Why are car intake manifolds made of plastic?
It’s hard not to believe engine intake manifolds made of plastic eventually will take over under the hood. Proponents argue convincingly that plastic manifolds – usually glass-reinforced nylon 6/6 – are substantially lighter and less expensive than those made of metals such as aluminum.
When did they start using plastic intakes in cars?
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and others have been replacing metal with plastic intakes for almost a decade. European automakers have been particularly aggressive in this area. Plastic intakes have been used on Porsche engines since the early 1970s.
Which is less expensive plastic or metal intake runners?
Proponents argue convincingly that plastic manifolds – usually glass-reinforced nylon 6/6 – are substantially lighter and less expensive than those made of metals such as aluminum. The interior surfaces of plastic intake runners also are smoother.
Who are the major suppliers of nylon intake manifolds?
DuPont and BASF AG are the major suppliers of nylon 6/6 for intake manifolds, but applications for nylon 6 also are expected to grow, which makes suppliers such as DSM, Bayer AG and AlliedSignal Inc. bigger players. But that doesn’t mean complaints about noise are falling on deaf ears.
It’s hard not to believe engine intake manifolds made of plastic eventually will take over under the hood. Proponents argue convincingly that plastic manifolds – usually glass-reinforced nylon 6/6 – are substantially lighter and less expensive than those made of metals such as aluminum.
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and others have been replacing metal with plastic intakes for almost a decade. European automakers have been particularly aggressive in this area. Plastic intakes have been used on Porsche engines since the early 1970s.
Where is the intake manifold on an inline engine?
On V-shaped engine blocks, an intake manifold typically sits between the two cylinder banks while inline engines may feature a manifold to the side of the cylinder head.
Why are plastic intake tubes better than metal intake tubes?
Thicker construction in critical areas prevents erosion from dirty coolant, and the addition of aluminum reinforcements provides increased load-bearing capacity for external fittings and components. Plastic compounds dissipate heat better than metal, so air flowing through intake tubes remains cooler to aid combustion.