Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Pretty plastic parts, but a long way from a workingmanifold. You are much better off buying a real manifold that will actually fit.. I think you will wind up with more in your prototype than a good used manifold would cost. (Certainly more money than anyone would pay you for it) oh well.

I would like to balance out that double helping of derision with some, slightly more encouraging words....

These prototypes look like perfect fits and it really is a step forward that they can be printed out all day or loaded into a CNC and hit “play.” While the end product might not be the right choice for, say, John Baker’s engine bay, the fact of the mater is that no reproduction, no matter how nice would be. However, the market for original solex parts is killing many people’s dream of running side drafts: Having a cheaper alternative that delivers the exact same functionality and performance would be a boon for the whole community....

Thanks for working hard to creat a solution, keep going!

Exact same functionality Nah... Forget i said a thing....

JT, you know I have the greatest respect and appreciation for you and the great parts you have made. I have been very vocal in supporting those products and have been happy to give positive feedback as it was well warranted. However, I'm not sure why you want to rain on this parade so much. Yes, you have made your opinion known, and offered some insights into how difficult this can be to make. It may be that this effort fails, all or in part, to become an alternative to a very rare and expensive part (the original solex manifold). But the EFFORT to create one should not be discouraged; quite the opposite really.... we should all be supportive of any effort to make workable parts for the Roadster. We have yet to know if this will be a workable part, but there has been no demand made by the creator to extract funds etc from anyone here, and this is an experiment to see what can be done and at what cost, and to even use new technology to see if that helps. Let's all respect the effort and process, and continue to encourage those who will step up and out to do something new.

A quality part I certainly applaud, not budget knock-off efforts. Nobody wants a screwed up version of a U20 manifold ala a Pierce 1600 manifold-ugh.

Sorry don't have time to go into all details, but this sure isn't the first time someone thought they could build a 2L solex manifold for 500$ with questionable linkage. --

Seems many on this thread are hoping for a 2$ solution for a 20$ problem-isn't going to happen. A quality part that fits properly will cost more than the approximations on this thread, otherwise it won't fit/won't function properly. Most people realize that a decent used manifold is the most cost effective route....if someone wants to spend more than that on a fabbed up manifold, its their choice

Relax JT, I’m not starting a business or trying to compete with anyone.
This effort is for me and my car.
I will show the forum the finished intake and everyone can judge for themselves if it’s something cool or not.
I don’t care if I sell any or not, as I said it’s for me.
The 3D parts cost me $25 for the filament, nice to have friends in the right places.
Thanks to those here offering encouragement,
That’s the norm here, awesome group.

Its all good if that is what you want to do, have fun! Don't know how much time+money you will have in it by the time you actually have a version "that actually drives"/ doesn't leak.

Best of luck- like you, I may build some for my own projects, --probably not for sale-- we'll see, building them correctly isn't cheap In any regard.

Roadsters

Are Awesome!

Would be fine if you did start a business. I applaud your efforts. By now it is clear you won't be discouraged , great. I know the feeling.
Really JT, it is tiring to read comments like "cute" and " monkey- motion" then have you say essentially " nevermind" at the end. It is inflammatory. Stuff could be said about your parts too that Steve would not like either and would not be in the spirit of the List. Then a "whatever" to try to mitigate the words. Like I said, just tiring.
My .02
Linda

sorry, just trying to give realistic advice on the U20,i apologize if people don't want to hear it. I'll edit so no-one is offended-- I'll put up some cute manifolds too for sale as a peace offering lol.

JT
I want thank you for all your suggestions and advise.
You have addressed some crucial aspects of this build that have and will be included in the final intake.
Although some may question your bedside manner, I think you strive for perfection.
Peace Out.
Scott

BBF Roadster wrote: ↑Mon Feb 12, 2018 10:54 pm The PLA filament would melt quickly on the head, heat has always been the biggest challenge for 3D prints.
The intake flanges will be waterjet cut and hand finished.
Tubes will be hand fitted and welded internally to the flanges.
A jig will be used to maintain uniform parts.
I can't wait to have the first one completed and test it on my car.

Thanks! I think it's wild to see a part come to fruition like what you've shown. Any plans to dyno or flow test the new manifold against the stock manifold?

Sure looks nice.
Did you consider a 6 axis waterjet for the flanges?
You could cut skewed holes for the tubes and use straight lengths of tubing, just miter cut on the ends.
Fewer welds, stronger. More expensive up front. Might even flow a bit better.
Not trying to redesign your part. Just wondered if that had been considered.
Dan

I would like to do a flow comparison but I don’t have an original to test.
But I will do a digital test with bent vs straight tubes.
A straight tube design was my first design but would be difficult to manufacture.
I will check pricing on the 6 axis.
Casting the unit would solve that, but not in my tool box.
Scott