DIY Matched inlets

[Tunst]

Since im not really using my car atm im thinking of doing some stuff with it and matched inlets seem to be a big thing to do...

Having never done anything like this before im just assuming, all i need to do is, File/sand/grind or whatever the inlet port down to the size of the gasket?

Like so: (borrowed pic)

Or is it more complicated than that


Edit: also is it even worth the time and effort?

 

[Tunst]

Forgot to add in there, i might paint the inlet but what kinda of paint should i use? Hi-temp?

 

[mr bognor]

Would not diy it tbh

 

[ripp]

match them to the head openings. as for the paint, I used hammerite on mine, no problem so far (2 months since)

 

[Gray]

use VHT spray paint

 

[f0xy]

Ive used Hammerite and normal spray paint in the past (with etch primer) and both have been 100% fine, 24 months later..

 

[Tunst]

Would not diy it tbh

Why not? Im a mechanic so will probaly have most of the tools needed to do it...

match them to the head openings. as for the paint, I used hammerite on mine, no problem so far (2 months since)

Sounds simple enough, Might give it a go next weekend. I have a few tubs of hammerite so thats covered..

 

[jack_kemp]

Lol. Unless you understand what you're doing, don't do it. Gas flowing isn't just about the size of the hole.

 

[ripp]

would be good to study a already matched inlet and see how much material and where from has been removed. but matching to the head and being careful about doing it you shouldn't go wrong

 

[SkidMarx]

From what ive read, Some of the 'pro' ones are pretty shoddy so why not do it yourself.

Scribe round a used gasket, dremel almost upto the line, dont go too far. You want the head port to be slightly larger than the inlet ( IIRC? This could be b****cks) Think you only want to go up about 1" if that.

 

[Tunst]

would be good to study a already matched inlet and see how much material and where from has been removed. but matching to the head and being careful about doing it you shouldn't go wrong

This would be ideal if i knew someone with them :boring:

From what ive read, Some of the 'pro' ones are pretty shoddy so why not do it yourself.

Scribe round a used gasket, dremel almost upto the line, dont go too far. You want the head port to be slightly larger than the inlet ( IIRC? This could be b****cks) Think you only want to go up about 1" if that.

Im gonna give it ago, im just going to start with the inlets, if i think iv done them well il match them to the head. i might just buy another set and play around with them, just incase i need to use the car..

Il report back when iv done it

 

[172Ben]

Match to the head not the gasket

 

[mark123]

There is a difference between matching to the head/plenum and removing material for the full length of the manifold.

The former is fairly straight forward, with the latter you have to know what you're doing.

 

[Greeny.]

Good idea if you can do it well, although id always rather get them CNC matched as it isnt that expensive and will ensure your getting the best airflow.

 

[Bluebeard]

How do you go about matching it to the head and not the gasket??

 

[jack_davey]

The best thing to do is put the gasket on the head and check how close that is, then make adjustments if necessary, mine was perfect so used it as my template.

 

[wilky19]

i made a template out of masking tape for the head.

just got to by a new dremel then ill do mine.

 

[sideways danny]

the head to lower manifold gasket has holes that are bigger than the ports so you have to be careful not to go out as far as that. If you put the gasket on a head you'll see what i mean. The upper to lower join will be pretty much perfect if you match to the gasket.

I saw a car on thursday that had the lower inlet bored out so much, the gasket was a lot smaller than the port and was just overhanging. No benefit to that at all

 

[jack_davey]

suppose quality control is something to be desired with most of the components^

My gasket matched perfectly to the head, so I guess I was lucky!

 

[TimR26]

Use engineers blue and match to ports with largest openings.