Which intake manifold should I run? Begi vs NB VTCS vs Skunk2
#1
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So I recently came across a BEGi manifold(not the cast one) for kinda cheap. It has a bbk 70mm tb. I’ve searched through the forums and I’ve heard some good things but mostly bad things about them. What are the main benefits of that intake manifold?
Before I was contemplating on fully gutting and porting the vtcs manifold or just getting the skunk2.
Which intake manifold should I use?
How much should I sell the Begi for if I don’t use it?
Before I was contemplating on fully gutting and porting the vtcs manifold or just getting the skunk2.
Which intake manifold should I use?
How much should I sell the Begi for if I don’t use it?
#2
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Of those options, Skunk2 is the better option. Even a gutted VTCS manifold is restrictive. Assuming the BEGI is a fabricated type based on your description, there is always concern of fatigue failure at the welded joints. From the images I can find, it has short runners which don't work great on stock to stock-ish BP ports.
#3
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That entirely depends on the context of what your car is like now and where you wanna take it.
I don't find much value in chasing detail improvements to airflow on a boosted car when you can just crank up the boost. Gut the VTCS butterflies, keep the manifold brace, and enjoy the proven, low cost nature of OEM parts you already have.
I also don't have a boosted car.
I don't find much value in chasing detail improvements to airflow on a boosted car when you can just crank up the boost. Gut the VTCS butterflies, keep the manifold brace, and enjoy the proven, low cost nature of OEM parts you already have.
I also don't have a boosted car.
#8
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Why are any of you all even running that brace at all? That's the first thing I remove when I get a new Miata. I've had turbo miata's since the early 2000s and always removed that brace, makes doing oil changes a lot easier and I've never had a failure from removing it. Also, I recommend the square top I run one its been great
#9
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As an engineer that's dealt with continuous cost cutting, I am disenclined to believe that over 4 distinct iterations of the B series engine they left extra weight and cost on the table without studying the pros and cons of removing it.
Also, a very few higher mileage track cars have had issues with intake manifold cracks, and I would expect removing it doesn't help with the more common throttle body cracks. Increase the risk of that for what, 1.5 lbs and easier oil changes? No thank you.
Also, a very few higher mileage track cars have had issues with intake manifold cracks, and I would expect removing it doesn't help with the more common throttle body cracks. Increase the risk of that for what, 1.5 lbs and easier oil changes? No thank you.
Last edited by OptionXIII; 06-22-2024 at 10:46 AM.
#10
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As an engineer that's dealt with continuous cost cutting, I am disenclined to believe that over 4 distinct iterations of the B series engine they left extra weight and cost on the table without studying the pros and cons of removing it.
Also, a very few higher mileage track cars have had issues with intake manifold cracks, and I would expect removing it doesn't help with the more common throttle body cracks. Increase the risk of that for what, 1.5 lbs and easier oil changes? No thank you.
Also, a very few higher mileage track cars have had issues with intake manifold cracks, and I would expect removing it doesn't help with the more common throttle body cracks. Increase the risk of that for what, 1.5 lbs and easier oil changes? No thank you.
Also, interesting I had the very first begi intake manifold ever made for a B series Miata way back in the day. Iirc it fit horribly and left a lot to be desired. That was the first iteration of that manifold
#11
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Braceless heathen here, no issues so far on my car. That said I can't argue with the engineers perspective. I honestly can't remember if my flat top came with one or what I did with it, or else I might consider adding it back.
#14
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Good deal, yea literally all of my buddies who own miata's (quite a few Miata buddies I've accumulated over the years) remove said brace and never look back. I'm sure there was a sound engineering reason behind it. However, I also know a lot of engineers and they like to think they are always right no matter what.....why? They are engineers and went to school for it and so now they are emboldened to think they cannot be wrong and every decision they make is correct lol. God love em
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I personally run the brace, even though my car is probably not at risk. Only takes about a minute and a half to remove and replace. There are definitely instances of high power track cars with removed braces and damaged intake manifolds.
#17
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10+ years ago I would've said just remove it and it'll be fine. These days I'm of the opinion it was put there for a reason and err on the side of caution. Will everybody experience problems? No, but ultimately it's your call. I'd say it also depends on your setup. If I was running a skunk2 IM I would worry much less about the IM brace (as the IM is lighter), but the OEM manifolds are fairly big/heavy so if you can run an IM brace it's probably a good idea. Ultimately the car isn't going to burst into flames so not a huge risk we're talking here.
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I'm with OptionXIII, it's there for a reason. Some have theorized it could help reduce vibrations at the throttle body (which break throttle shafts) by acting a damper. It also doesn't weight that much. If oil filter access is a problem (especially with an oil cooler sandwich plate), just notch it to clear. It's only 3 bolts to remove if I do need to get behind it. Rather not chance a failure at the track over something trivial to deal with.
#19
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+1 for skunk2 mani. Running it alongside the skunk2 TB. It's been proven that the skunk2 has a slight gain over the square top in FI, and an even bigger gain over the others. If you do get a matching skunk2 TB, just make sure the adjustment screw is set properly lol. I've read that they've come undone on people, including myself.
Toss the brace, my lifted Miata that I offroad violently doesn't have one. The only thing I broke on it so far was a control arm, multiple shocks, passenger airbag, and my back. Brace is pointless imo. weight reduction bro.
Toss the brace, my lifted Miata that I offroad violently doesn't have one. The only thing I broke on it so far was a control arm, multiple shocks, passenger airbag, and my back. Brace is pointless imo. weight reduction bro.