evest Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 Not the first and certainly not the last to do so!!! Got a Motordyne Plenum Spacer for ZMANALEX (usually great service) it's the 5/16" ISO Thermal one. Installed it today and am pleased to say it went (almost) without a hitch - I managed to round off one the engine cover bolts as I had to rush toward the end! Ah well, not the end of the world, will sort it next week. Not done the coolant control valve yet as ran out of time. The car felt great afterwards; I'm sure it had a slightly deeper growl and seemed to pull a bit better. Didn't get any CELs or anything so all good. Really pleased with the mod, and got a bit more confidence from doing it - never had the lower plenum off before, but all went well. If I can offer any advice to anyone thinking of doing it I would say this: I don't have much mechanical experience but was able to do it in 2hrs without any problems (apart from being a bit clumsy with the aforementioned bolt!). The instructions included are very clear and easy to follow. Apart from normal hand tools, I would recommend investing in a low range torque wrench with a range capable of 4-5 NMs upwards - this is to ensure the bolts are tightened properly so the seal is good. Oh and leave enough time to avoid rushing anything...schoolboy error there! Happy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmck13 Posted February 20, 2011 Share Posted February 20, 2011 May'be a remap now in view? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evest Posted February 20, 2011 Author Share Posted February 20, 2011 Indeed! So far I've done the short ram intake, Cobra cat-back exhaust and now the plenum spacer. Really just want to put some lightened pulleys on first, but I'm wiped out for this month! Will keep it in mind though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tprice Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 im after lightened pulleys too! gotta get a plenum spacer on payday though. an absolute must lol. what short ram intake you got, im after one, but only one that actually makes a difference, dont want an open air filter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilscorp Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 What did you use to plug the coolant pipes? Im about to remove the intake plenum and install a new cam cover and new MD plenum spacer. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMANALEX Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 What did you use to plug the coolant pipes? Im about to remove the intake plenum and install a new cam cover and new MD plenum spacer.Thanks. No need to disconnect any coolant pipes mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilscorp Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 I thought the two pipes under the back of the plenum nxt to the throttle body need to be disconnected and these are coolent pipes? Will be ordering that new cam cover off you m8, would it be from a later model Z i.e.less likely to fail again? ta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beavis Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 What did you use to plug the coolant pipes? Im about to remove the intake plenum and install a new cam cover and new MD plenum spacer.Thanks. No need to disconnect any coolant pipes mate. +1 You can easily lift the plenum high enough to fit a spacer. I have just done the same job and did not have to disconnect any cooling pipes and i did the lower collector too. You will easily have enough room to replace a cam cover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilscorp Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 its the left hand bank(passenger side) so where would i put the plenum and would the hoses stretch? think i might b better just to drain the engine? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMANALEX Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 think i might b better just to drain the engine? Don't be mad You will create yourself all sorts of problems. YOU DO NOT REQUIRE TO DISCONNECT ANY COOLANT PIPES. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilscorp Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 lol ok i wont but what do you do about the coolant control valve? do you have to use plugs when you cut into it so coolant doesnt leak out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZMANALEX Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 lol ok i wont but what do you do about the coolant control valve? do you have to use plugs when you cut into it so coolant doesnt leak out? You will not be fitting the coolant control valve as it is not required in the UK with our climate. However IMHO you should fit the Iso Thermal Aramid gasket as this will help reduce heat soak from the cyl. heads to the lower collector. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilscorp Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 Thanks, pm sent! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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