aluminum sheet metal intake manifold question
 

I've got the dimensions and such drawn up for my intake manifold. Just cant decide what thickness aluminum sheet to buy?

anyone have a standard thickness they like to use that's not too weak or hard to weld with?

I do know that for the throttle body adapter I'm going to use at least 3/8" thick plate so I can thread for the t-body, but other than that I really have no clue ::)

Re:aluminum sheet metal intake manifold question
 

thin alum is harder to weld.

you should go gansta and get 1/8" or 1/4" diamond plate.

i had an intercooler's endtanks done in 1/4" diamond plate :)

Re:aluminum sheet metal intake manifold question
 

I know it's harder to weld. I've got a really good local welder that does cheap work. I'm just going to cut/shape the pieces and have him weld it together for me (mainly cause I'm lazy also :p)

anyway, no, I don't want to be gangster with it. simple smooth alum sheet will do for me. I'm a simple man :-\

Re:aluminum sheet metal intake manifold question
 

i wouldn't go with anything less than 1/8" for that

if you use sheet metal and you drop somthing on it that ---- will dent.

Re:aluminum sheet metal intake manifold question
 

yeah, I was thinking 1/4" was probably going to be my best bet for it. the runners on the lower intake I'm going to mate to it are just about 3/8"...

Re:aluminum sheet metal intake manifold question
 

bump for the morning.

and getting moved, doh :-\

Re:aluminum sheet metal intake manifold question
 

1/4 inch is hella thick :o I build everything out of 1/8 ;)

Re:aluminum sheet metal intake manifold question
 

I want to try something similar, using 4 inch ID aluminum piping with one end closed off by a plate and the other end with a TB mount, i'll probably get a big 60mm TB from a domestic of some sort. and offcourse custom runners and fuel rail mount.

Re:aluminum sheet metal intake manifold question
 

b16's come w/ 60 mm tb. 60 mm throttle bodies are tiny.

Re:aluminum sheet metal intake manifold question
 

On the square intake manifolds like this

https://www.homemadeturbo.com/turbo_...C_intake_P.jpg

We use 1/8 on 3 of the sides, and use 1/4 on the back, so you can tap in brass fittings for vac sources.