One of the greatest perks of being a tech editor is the amount of performance parts that rolls through Turbo headquarters. I guess one of the unfortunate (I'm kidding) responsibilities is being the first to test and evaluate products each and every month that don't officially exist. As I was visiting Javier Guiterrez of JG Engine Dynamics one day, I noticed a trick aluminum intake manifold and big-bore throttle body resting on top of several boxes of JE pistons in the corner of his office.
Drawn in like a bee to honey, I picked up the manifold. I have long known that he was working on a cast manifold but didn't think it was available yet. He told us the manifold, designed for popular Honda/Acura applications, was one of the first units to come off the preproduction line and was not available to the public yet. After some negotiation, I was able to take the throttle body and intake back to Turbo headquarters for some studio shots.
The cast manifold features an offset plenum for equal distribution of charge air to each individual intake runner. The runners utilize a velocity stack transition increasing air speed into the combustion chamber. More amazing is the fact the intake manifold still accepts all the factory sensors (intake air temperature and EAVC valve) for a completely stock fit. On the underside, extra bosses on the runners are part of the casting for serious performance enthusiasts who seek to install a direct-port nitrous system or additional injectors. A factory fuel rail can be mounted to the JG Edelbrock manifold or an upgraded unit is also available.
Although the intake manifold was impressive, the throttle body was equally impressive. The CNC-finished cast big-bore throttle body also accepts all the factory sensors but more than likely the throttle body will be sold with the sensors already included, making installation a snap. Although currently neither unit has been CARB-approved, they anticipate getting the exemption before release to the public.
Unfortunately, because I had to return both pieces immediately, I was not able to perform any testing. You can bet I will try my hardest to get my hands on a production sample for some dyno testing. So if you are in the market for a big-bore throttle body or intake manifold, you might want to check out the JG Edelbrock Web site for info.