Interesting. Mopar performance says that spinning up to 6000 is no problem with heavy duty springs. Lots of guys are shifting at 5800. I could be wrong as I've never read anything concerning the weight of lifters, but I would think it would be inconsequential when compared to valve spring pressure.I tried to find an article/post- can't remember which- for you the other day where a guy sent his belly pan off somewhere to have it coated with something to cut down on heat transfer from the lifter gallery. I don't remember what it was coated with though. I will try and find it again tomorrow.

 

Here is the $64K question I would like answered:

A previous owner of my truck installed the APS precision aluminum plate on my intake. Since I rebuilt my engine, I got the heavy duty aftermarket gasket for the plate and the intake. My machinist was surprised that the Dodge intake is two pieces, as he deals primarily with GM and Ford. With the latter two, it seems that the bottom plate is not separate from the plenum; SO -- wouldn't it be POSSIBLE for me to have the aftermarket plate welded to my intake?

Also, in reference to the above article, pictures of these extra plates and shields would have been nice. I'm more of a picture person.

 

I've heard of people welding it as a permanent fits. The main issue with that though is that welding aluminum is not something everybody is good at, and it needs to be perfect or it will still leak.

 

I knicked the edge of my intake with my 4" grinder while cutting the runners. I cussed up a storm and took it to the machine shop. Mike looked at it, told me to "continue onward" and bring it back when I was done. He has a welder who can weld aluminum, and the man did a fantastic job. He welded the knick and Mike trued the bottom of the intake. Had it not been for the slight bit of slag on the side, you can't tell it was ever patched.

 

I have seen pictures of welded bellypans. If I was running a kegger, I would prefer to have the ability to take it off for cleaning, modding, or whatever though.

I still couldn't find that stuff on the coating. I wonder if ceramic would work. Also, I have always wondered why they chose the #2 runner for the iat sensor. I have thought maybe because being farthest away from the inlet, being higher than #8, and closest to the plumbing, that they are trying to get the highest temp reading, or it could just be a servicability thing. Anybody know?

 

I recall nicking mine as well (the 2nd one), shrugged it off and moved forward. never leaked.

So Silver, are you cutting on it this weekend or did you already do it?

 

Just a question, would the thicker aluminum pan offer better insulation, or is the fact it's aluminum mean it's goingto conduct more heat into the intake already? And would moving the IAT out be a good idea, as too hot isn't good right? Just don't know where to move it with a round AC setup.

 

No didn't get much done on it. All I did was scribe where I want to cut on one runner. I really need to remove the center divider before I can do much else. This weekend is gonna be busy. We have the trail ride tomorrow, and then I might get to it on Sunday if I have time. Patience grasshopper.

 

Ok Silver, I just thought I'd TTT this thread as I'm waiting to hear andSEE what you're results are. How's it coming??

 

No update, just been to busy to even mess with it. I'll post as soon as I do anything.