I'm practically done with my build and installing the Skunk2 Intake Manifold on my Y8 wasn't as straight forward as it should've been.

Problem 1:
-I first noticed the coolant hose that connects to the lower corner of the intake has a tight fit. So tight you can't fit a hose clamp or squeeze clamp around the hose.

Easily a design flaw, all Skunk2 had to do was angle the passage away from the runner.

Fix 1:
-Just take a screw driver, fit it between the opening of the coolant pipe and the runner and just slowly/slightly pry the screwdriver to try and angle it away from the runner. You'll end up bending the tip of the coolant passage, but that slight bend has enough gap to fit the hose further onto the pipe and secure it easily with a clamp.

Problem 2:
-As I was tightening hose clamp onto hose around the same coolant passage, I tug on the hose to make sure everything is snug and the entire hose with the passage come straight out from the manifold. There was no flare at the end of the fitting, no material suggesting it was held in by any adhesive of some sort. Just a clean straight pipe that I can slide in and out of the manifold.

The bend I put in it earlier only affected about the first 1/3rd of the exposed coolant fitting, so it didn't affect the mounting area. But apparently a little pressure on that fitting dislodged it. And I'm glad I found this now instead of who knows when while I'm driving and leaking hot coolant all over the place.

Fix 2:
-Clean fitting and hole in manifold with alcohol, let dry. Get some JB Weld and put a coat over the fitting that sits in the manifold and slowly insert until pushed in all the way. I had a nice bead of jb weld circling the fitting, let it dry for at least 24 hours before attaching any hose to it.

Problem 3:
-Manifold has a side port for an IAT sensor. On my 2000 EX my IAT sits in the intake pipe.

Fix 3:
-Thread a bolt into opening or install OBD1 IAT sensor as a plug or wire your old IAT wires into OBD1 IAT sensor. I did go to a junk yard and got an OBD1 IAT sensor and connetor from, I believe an EG, but the base of the insert of the sensor is too wide. I can shave it down, but I'm trying find if there's another IAT sensor where I don't have to shave anything. I'm worried about weakening the insert going into the IM, don't want that to crack and fall out into the engine.

Problem 4:
-Throttle cable bracket holes are spread further apart than holes on IM.

Fix 4:
-Drill only 1 of those holes on the bracket to widen it out. Test fit and repeat drilling/fitting until holes match from bracket to manifold.

Problem 5:
-Upon start up, I needed to adjust my throttle cable to allow Throttle Body to fully close, but doing so dips the idle to low 100's and stall.

Fix 5:
-Adjust throttle body stop screw until you get desired idle range.


Other notes:
If you have the skunk2 alpha throttle body I would suggest putting a washer on the screw in the hole where the TPS sensor sits and put some loctite/threadlock on that same screw and let sit for 24 hours before using.

Also check for a sticking butterfly. Fully open and close throttle body and see if there's any sticking. Barely shave material in suspected area until flap opens and closes smoothly, with no visible uneven gap between flap and throttle body opening when flap is closed.

A lot of work for something that should be straight before leaving the factory, should give you peace of mind and no worries about anything coming off.