http://www.my350z.com/forum/showthre...threadid=55550

ALL THE INFO BELOW IS DIRECTLY FROM LSDunique:

Heres the low down.

the version that will most likely be coming first will be the N/A plenum.

This will use the same concept as the crawford plenum, but an improved version. It will be a molded one piece design that offers a completely smooth and seamless interior for incresed flow characteristics. It will also allow the front strut bar to still be utilized but still increasing the flow to the front chambers.

The technique we are trying to perfect is...... plastic molding. This allows us to offer an incredibly durable, lightweight, and production quality piece. The piece will come in a finely textured matte black finish with the "Z" logo embossed in the middle as well as our new "kinetix" logo. This process allows us to basically offer the plenum at an incredible price!! - around $350 with no core!! It also allows us to have the inside walls be completely smooth for high flow.

*** if we cannot get the process to work the way we need it to, then there will be no plenum of this design.**

This is one of our top priorities now!!!

- if we can get the process down, expect other products shortly after using the same technique.... like a kick *** 3 gauge pillar pod!! (we already have a fiberglassed prototype)


The other version is not really a dedicated F/I version (the one that I had posted pics of many months ago)

This all aluminum construction is something we are completely capable of currently, we are simply working on another prototype trying to get more NA gains out of it.

This unit will also still use the factory strut bar, and you get to keep all your factory parts. This unit also saves 25lbs off the car which is a nice added bonus...plus it looks like the meanest upgrade yet for a Z. We are lowering the overall intake volume, as well as lengthening the runners a bit and decreasing their volume. We have sent out for more aluminum mandrel bends for these new runners and are waiting on them before we proceed.

This is also a big priority, but we thought coming out with a more universally affordable plenum first would be best. This plenum will most likely cost around $680, which actually is pretty good considering yyou get to keep your factory plenum and you dont need a strut bar replacement.

I assume you will spill some of this information. so let me give you some info on possible timeframes

plastic plenum - best case scenario - 5 weeks - prototype on car - with release 2 weeks later

aluminum manifold
- prototype in 9 weeks with release 2 weeks later

These are all estimates, so please take that into consideration.

END OF PM

I wrote back and asked him about the plastic and if it could pose a problem and he said, no way. He even said that some manufacturers are incorporating them into new cars! So that should not be a worry to anyone.




2003 G35 Coupe 6mt Diamond Graphite
1992 Jeep Cherokee Blk 5.5 RE lift /w 33s
AIM= bkchang79

 

Man this sounds fantastic. I assume the plastic plenum will also
fit the G35 Sedan? If so, I'm on the list to get one.

2003 Twilight Blue 5AT Sedan, sunroof,
Graphite Leather, splashguards,
12 wire Hyper-grounding kit,
350Z intake duct, Stillen Hi-Flow Airbox
Underbody rear diffusers, Drilled aluminum pedals

 

this is funny to me...
on our G's / Z's the new thing is going to be a plastic plenum.
my old car (4.6 mustangs / tbirds) had a plastic intake manifold (plenum) they were prone to cracking under high stress. and everyone on the forums wished it was aluminum.

 

Theres more than one type of plastic. I am sure they know that plastic manifolds have cracked in the past. I think the biggest hold up is that they are in the process of perfecting the formula. We will have to be patient.

Luv My G

 

Sounds great!

Be careful putting the "Z" on it though, it may be a copyrighted trademark.


Black/Willow 03.5 6MT, Premium, Navi, Aero, SAT
350Z Nismo CAI

 

I very interested in the plastic: low cost, low weight, and hopefully room for the engine cover and maybe a strut bar (on my sedan). Plastic materials is a whole science in itself; I'm sure there is a way to make it work with the many different materials available. Like the idea of keeping my core as well. Don't think I would be the first to try though, as I would like to see 10-20 people put on 10k miles before I am comfortable with the design (crack-proof) and impact on the engine (i.e. no bad adjustments to A/F ratios).

 

My 2000 Maxima has a "black resin" type of manifold. It looks
and feels like hard plastic. I'v had no problems with it and would
not have a problem with replacing my G35 plenum with one
of similar material.

2003 Twilight Blue 5AT Sedan, sunroof,
Graphite Leather, splashguards,
12 wire Hyper-grounding kit,
350Z intake duct, Stillen Hi-Flow Airbox
Underbody rear diffusers, Drilled aluminum pedals

 

i am not saying plastic manifolds are bad, it is just funny to me that that is what people want for our G's and my old car i wanted to go plastic to aluminum.

 

Yeah, I would like to wait to hear some feedback too. But I probably won't

Luv My G

 

It is true that some manufacturers are starting to use plastic plenums. It is incredible what plastics can offer from fenders that dont need to be painted to plenums. My dad gets this magazine called Injection Molding or something like that and there was an article about the plastic plenum and I think GM is going to use it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

2003 CB Coupe 6MT
Z-tube
Stillen Hi-flow

 

As long as its not a pure thermoset resin, it should not crack or become brittle over time. It must be a composite of some type with glass fiber or other internal reinforcement. Carbon-fiber composite would be the ultimate, but would probably be over $1000 to fabricate.

 

If the plenum is designed/molded properly, you won't need or want an engine cover. The plenum itself will dress-up the top of your engine. Carbon fiber... Oooh... Aaah...

'03 G35 5AT Sedan, Garnet Fire/Willow
18x8 SSR GT1/Bridgestone S03 225/45/18Y
Eibach Pro-Kit Springs & Anti-Sway Kit

 

Just thought I'd let you all know that lsdunique says the plastis plenum will be ready in less than 2 weeks, with before and after dyno. Also, it won't have the 350z logo. It'll be black w/ a small company logo. Check this thread for more info:
http://www.my350z.com/forum/showthre...threadid=55550

 

Woo hoo! No offense to Crawford, but competition is what makes this country great! Nice to know the Z plenum market is no longer a monopoly. I'd expect Crawford's price to come down in priceresponse.


Black/Willow 03.5 6MT, Premium, Navi, Aero, SAT
350Z Nismo CAI

 

Awwwriight...now who's gonna take the lead on the group buy? I nominate Ted...

Kidding, kidding! Here's to ya on the Samco hoses...even tho I wasn't able to get them myself...


I'll be checking to see if anyone decides to put one together.

- NICNoobie

2003.0 AT Brilliant Silver Sedan
Premium Package\Graphite Leather\Signaling Clear Corners\AEM Intake (w/ Bypass Valve)

"Why are you my English not being understanding?"