Anodized Intake Manifolds

E

eficonnection

New member
Having been through several aluminum intake manifold installs (TPI, LT1, etc), I've been disappointed with the results of...

New intake manifolds because after a short while they begin to oxidize...especially in a damp environment.

Bead blasted intake manifolds because they also oxidize.

Painted intake manifolds because they chip so easily and quickly.

Powdercoated intake manifolds because the finish dulls/scratches immediately after you wipe it. I also don't like the idea of essentially wrapping the intake manifold in plastic.

Polished intake manifolds because they require so much maintenance.

So I'm taking my chances with an anodized intake manifold this time around. It shouldn't oxidize, chip, or dull. The color below is light gray, but I may send one of them out for a different color. And I may also take a fresh cut on the top of the manifold for an original look.

SyTy_Intake_Anodized_800x600.jpg
 
Don W.

Don W.

Stab it and steer it
Re: Anodized Intake Manifolds

Nice! With the top returned to alum and some paint in the words it would be very cool.
 
alwayscode390

alwayscode390

pppssssshhhhhtttttttttttt
Re: Anodized Intake Manifolds

Who did you use to anodize your stuff?

Thats slick and makes sense.

What was the cost per manifold?

Thanks :) ---
 
E

eficonnection

New member
Re: Anodized Intake Manifolds

These manifolds were anodized through TPIS (http://www.tpis.com). They machine most of their own parts and have established a relationship with a local (Chaska, MN) anodizer. I've not yet seen the invoice, so I'm going to suggest each manifold set was about $100.00 to anodize.

We've recently established a relationship with a local (Erie, PA) plating company, American Tinning & Galvanizing Company (http://www.galvanizeit.com), for zinc plating old bolts.

Here is an example of an old set of Typhoon front driveshaft bolts after bead blasting, run through a tap, and then zinc plated with black.

Typhoon_Front_Driveshaft_Bolts.png


We've been taking a lot of old engine bolts and brackets to this local plating outfit and they return looking brand new again. No paint to chip!

Our local plating company also offers an anodizing service. They have an aluminum intake manifold now that we are waiting for to see how it turns out. Because of shipping costs alone, we would like to have all anodizing work done locally.

My recommendations...
1. Find a local plating company for plating and/or anodizing work. Shipping will be very expensive otherwise.
2. Bead blast everything very clean prior to plating or anodizing. The caustic tank may not clean your parts well enough for a final good finish.
 
E

eficonnection

New member
Re: Anodized Intake Manifolds

To give you an idea of how nice the anodize is, there was tape on each manifold to hold the packaging materials. Removing the tape does not cause the finish to peel. Very nice!
 
Quickstop [UK]

Quickstop [UK]

Combating adversyty.
Re: Anodized Intake Manifolds

It's also not that hard to anodize your own stuff. Just needs a bit of space, the right chemicals and some buckets and a steady power source... :2cents: Might be economical if people were looking to go this route.

Great idea - good to see something new! :tup:

Can you do frames too? :D
 
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