open at higher rpm - in that do general running, engine fault codes or other bad things happen?

Change base flange, swap sides with TB and End cap, consider location of TB cable bracket (if there is one on the 2nd Gs), support bracket/s.

I would like to cast eyes on some cars with strut braces if anyone can oblique here in the thread - to check clearances etc.

Any Newcastle members here??


Have you got any old castings i could modify?

Whats it need?

TB relocated to drivers side... can do.

cut lower flange off plennum and weld on plate/adapter to suit 2nd gen lower inlet tract.
bracket/tapped holes for throttle cable. can do

Will look tommorrow/ but much work involved in the variable inlet butterflys/motor?

Would like to work with you as much as possible on this.... Cheers Dan

I can take some pictures of strut brace clearance for you if you like. Wont be till late sunday/monday though?

Cant help with the strut brace, but can take some photos of general fitment and other things if that helps? in jector clearance /rails etc etc...

I can take some pictures of strut brace clearance for you if you like. Wont be till late sunday/monday though? That'd be great!


injector clearance /rails etc etc... Yes please.

have tried what you are doing, got a manifold, re machined it internally to remove the butterflys etc etc.

Found the mid range to be absolutely horrible. Bottom and top end were better but midrange was dead as a door nail.

I understnad the dynamics of what you are doing and the fact I was using a highly modified std manifold which is not the ideal, a cast set up may work but keep in mind the ECU is set up to deliver timing and fuel with the variable set up.

i have run one of these with a similar set up and an aftermarket ecu, this made a significant difference however this is agian pricy and illegal if you want to look to the EPA etc

That's why we should try it on someone else' car!! lol

The enlarged plenum and dual runners per cylinder will get plenty of mid-top range air in but the timing/fueling needs consideration. What did you AFR's look like pre and post tune?

Here are some pics....

as tufftr said i am serious but $1000 is a bit much unless you can prove it has some decent improvements. i can get cams for that. thats just my 2 cents.