Newer platic intake on older style 3.0


Beef52751

Beef52751

15+ Year Member

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Aug 31, 2007
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Manual
I have heard of people puting the newer plastic upper intake manifolds (2001+???) on older rangers(such as my 99), is there a benefit??? also are the throttle bodies the same between 2002 and 99???
Thanks
Beef
 
i wouldnt do it if you wheel hard and heat it up alot, but on a street truck maybe.
 
not "hard" But occasionally. why would that make a difference???
Beef
 
I'm pretty sure the throttle body for the 99 is cast to the plenum. I gotta look at it this morning and ill let you know. You might also have to change the lower intake manifold for this swap to work. Why not just keep the old one? Your not gonna benifit any more with the plastic one. (well, you wont notice it atleast)
 
The swap is doable and without a whole lot of work. I have 3/4 of the stuff to do it sitting next to me in my room. HERE is a write-up on it. A few users have noted noticeable gains but as far as i know they have no dyno numbers.
 
the 3.0 always had a 2 piece plenum, they introduced a removable throttlebody on the aluminum upper plenums around 95/96, and plastic plenums on the 2001 up units.
 
Actually the '98 model year Ranger 3.0 got the equal length runner intake manifold with a separate throttle body.

I would keep your aluminum manifold. Port and polish the upper and lower for more performance. I own a '93 3.0, and I swapped out my manifolds for that of a '98-'00 year cast aluminum manifold in which I bolted a BBK 56mm throttle body to and ported the entire thing. If you're interested in the plastic manifold because it won't transfer heat, well all you need is a non-metallic spacer (3/8" should do) between the upper and lower manifold already on your truck.
 
bobbywalter said:
i wouldnt do it if you wheel hard and heat it up alot, but on a street truck maybe.
Click to expand...

i have wheeled mine very hard, never any problems.

tech advisor???

the biggest gain is going to be what he looses, weight! about 20 pounds or so.
 
i know the swap is doable, i was just wondering if there were any benefits from it.
Beef
 
the air inside the intake will stay cooler. your truck will be 20ish pounds lighter.

i would do it.
 
The plastic upper intake uses a different type gasket which requires a groove that leaves not much (any) space for a really noticeable porting. But you may be able to do it to the lower intake.
Just make sure you leave enough material for the gasket to seat properly.
 
the plastic ones have a smaller throttle body opening it seems because my CAI intake from my 99 3.0 doesn't fit the throttle body
 
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