Phenolic spacers are supposed to reduce the conduction of heat trough the lower intake to the upper intake, thereby lowering the condution of heat into the air entering the combustion chamber. I've read that it makes a minimal difference, which is probably right, because the engine radiates heat and conducts to the upper intake manifold through other methods.
Isn't this the wrong way to go about reducing conduction to the induced air? Wouldn't it be better to use a material that conducts less or retains more heat? For instance, some newer cars have plastic upper intake manifolds. The plastic won't really conduct heat into the induced air, weighs less and would be much cheaper to upgrade to. Other materials, even other metals conduct less heat than aluminum, so why not use them?
What I've thought of so far is weight, which I just adressed with the plastic upper or would be possible with heavier less conductive materials if they were designed more box-like ie. GT-40.
Running boost should not be an issue if using any of these materials, because they are used in other areas of the system.
Heat could be a factor in extreme conditions with plastic, which is why I mention other materials. Less cooling of the engine, this is why there is a liquid cooling system, we're not flying Cessnas or riding motorcycles...
This could apply to the lower intake as well, as long as you're not trying to use plastic.
Anyone have any other specific materials in mind?
Isn't this the wrong way to go about reducing conduction to the induced air? Wouldn't it be better to use a material that conducts less or retains more heat? For instance, some newer cars have plastic upper intake manifolds. The plastic won't really conduct heat into the induced air, weighs less and would be much cheaper to upgrade to. Other materials, even other metals conduct less heat than aluminum, so why not use them?
What I've thought of so far is weight, which I just adressed with the plastic upper or would be possible with heavier less conductive materials if they were designed more box-like ie. GT-40.
Running boost should not be an issue if using any of these materials, because they are used in other areas of the system.
Heat could be a factor in extreme conditions with plastic, which is why I mention other materials. Less cooling of the engine, this is why there is a liquid cooling system, we're not flying Cessnas or riding motorcycles...
This could apply to the lower intake as well, as long as you're not trying to use plastic.
Anyone have any other specific materials in mind?