Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) The Search for Max H.P. 24 Valve

[RacinDuallie]

Scott-
Keep them pics coming they are most helpful for plotting out the Ramifold...
I have taken pics of all the lumps and bumps inside the plenum ( I have a tiny digital camera that fit inside the plenum) if you guys look at all of them then you can see like I do that this area definately needs all the help we can give it. ( dang if I could only figure out what I'm doing wrong with posting the pics!)
Here's another chop-shop idea- not the preferred method but for what it's worth it should get the ball rolling for some... try putting a round carbide metal cutting wheel (thin) on a grinder- take off guard- and let the sparks fly. Control of the grinder is paramount!! I can't see how ANY of the cylinders can be equally fed with a even balanced flow of air with all the bumps and lumps in the plenum. The Ramifold is needed for equal distribution of cylinder feeding. Cast aluminum construction not some one off welded up piece.

 

[justinp20012500]

I like the ole 9" grinder myself.



A little at a time and you can't go wrong!



Scott,



You were cutting slits from the intake side to the exhaust side and then just whacking??



How deep were your cuts? I have a few spare heads that I can try your method on.







Justin

 

[sbentz]

Yes, from the driver's side (intake) to the passenger (exhaust). Start at the large opening, one on each end of it, and slice through the bottom casting floor. That is the fun part. The ends get a bit thick, and once you look into the #1 and #6 ends you will see the restrictions.

 

[RDLeader]

Scott, why not cut that end off too?



Roman

 

[sbentz]

It all has to go. These photos are just halfway through the fun "whackin" part. When you are done, it looks more like this:

 

[RacinDuallie]

Scott, why not cut that end off too?

Roman

That's where the throttle cable-TV cable & tps sensor block bolts up to- saved him the trouble of fabbing up a mounting location.

Planning to incorporate one into the " RAMIFOLD"


Yes I too love the ole round cut off wheel of doom!!

8 or 10" round! Firm grip- stand back & let the sparks fly !!!


Still trying Roman!!!

 

[sbentz]

At the bottom left of the photo, you can see the bolt hole I was talking about. Barely. It is the locator for how far to go.

 

[AKAMAC]

Why don't you guys jig the head up and use a 14" metal chop saw to make the cut. All you would have to do is get the head ~1. 5" off the table, offset for clearance of saws short side bed and cut away. Mike

 

[RacinDuallie]

This is gonna be the VICTIM for the RAMIFOLD Prototype.

 

[RacinDuallie]

The plenum that's loaded with restrictions-

 

[RacinDuallie]

Close up of restriction @ cylinder #1-

 

[RacinDuallie]

Close up of the bad restriction @ cylinders #5 & 6-

 

[RacinDuallie]

Plenum is just full of all sorts of restricting lumps and bumps- so the cylinders donot get equal air distribution... .....

That's not the case for the RAMIFOLD!

 

[RacinDuallie]

Not too performance orientated is it?

 

[RacinDuallie]

This is my 1998. 5- 53 code block- lots of work over the winter-

 

[RacinDuallie]

Here's a secret for those that don't know: Thermal Barrier Coatings WORK!!!!


and it looks awesome too

 

[RacinDuallie]

Controlling the heat build up and great looks too

 

[RacinDuallie]

But sometimes it's what you don't see- in the pursuit of Max H. P.

 

[RacinDuallie]

Out of the box and on the bench! Its modification time!!!Air Volume is key! More air + More fuel= P O W E R !

 

[sbentz]

Nice photos and nice work!