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Polishing the Air Intake for performance

  • Thread starter Thread starter radtexas
  • Start date Start date Aug 16, 2006

radtexas

New Member
Jul 25, 2006
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Tyler, Texas
Aug 16, 2006
#1
  • Aug 16, 2006
  • #1
In the 90's when I had one of my other GT's I remember hearing that you could increase performance by polishing (may not be best word) the inside of the factory air intake manifold. Is this something that helps or is/was even done? Or did I hear it from one of the voices in my head? If so did it help any?
 

eagleautosports

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Jul 7, 2006
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Mebane NC
Aug 16, 2006
#2
  • Aug 16, 2006
  • #2
It helps by smoothing the airflow. Yes, it helps and it should only be done on manifolds that carry only air. If it carries gas, it needs a little texture to keep it in suspension. Are you thinking of the Extrude Hone process? You can even have the heads Extrude Honed too.
 

radtexas

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Jul 25, 2006
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Tyler, Texas
Aug 16, 2006
#3
  • Aug 16, 2006
  • #3
EagleAutosports said:
It helps by smoothing the airflow. Yes, it helps and it should only be done on manifolds that carry only air. If it carries gas, it needs a little texture to keep it in suspension. Are you thinking of the Extrude Hone process? You can even have the heads Extrude Honed too.
Click to expand...
Not sure of the process term, but I was referring to the air intake only. How much does it really help on HP on the stock manifold? And is this an easy process or would it just be better to get a CAI kit. But I have asked my dealer about adding the CAI package to my new order if they will honor the warranty. But if they will not I wanted to look at other options that leave all stock parts for now.
 

eagleautosports

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Aug 16, 2006
#4
  • Aug 16, 2006
  • #4
That's what I was talking about too. If you wanted it honed, you'd have to ship it to them and wait to get it back. It usually adds about 20-25 hp and really works but if it's a stock '87-'93 upper, the power drops off FAST around 5000-5200. What it does is force an abrasive dough through the ports and smooths every surface. Worth the money in my opinion.
 

radtexas

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Tyler, Texas
Aug 16, 2006
#5
  • Aug 16, 2006
  • #5
EagleAutosports said:
That's what I was talking about too. If you wanted it honed, you'd have to ship it to them and wait to get it back. It usually adds about 20-25 hp and really works but if it's a stock '87-'93 upper, the power drops off FAST around 5000-5200. What it does is force an abrasive dough through the ports and smooths every surface. Worth the money in my opinion.
Click to expand...

"ship it to them" What is implied by them? And I am referring to a new 07 GT.
 

mustangsquared

Founding Member
Jun 8, 2002
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new bern nc
Aug 16, 2006
#6
  • Aug 16, 2006
  • #6
I think...but have not really checked ... the stock intake is plastic so this cant be done... someone please correct if wrong...
 

fin1

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Mar 30, 2005
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Aug 17, 2006
#7
  • Aug 17, 2006
  • #7
I think you guys are taking two different things. The heads (aluminum) can be ported & polished but I think Radtexas is talking about the intake manifold (the black piece that sits on top the egine), which is made of plastic.

Item on the right of this pic:

http://i5.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/96/88/9e_1_b.JPG
 

radtexas

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Jul 25, 2006
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Tyler, Texas
Aug 17, 2006
#8
  • Aug 17, 2006
  • #8
fin1 said:
I think you guys are taking two different things. The heads (aluminum) can be ported & polished but I think Radtexas is talking about the intake manifold (the black piece that sits on top the egine), which is made of plastic.

Item on the right of this pic:

http://i5.ebayimg.com/02/i/04/96/88/9e_1_b.JPG
Click to expand...

Yes I was referring to what you have pictured here. Guess they have changed a little since I owned my 1991 5.0 GT. Thanks for clarifying.
 

bigcat

start with the upper hole, and if more traction is
May 1, 2005
3,015
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7200 feet
Aug 18, 2006
#9
  • Aug 18, 2006
  • #9
i am sure that i read somewhere that the composite intake can NOT be ported, but i cannot remember why. i want to know when someone is going to make an aftermarket intake MANIFOLD for the 3V engines.
 
G

Glenns

New Member
Sep 22, 2004
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0
Aug 25, 2006
#10
  • Aug 25, 2006
  • #10
Polishing

The intake manifold is plastic so I am not sure that you could polish the inside. You could try to polish the stock throttle body. I know on C5 vettes it was good for about 5-10 hp. All you need is some patience and very fine sand paper. A dremel tool would help.
 

SVTdriver

Founding Member
Sep 2, 2001
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Seattle Wa
Aug 27, 2006
#11
  • Aug 27, 2006
  • #11
bigcat said:
i am sure that i read somewhere that the composite intake can NOT be ported, but i cannot remember why. i want to know when someone is going to make an aftermarket intake MANIFOLD for the 3V engines.
Click to expand...

I'm sure someone will make one sooner or later. But given how long it took for the first 4.6 intakes to hit the market. I would say it's going to be later. Possibly a lot later.
 

mustangmike6996

5 Year Member
Nov 10, 2005
483
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clinton twp, MI
Aug 28, 2006
#12
  • Aug 28, 2006
  • #12
polishing a plastic intake may be somewhat pointless. some reasons they are produced in plastic aside from cost, is it flow characteristic (really smooth casting) and weight reduction for fuel consumption, of course.

on top of that personally i would not want to dremel or sand that throttle body. i know on the older throttle bodies ford coated the inside with a clearcoat that helped keep deposites and sediments off of the aluminum. it may not be worth the time to sand it down for the possibility or some power. i know that on the older tb's if the finish was comprimised you it would sent the IAC motor crazy and let the idle jump. im not too sure about the new tb's but being a drive by wire integrated throttle body, things are only getting more complex. its up to you. if anyone knows anything else about this let me know.
 

JTGrant

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Aug 2, 2005
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GA
Aug 28, 2006
#13
  • Aug 28, 2006
  • #13
I am hoping for someone to design an intake manifold too, I bet there is some power left to be found. For a small fortune. HA
 
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