I am wondering which one is better, if one even is. I have both now, the plastic one is on the new motor ('03) which is to go into my truck. The alum. came out with my bad motor ('99). Is it worth it for any reason to swap it? Aluminum seems more durable in this somewhat harsh climate.

Also, anybody know what the valve covers are made out of? I gouged mine when pulling the motor and it looks kind of like fiberglass.


Thanks!

 

HI!... IMO the aluminum intake manifold is better. The plastic intakes are known for cracking and leaking. You can gasket match and port the aluminum intake manifold.

The valve covers are plastic. A sort of ABS I believe.

 

Thanks Neal! That's kind of what I was expecting. I'll swap 'em. hell, the aluminum one is already off anyway to help with removing the engine so i guess the plastic one would come off to aid in installing the new one too.

 

aluminum one will be louder. only reason they went with plastic its cheaper and makes the truck quieter...

 

I would say aluminum BUT it is NOT an intake MANIFOLD. It is just an "air intake". Air intake manifolds are located directly above the and bolted to the block. It is the last path air takes before being going through the cylinders. I say neither may be good. It depends on your truck. If you have a stock hood, get air intake that gets air from through the hole located above the drivers side tire well/fender. If the filter-element is located INSIDE the engine compartment, it does take in more air than stock BUT the air it gets is HOT AIR. Your engine wants COLD air for better combustion. So I would highly recommend an intake with a fully enclosed filter element for best perfromance. I choose Volant over all the compitition. If money is a problem, just get a K&N Air Filter and use stock air intake system.

 

lol, my bad. Im a dumb*ss, read to fast. lol