I picked up a Cyclone intake manifold a while back and it’s been collecting dust back at the fort. With [195]‘s imminent return from Precision Chassis Works, I figured it’s high time I get things ready to go. I’ve got a rally car to build, so I decided to ease my way into things by stripping and cleaning this Cyclone manifold.
The Cyclone is a bi-modal, dual runner intake manifold, and was original equipment on a number of turbocharged Mitsubishi models outside the USDM. I am really excited to use this manifold on the rally car. Why? Because it provides torque increases in the low- to mid-range while only marginally reducing top end (which my turbo inlet restrictor will handle just fine).
Here you can see the dual runners from the throttle body (cylinder 1) end of the manifold.
Above, you can see the little wastegate-looking solenoid which activates the internal butterflies on the Cyclone manifold.
During low (engine) speed operation, prior to positive manifold pressure from the turbo, the Cyclone routes the intake charge through one set of runners (presumably the longer set, I haven’t tested this yet). The reduced intake charge volume is accelerated toward the intake valve due to the reduced runner diameter and extended length.
Once the Cyclone is activated, butterflies similar to the throttle plate open to allow both sets of runners to flow, better accommodating the increased charge volumes under boost.
After disassembling the Cyclone intake manifold, I cleaned it up a bit in the chemical bath at the shop. There’s still plenty of carbon/gnar in the runners, but it’s significantly cleaner than these pictures show. Once I’ve got my new gaskets made (I’m not spending $60 importing a set), I’ll reassemble the unit, give it a nice coat of paint, and share the results here. I also intend to document how I manage to control this unit in the rally car with existing solenoids and Jackal.
Go fast with class. Press on regardless.
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