If it matches flat top for performance at $400 it will kill the flattop market. That is how I am looking at it.

 

Skunk2 has never been good about providing dyno comparisons. Its usually a couple of dynos of one setup, in some sort of progression. Like stock vs stock with header vs header and stage x cam.

But they put some real R&D into their modern products (the old stuff was mostly just copying stuff that was already proven), so Im pretty optimistic. If the runners are the right length, the bigger plenum and better throttle inlet shape should make it useful on all setups. I dont think it will be like the Type R manifold or the old BEGi cast manifold where it hurts NA engines below 7k rpm.

 

More interested to see the results of this manifold on an NB head vs the known good manifolds. Granted if there's some gains to be had for an NA8 head over stock manifold might be the easy ticket to get my last little bit of powah for TTE.

 

I'll disagree.

If it doesn't make any additional power over the flattop, I'd gladly run an OEM designed and built manifold that is likely 10x stronger, and fits perfectly and could easily pass visual inspection in most states.

The only way this would be a market killer is if it makes a good amount more power. Just my .02

 

I think you severely underestimate the number of people that will buy it because it looks racey. That's their target market, actual racers not so much. This is why we haven't seen a manifold for a Miata yet. Honestly the drift crowds focus on the Miata lately has probably brought the platform on the radar.

 

I pretty much see it the same way. If it just matches performance, it better be a lot lighter and easier to remove/install too, otherwise why run it, just stick with OEM reliable design. I am optimistic though, look forward to hearing how it works.

 

Or maybe drive the cost down. I do agree that many people will buy because A) its Skunk2 and it earns them internet points, B) it looks more racey and they like spending money on their no ***** given "show car", or C) promises of 20whp over the worse OE intake. I'm just curious when it'll be in the hands of some YouTubers. No offense to Greg (CarPassionalChannel) because he usually presents a solid base of information, but if he puts one on his car, no matter the results, Skunk2's will be flying off the shelf.

Myself, I'll be waiting for 949's test. If its flows similar to a flat top, I'll keep my flat top until I get bored and finish my tuned ITB setup.

 

Can't wait to see results from 949's test. Curious not only to see peak HP but mid-range torque which I believe currently an active VICS is best at.

 

If it stock performs evenly with a square top but can be bored out it could have even more potential in it (someone has to prove that point). I think in that train of thought it could be a good manifold. I look forward to getting mine soon and reporting back as well.

I can say they have been nice to work with as well. Better than some companies. *shrugs*

 

I hope so, then I can buy a flat top and still have the less than optimal upgrade for about $150. As is the story with the rest of my car. Shitty compared to new shiny expensive things, but better than stock.

 

This makes no sense to me. On numerous occasions I've gotten out the IR thermometer to measure the engine bay for a good place to put an intake pipe and IAT sensor, and the whole thing is **** hot on my mostly stock car. Ambient it is not. The back corner behind the IM is like 5 degrees less.

Sorry for the threadjack, now back to your regularly scheduled topic.

 

Ahh okay. Learnt me something! Makes sense though.

 

Putting an iat sensor there is cheating the ecu to think the air is cooler than it actually is. There is a reason why oem is right in front of the engine.
And regarding pricing on squaretop, the one I sold recently I got 300$ shipped for it. I would guess it would drop another 100$ if skunk will be even in performance.

 

Some intakes are more like trombones than others.



--Ian

 

It was sarcasm. Not that @Braineack is normally sarcastic or anything . . . .

 

thank you. It's like saying: I'm going to stand in this oven--It'll be okay if I stand right here.

 

Yeah not seeing that. Its only $50 less than a brand new flat top and the flat tops we know dont break.

 

The guys at Project-G have been running this manifold for over a year now it would be nice to get them to weigh in on it.

 

Where are you finding new flat tops in the USA for $450? I have never seen one. At best you find one or two used ones down at $350 if you get lucky. From watching the classifieds on here and other miata forums for several years flat tops tend to be in the $375-$450 range + shipping, with being above $400 the average I would say.

So you have a new miata guy, comes in wants to boost and install parts. He sees a nice shiny new Skunk2 IM for $400, or an old grungy flat top for $425. He goes and looks and find that dyno's from multiple vendors at that point showing the Skunk2 is at least the same, and possibly in some cases better. I am pretty sure they will go for the Skunk2 the majority of the time.

Why do you assume this manifold is going to break? I can't find anything online from a quick search of broken Honda Skunk2 manifolds. So I am not sure why you make that assumption that all of a sudden their miata ones will break.

 

As soon as emilio and/or andrew give it a thumbs up -- it's going to sell like crazy.