What is an air intake manifold?

Written by Administrator

Tuesday, 13 November 2007

It's the area through which intake air from the air filter passes and is distributed to the cylinders. If the engine is carbureted or has throttle body injection, this air is mixed with fuel. In a multipoint fuel injected engine, however, only air passes through the manifold. The air intake manifold is the device which distributed the air from the throttle body or carburator to the cylinder heads. The year of your vehicle and number of cylinders as well as engine orientation (straight or V) will dictate what this looks like. Generally it will be on the top of the engine. Ford V-8's and V-6's on the newer vehicles are black plastic and arch shaped. On older vehicles it will be a two piece cast iron or aluminium pieces. In most cases, this refers to the aluminum or plastic intake manifold tha tthe throttle body bolts to and is bolted to the cylinder heads that directs air from the throttlebosy to the cylinder ports in the heads. A CAI(cold air intake) refers to the tubing and filter housing for the air filter. Most of the stock units contain a silencer to muffle the moaning sound on the incoming air. These can be restricting, so many aftermarker ones have been introduced. You would want one that draws in outside air, not an open element under the hood that would draw in hot air. Cooler air makes more power.

Last Updated ( Monday, 18 August 2008 )