samerickson89

iTrader: (1)

Thought I'd already posted about this, but I guess not. The replacement intake I got when I sent mine back to MSD not only came with reusable gaskets, but the overall quality of the plastic molding seems way better. The seams aren't as noticeable, there's not all that flashing around the edges, and even the color is more black than the ugly faded gray of the first one. Seems like they really stepped up their game once they started getting feedback from customers.

samerickson89

iTrader: (1)

By the way, any LS1 users having trouble getting the PCV hose to fit around this thing? Seems like it's too wide, so I'm wondering if there's a way to extend the stock one.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

Step 1 - remove intake manifold
Step 2 - replace valley cover with LS6 valley cover with integrated PCV
Step 3 - install intake manifold
Step 4 - loop a vacuum hose from valley cover nipple to intake manifold vacuum nipple

OK, a little tongue in cheek, but if you go to the LS6 valley cover, decide whether or not you want to run a catch can, vent the valve covers accordingly, and you don't need to worry about the hose routing.

samerickson89

iTrader: (1)

Man, I wish I'd asked sooner! Even if I do find a way to make the stock setup work for now, I'll probably do that next time I've got the intake off for whatever reason because it sounds like it'd look a lot cleaner.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

I hear you. I've always been happy with the mod. It still lets some oil through, so you probably will want a catch can, but it's much better vs the valve cover approach. Here's a couple pics to show you, if it helps.

First pic is with the MSD installed. The PCV nipple on the valley cover is just under the nipple for the intake. So, I made that loop with pipe fittings. First time, I just put the hose on and kinked it, but it built up alot of crank pressure and dumped a bunch of oil through a gasket. Then I did that loop and now I actually have a vacuum on the crank case again.




Second pic is without the intake, so you can see how it looks in the valley, fully exposed. The only thing I don't have a pic of is the thing in the block I had to grind so the valley cover would fit. If your block is 2001 or newer, I don't think it will have that problem.

samerickson89

iTrader: (1)

Yeah that does look a lot better. I'll be doing that at some point for sure. Thanks for the info!

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

Darth, why are you still running 4 point steam lines? The consensus is the LS6 steam line setup is better.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

Actually I've got an upgrade waiting to install to get even better four corner cooling. I always thought the LS6 kit was for clearance under the intake more than anything else. But my reasoning is to maintain some amount of coolant flow in the back of the motor

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

Based on what I've read, GM engineers claim that 4 point coolant lines trap small air bubbles in the head. I don't know if that's accurate and I don't know of any way to prove if that actually occurs.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

I don't honestly know either, but I have a hard time imagining 4 points is worse. I'm looking at ditching the spider altogether and just doing four dedicated hoses and having them join up later to get better flow through the heads. I figure if the hoses go up higher than the heads, any steam should end up in the hoses.

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

I actually believe that is the other way around. Not as quoted from a gm engineer, but what actually happens. There is a big thread on here somewhere about it even dyno tests and Mr Kurt Urban himseld weighing in on what he has seen with Cup engines etc. There is a reason he was one of the first to make a steam vent collection kit.

As far as the ls6 valley...if you are using a 98 block step 2 would be grind down the cast in boss along valley that will not allow ls6 valley cover to fit. The airforce seems to need a few more minor changes to be a clean fit, which isnt bad.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

Actually it just bolted right on for me. No clearance issues etc.

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

That is the piece i am talking about.
Pic from ls1 how to. Ive had to clearance a few of them before.

samerickson89

iTrader: (1)

Would you mind posting some pics?

98CayenneT/A

Darth_V8r I'm about to install a msd intake myself. If I read it right your msd fit without having to grind the bottom like a Ls6 intake to clear the steam pipes, is that correct ?

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

I run the LS6 crossover. The rears are blocked off. It's not the LS1 spider crossover.

samerickson89

iTrader: (1)

I had to run a 2 port to make it fit. There's not enough clearance underneath.

98CayenneT/A

I was thinking I would just grind the bottom like a Ls6 intake

samerickson89

iTrader: (1)

Anybody try the MSD throttle cable bracket with a Holley 103mm throttle body? Looks like the pcv hose will get in the way, but tech won't give me dimensions to confirm.

GTO1_OHIO

iTrader: (3)

I'm about to. LS7 Atomic Intake + Holly EFI 105mm cable driven with the Atomic Intake TB bracket