SentraDET
01-22-2006, 03:14 PM
The following is a complete "how-to" regarding the Nextgear thermoshield intake manifold gasket, complete with before and after results.
I would like to give a HUGE thanks to Moto-C for their help and support with this product. I would also like to thank TPS (Total Performance and Service) for their help as well. Install time should be 1.5 to 2 hours start to finish. On to the install!!
First, I drove the car for about 10 minuites and got it up to full operating temperature. Then, I recorded the following using a combination of OBD Scantech, Calumsult, Weather.com, and a Snap-On Infrared digital temp gun (model RTEMP60PB).
Outside temp: 74* F
Intake air temp: 117* F
Coolant temp: 208* F
Intake manifold runner temps (from drivers to passenger side):
Runner #1: 156* F
Runner #2: 165* F
Runner #3: 153* F
Runner #4: 161* F
Average runner temp: 158.75* F
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Runner1before.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Runner2before.JPG
At this point, I let the car cool and began the install process.
1. Remove all vacuum lines and hoses.
2. Remove throttle cable and linkage.
3. Unbolt the power steering line bracket from the backside of the manifold.
4. Release fuel pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and running engine until it stalls. Turn ignition off and re-install fuse.
5. Unplug your 4 injectors.
6. Remove fuel feed and return lines.
7. Remove intake manifold and both gaskets.
**Note: there are 2 gaskets for the intake plenum available for the SR20 from Nissan. My motor is the SR20DET and this is the correct replacement gasket: Part# 14032-53J10.
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install1.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install2.JPG
8. Make sure all mating surfaces are clean and free of any dirt or debris.
9. Install new thermoshield gasket onto the head and the other new factory gasket onto the lower intake plenum.
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install3.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install4.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install5.JPG
10. Re-install the intake manifold. My recommendation is to get all nuts/bolts started by hand and snug them up before torqing down. Also, I would tighten all of the lower plenum nuts/bolts first, then the upper section. Start with the center nuts/bolts first then work your way outwards. Tighten to 13-15 ft. lbs. Start the car and check for leaks.
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install7.JPG
On to the results. Again, I drove the car for about 10 minuites to get things warmed up and got the coolant and intake air temp back to where they were initially to get the most consistant and reliable readings. As I recorded the temperature readings, I was absolutely amazed at the results. See for yourselves!!!
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Runner1.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Runner2.JPG
Outside temp: 72* F (2 degrees cooler)
Intake air temp: 117* F (same as before)
Coolant temp: 208* F (same as before)
Intake manifold runner temps (from drivers to passenger side):
Runner #1: 125* F
Runner #2: 135* F
Runner #3: 134* F
Runner #4: 135* F
Average runner temp: 132.25* F
This means there was an average temperature drop of 26.5* F!!!!
As we all know, a cooler intake temp equals more horsepower and I can't think of an easier or more cost effective way of lowering your intake air temperature than this gasket. And, you can get it right here on the forum from Moto-C.
The following morning, we went to the dyno and were very pleased with the results. The pulls were made at 12psi. Here are a couple pics:
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Dyno1.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Results.JPG
I would like to give a HUGE thanks to Moto-C for their help and support with this product. I would also like to thank TPS (Total Performance and Service) for their help as well. Install time should be 1.5 to 2 hours start to finish. On to the install!!
First, I drove the car for about 10 minuites and got it up to full operating temperature. Then, I recorded the following using a combination of OBD Scantech, Calumsult, Weather.com, and a Snap-On Infrared digital temp gun (model RTEMP60PB).
Outside temp: 74* F
Intake air temp: 117* F
Coolant temp: 208* F
Intake manifold runner temps (from drivers to passenger side):
Runner #1: 156* F
Runner #2: 165* F
Runner #3: 153* F
Runner #4: 161* F
Average runner temp: 158.75* F
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Runner1before.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Runner2before.JPG
At this point, I let the car cool and began the install process.
1. Remove all vacuum lines and hoses.
2. Remove throttle cable and linkage.
3. Unbolt the power steering line bracket from the backside of the manifold.
4. Release fuel pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and running engine until it stalls. Turn ignition off and re-install fuse.
5. Unplug your 4 injectors.
6. Remove fuel feed and return lines.
7. Remove intake manifold and both gaskets.
**Note: there are 2 gaskets for the intake plenum available for the SR20 from Nissan. My motor is the SR20DET and this is the correct replacement gasket: Part# 14032-53J10.
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install1.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install2.JPG
8. Make sure all mating surfaces are clean and free of any dirt or debris.
9. Install new thermoshield gasket onto the head and the other new factory gasket onto the lower intake plenum.
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install3.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install4.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install5.JPG
10. Re-install the intake manifold. My recommendation is to get all nuts/bolts started by hand and snug them up before torqing down. Also, I would tighten all of the lower plenum nuts/bolts first, then the upper section. Start with the center nuts/bolts first then work your way outwards. Tighten to 13-15 ft. lbs. Start the car and check for leaks.
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/install7.JPG
On to the results. Again, I drove the car for about 10 minuites to get things warmed up and got the coolant and intake air temp back to where they were initially to get the most consistant and reliable readings. As I recorded the temperature readings, I was absolutely amazed at the results. See for yourselves!!!
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Runner1.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Runner2.JPG
Outside temp: 72* F (2 degrees cooler)
Intake air temp: 117* F (same as before)
Coolant temp: 208* F (same as before)
Intake manifold runner temps (from drivers to passenger side):
Runner #1: 125* F
Runner #2: 135* F
Runner #3: 134* F
Runner #4: 135* F
Average runner temp: 132.25* F
This means there was an average temperature drop of 26.5* F!!!!
As we all know, a cooler intake temp equals more horsepower and I can't think of an easier or more cost effective way of lowering your intake air temperature than this gasket. And, you can get it right here on the forum from Moto-C.
The following morning, we went to the dyno and were very pleased with the results. The pulls were made at 12psi. Here are a couple pics:
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Dyno1.JPG
http://www.sr20forum.com/img/data/500/medium/Results.JPG