What is the point of that metal componant between the intake manifold and the heads? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Big_Matt · 03-01-2005, 16:20

Due to having a problem with getting fuel in the sump, I decided I would rip off the intake manifold in case it was cracked. (I got another for $10 at a wrecker so I thought why not).

There is a moulded metal sheet, which almost looks like a drip tray, between the intake manifold and the heads/block. My cousin always rips them out and never bothers with them again. Does anybody know the purpose of the part and if it is worth keeping in? The one I just ripped out is in great condition, so if it si best in I will clean it and put it back... but if not, it cant find a nice home in the rubbish tip!

And what may seem like a silly question, but it was not immeadiatly obvious when I ripped of the manifold... does the layers go

-intake manifold
-gasket
-metal thingie
-head

or is the gasket around the other way?

xespack · 03-01-2005, 16:44

Hey Matt,

My understanding is that this metal 'tray' is there to stop hot oil splashing on the bottom of the intake manifold which would cause the air fuel mixture temp to be higher. Obviously we want the mixture as cool as possible, colder air is denser, more air = bigger bang blah blah.

The edelbrock 'air gap' manifolds that arent available for the cleveland that i'm aware of as yet take this idea to the next level in a way by having the runners and base of the manifold seperated. I think i saw a pic of a clevo one that is coming out soon? Or am i imagining this? I'm sure someone can clarify that.

Anyways hope that helped

Aaron

brenx · 03-01-2005, 19:24

Airgap's are available for the cleveland. Edelbrock now makes aluminium heads and manifold to suit

The part your looking @ is commonly know to most as a "bird bath". I've never ran one as they've caused my issues than they solves.

Brenden

xespack · 03-01-2005, 22:45

Hey Brenx, Know or heard much about the new edelbrock aluminium heads etc?

Guessing they are on the website? Will go check it out now.

TTNOS8 · 03-02-2005, 04:10

Do a search on the topic.

There are more pros than cons to running them in my opinion.

clevo400 · 03-07-2005, 06:07

Always use one. Sometimes sealing is a problem and the ports r misaligned. If so u should use the Felpro intake set and with the metal sheet just cut the sides off and use the flat tray only.