1997 Intake Manifold Replacement

[ZJAZZ]

The source was an eBay seller that had part number F8AE-9424-CA. They had 20-ish of them, but they're all since sold. It's back to a chance happening of finding a NOS unit someone lists, assuming someone doesn't find a bulk amount of them again.

I SEE. Thanks, happy for those who had a chance getting those. To my understanding it's a rarity now since they are not produced anymore. I wish I would know about this like 15 years ago, they were everywhere, and quite affordable. I am hoping some NOS will surface from somewhere.

On another note, there are some used ones on ebay. Not sure if it's worth investing in those? Who knows the mileage of those cars they were removed from, and going under such a repair to find out that it will need replacement again would be quite a disappointment.

[ZJAZZ]

Still on a lookout for a OEM manifold. Hopefully one NOS will show up somewhere. Also, still interested to hear if anyone has recommendations for a good mechanic in Northern Virginia (DMV) area, I would appreciate that very much.

[ZJAZZ]

Just wanted to come back and ask again if anyone has any recommendations for a good mechanic in Northern Virginia for installing the manifold. I still haven't found OEM for my 1997 TC. If you happen to have one please get in touch. Thanks!

[sly]

I doubt you'll find a Ford intake for the NPI engine. The Dorman part is probably going to be your best option, unfortunately.

[ZJAZZ]

I doubt you'll find a Ford intake for the NPI engine. The Dorman part is probably going to be your best option, unfortunately.

That's what I'm afraid of! But I'm still looking, not going to put dorman unless I have no other choice. Thinking now maybe worth doing conversion from the newer PI instead. Those are available OEM still. But need to find a good technician who knows the job.

[87GrandMarq]

Too bad the new pi intake doesn’t flow as well as the old pi intake. Not that it matters much on a panther.

[ZJAZZ]

Too bad the new pi intake doesn’t flow as well as the old pi intake. Not that it matters much on a panther.

How so? Not sure I understand, would you mind explaining, thanks

[87GrandMarq]

How so? Not sure I understand, would you mind explaining, thanks

Ford got a new supplier for their pi intakes. They’re pretty much a copy of the crappy Dorman intake now.

[sly]

IIRC, It's is a little lower on peak HP but the torque starts a little lower as well so there's a little more area under the curve for the typical driving range... so there's that.

[ZJAZZ]

Ford got a new supplier for their pi intakes. They’re pretty much a copy of the crappy Dorman intake now.

Ohhh that's a sad news!

[tbear853]

15 or more years or so ago, bought a take off Ford PI intake from a wrecked '03 CVPI just to have if ever was needed on my '01 Mercury GM, so far it's still a spare ... in a box with a FEL-PRO MS98008T1 gasket set. In 2020, I did install a 5/8" copper tube in the rear plastic heater hose bib, after hand drilling the all plastic one & base with a 5/8" drill. The copper is probably 2-1/2" long total, it goes deep but is not bottomed. I roughened the tube, got a good almost tight fit, then coated it with J B Weld and inserted it with a twisting motion. , and then I removed the aluminum cross over and removed the seals, filled the grooves / channels with J B Weld, put it back together. I'll mod the alternator brace or make one as needed. So far, no issues with the '01 all plastic intake.

[ZJAZZ]

Just wanted to come back here and see if anyone has any recommendations on the shop in VA (DC Metro) for installation of the intake. It doesnt look like im able to score a nPi intake for my 1997 TC, so I might go with the pi one there are a few here and there, but the modification is needed, and I don't know any shop who I can trust for this kind of mods. If anyone knows someone who has an experience installing and modyfying, I can even travel to that shop too. I just want it to be repaired right way. Thanks in advance!

[tbear853]

Just wanted to come back here and see if anyone has any recommendations on the shop in VA (DC Metro) for installation of the intake. It doesnt look like im able to score a nPi intake for my 1997 TC, so I might go with the pi one there are a few here and there, but the modification is needed, and I don't know any shop who I can trust for this kind of mods. If anyone knows someone who has an experience installing and modyfying, I can even travel to that shop too. I just want it to be repaired right way. Thanks in advance!

Looking on RA sight, look at the first listing
1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA 4.6L V8 Intake Manifold | RockAuto
titled as simply "Famous Brands 615178", looks like a Non PI to me, and they explain in the description why the name.
More Information for FAMOUS BRAND 615178

[sly]

From those pics, looks like the Dorman and SKP have the nice double seal rings on the air passages. As far as swapping one out, it's tedious, but not horrible. But you should have fuel injector seals on hand because you will probably have to replace those. You will have to drain and refill the coolant system as well, but just enough to get below the heads. The rest is just paying attention to what goes where and putting it all bag together with the proper torque settings. 10-12 ft/lbs for the plastic area to head bolts and intake elbow and 15 ft-lbs on the thermostat housing and crossover sensors. The rest are just hand tight (75-85 inch pounds IIRC - I just do hand tight with a socket driver, not a ratchet, so I can't get it too tight). Takes about 4-6 hours if you're going slow and no bolt breaks. 2 hours tops if you've done it a couple of times. But yeah, if you don't have time or aren't confident you'll get it done properly in the time you have, finding a decent shop is your best bet. But yeah... finding a good shop is also the hardest part.

[ZJAZZ]

Looking on RA sight, look at the first listing
1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA 4.6L V8 Intake Manifold | RockAuto
titled as simply "Famous Brands 615178", looks like a Non PI to me, and they explain in the description why the name.
More Information for FAMOUS BRAND 615178

Oh wow! Is that a possibility of it being OEM? Since it says manufacturer who don't want to advertise? Though looking at the picture it doesn't look like a FORD one, but lot's of time they may use generic pictures? If that's OEM I'd get it immediately! Would appreciate your opinion on it. Thanks!