AMODEL type A/B plastic for intake manifold?

[Viper488]

I'd like to re-do an after market blower intake manifold in some sort of plastic media that's comparable to AMODEL. Something that does not have to be injection molded. Available in Part A&B canned form, or that can at least be purchased in block form to allow me to have it machined to my specs?

What about Bakalite/Bakelite, or Phenolic? Would either of those be adequate for intake manifold duty, both in resistance to heat-soak, and also to the environment and requirements one would find/need as an intake manifold? I'm guessing they would as they're often used for carb spacers etc..

 

[MikeHalloran]

Phenolic is strong, _as_plastics_go_. You'll like it better with a glass fiber filler.

You'll probably also want to add some lampblack to the resin; the natural cured color is an ugly, bright coral pink.

Bakelite is Dr. Leo Baekeland's name for the thermosetting polymer he discovered by reacting phenol and formaldehyde. His patent ran out in 1927. Phenolic is one of many names for the same stuff. As with any mature material, there are thousands of variations, all more similar than different.

Heated seriously, it does decompose, but doesn't lose strength or change size in any major way. Used carb spacers are usually blackened on the manifold side, but still good to go.

It's _not_ comparable to AMODEL. So, use more of it. It's relatively cheap. I don't think you'll be happy with the results of machining phenolic sheet, even if you can find it thick enough. You'll probably have to make some simple molds and mix and lay up your own.



Mike Halloran
NOT speaking for
DeAngelo Marine Exhaust Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA

 

[tigretr]

Interesting concept. I would recommend you stay away from phenolic, especially fiberglass reinforced. From a functionality standpoint I am confident it can survive the fuel / heat environment and possibly the pressure of a blower if it were thick enough, but you will need a boat load of end mills to do the machining. The fiberglass is very abrasive and really eats up tools. I suppose Carbide end mills would last longer than the high speed steel cutters I was smoking while making my carb spacers. Good luck!