I'm confused. What's happening with aluminum 4 Bbl intakes? Apparently there are or were 2 Blue Thunder casting designs made. However, this seems to be almost insider info. It is known that the original design does not work very well with stock or 272/292 engines. What about the 2nd design? And also there are rumors of a short supply of these intakes. Now J. Mummert is advertising another aluminum intake, no make given, supposedly with improved port design. Improved for racing or street? Are Blue Thunders going out of production or what's happening?..

Paul

There have been lapses in the production of the BT intakes and I’m also told that some quality problems cropped up in at least one of the batches.   This has made for some shortages but as far as I’m aware, the manifolds are still being produced.  John Mummert has worked out a new design which is expected to make for a better street intake as he has addressed some of the issues with the runner sizes being too large.  The new JM intakes are not yet out on the market as the machining of them is still being worked out but there are expected to be some options with his manifold in regards to height.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Thanks Ted. It will be interesting to see what Mummert comes up with. I'm sure some milder or small displacement Y-Blocks, could benefit from a more street tuned aluminum intake.

Paul

Ahhhhh, you just gotta luve Mummert, he looks after us black sheep.....

1957 ________________ Ford

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Y Blocks, The New Flathead!

Possible "street tuning" features that would tempt every Y-Block owner to buy an aluminum manifold (and thus lose all that extra cast iron weight):



1. Small ports? To maintain velocity (low-end drivability), and insure compatibility with early heads.



2. Drilled to accept late AND early carbs, with ability to attach "55 choke (for those who want to maintain original look/equipment).



3. Variable riser passages? (it would be nice, if feasible, to tune-in the right amount of carb heat without pulling the manifold).



4. Built-in PCV port to eliminate carb spacer.



5. Rough interior surfaces for maximum atomization? (was that controversy ever settled?)



6. Machined with enough clearance for easy installation.



7. Original appearance (firing #s, no aftermarket logos, cast surface, etc.).

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

I was ready to purchase one of these manifolds for my 272 but after reading this I think I will hold off for a while.

Has anyone with a 272 had a problem with one?

Regards 56 effie

Hang loose and enjoy the ride.

Brisbane Australia

56: Yes it might be an idea to wait on buying a Blue Thunder intake, and see what Mummert's new intake offers. There have been a couple of reports of problems mechanically with these manifolds. With which casting, I don't know? I don't recall the details, or if they were readily rectified. What is known, is that on a 272 or stock or mild 292, because of the larger runners in these manifolds, your engine will probably suffer a loss of power (possibly torque & H.P.) below say 3000 RPM., which is of course not desirable for a street engine. What you would gain is a nice looking & somewhere between 9 & 15 lbs lighter manifold. It's your call..

Paul