Hi all,

I was just doing some research on various street/daily driven turbo setups on the B18C1, specifically on choice in intake manifold. My focus is on the AEBS, Skunk2 Pro Series, and Skunk2 Ultra Street. Maybe I haven't been looking hard enough, but most of the reviews/comparisons for the AEBS and Skunk2 Pro are from no later than 2008, so most of what I've gathered may be outdated to say the least. For example, many people back then complained about the original Skunk2 manifold's runner angles not matching the head ports on the GSR, which was enough of a reason for people to opt for the AEBS since it was actually designed for the GSR. However, I'm pretty sure Skunk2 solved that issue a long time ago. All three choices seems viable to me but here are some of my concerns with each:

AEBS:
- potential fit/finish issues
- performance compared to the Skunk2?

Skunk2 Pro:
- performance compared to AEBS?

Skunk2 Ultra Street:
- clearance issues
- on the expensive side
- it will most likely outperform the other two manifolds, but is it worth it?

What would be the best choice in your opinions?

 

Skunk2 and call it a day. While I despise their support, there is very little room to dislike their products. They would be the ultimate company if their customer support even ATTEMPTED to match their quality. I had a Skunk2 GSR intake and sold it to a buddy locally, he said there were no issues with it at all so, I imagine whatever you're referring to was worked out long ago. The only issue I had on my Pro series (for a D) was the IAT port available was too small for my IAT sensor so I had to block it off and just relocate my sensor, and the upper coolant nipple was a REALLY snug fit for the hose. I couldn'tget a worm clamp on it and actually had to use a couple heavy duty zip ties that also required large amounts of coaxing to get on. That's Micky Mouse piddly ****, bruh. Lol!

 

Ah, alright. I was mainly thinking about the AEBS because literally everyone runs the Skunk2 Pro, and it's a really petty thing to think about but I want my engine bay to stand out. But I mean I guess there's a reason why everyone uses it lmao. How was the casting quality on the Pro series you had?

 

I haven't heard the name AEBS in years (As far as intake manifolds go) They were a decent cast alternative back in the day that was available in cast or polished. The issue I remember with the AEBS I had in particular was having to shave it down above the alt. bracket for it to fit...that is really no big deal seeing as how I also end up shaving S2 manifolds as well. Casting on the interior of the AEBS was on the "rougher" side, but again, this was somewhere between 2005-2007.
In 2020, I would use the Skunk2 Pro series and call it a day if this is a Street car in the need of overall "good" fit and function.

Con on the Ultra Street for some is that it doesnt reuse all of the OE sensors and moves the TB placement from its original position which will cause fitment" issues" with charge pipe routing.

You may find something here helpful:

 

Casting was pretty clean. I didn't have any other fitment issues but, mine is D-series. I had to open the throttle port a bit to match up with the 70mm throttle body; that was about a mm or so off.

 

Awesome video you made there man! Very informative and helpful. I suppose I'll be going with the S2 Pro then, although I wouldn't want to end up having to shave some of it for good fitment.

Also, I was also concerned about the S2 Ultra having fitment issues with intercooler piping, but while looking at stuff online I found this video from S2 themselves being able to switch out the Pro1 for the Ultra Street during a test. All they did was sort of flex the silicone coupler so it would line up.

 

I was going to recommend that Go-Autoworks video, but Greg beat me to it!

 

I think AEBS is out of the game, minus sleeves.

 

they still do sleeves but the IMs were from Professional products, and were discontinued years ago

 

Edelbrock Victor X.....

 

I know a shop that still has a few AEBS manifolds in stock... both applications (B16A/B18C5 and B18C1). TheShodan is correct: these manifolds were produced by Professional Products... the design was "influenced" by Ben at AEBS.

For any interested parties, PM me for contact information.

 

Huh, this was a goof on my end I saw that their manifolds were still listed on eraceparts.com and just assumed they were still in production, albeit being unpopular compared to the Skunk2. Thanks for clearing that up though.

 

I really like my Performer X. Puts the power right in the sweet spot. Victor X was a top end only thing

 

Are you sure youll need an aftermarket intake mani in the first place? Whats your hp target?

 

Pre-gabbed I/C piping choices is what may be making him change intake manifolds. The GS-R sets its intake muxh lower than the B16/B18C5. only GReddy and Edlebrock had I/C piping made for the GS-R (B18C1). All others had ro have theirs custom made.

 

I wanted to shoot for around 400whp, and I know that some people do just fine with the GSR manifold by disabling the secondary butterfly valves. TheShodan is right, though; I mainly want to change the manifold because most turbo kits and charge pipes seem to be designed around B series engines with the Type R style manifold. Some other pluses for me are that it would be an aesthetic improvement over the stock manifold, and it would make it a little easier to access the oil filter (though I am considering a filter relocation kit.)

 

keep the oil filter in the stock location. it's best