This aluminum intake manifold is designed for Holden V8 applications using compatible 1988–1998 VN-style cylinder heads. Its dual-plane configuration, air-gap construction, and single four-barrel square-bore carburetor flange make it suitable for street and performance engine builds operating within a broad 1,500–6,500 RPM range.
The manifold features a natural cast-aluminum finish, eight intake runners, machined cylinder-head mounting surfaces, and a standard-deck configuration. Before ordering, confirm the cylinder-head design, intake-port dimensions, carburetor flange, distributor clearance, and available engine-bay clearance.
Product Highlights
- Designed for Holden V8 engines using compatible 1988–1998 VN-style cylinder heads
- Dual-plane intake design for a broad operating range
- Recommended operating range of 1,500–6,500 RPM
- Air-gap construction helps reduce heat transfer from the engine valley to the intake runners
- Designed for one four-barrel square-bore carburetor
- Natural cast-aluminum construction
- Standard-deck configuration
- Eight intake runners with machined mounting surfaces
- No EGR provision
Fitment and Compatibility
Engine and Cylinder-Head Compatibility
This intake manifold is intended for Holden V8 applications using compatible 1988–1998 VN-style cylinder heads. Current product information identifies applications involving 253, 304, and 308 Holden V8 engines, as well as performance builds in the 308–383 cubic-inch range.
Fitment is determined primarily by the cylinder-head design, intake-port arrangement, engine deck configuration, and surrounding components. Engine displacement or vehicle model year alone is not sufficient to confirm compatibility.
Important Fitment Information
- Compatible cylinder heads must use the applicable Holden VN-style intake-port and bolt pattern.
- The manifold is configured for a standard-deck engine block.
- The carburetor mounting flange is a four-barrel square-bore design.
- The reference to “EFI-style heads” describes the compatible cylinder-head design. It does not mean that this is an EFI intake manifold.
- Check the manifold height, carburetor height, air-cleaner height, distributor clearance, throttle linkage, fuel-line routing, and hood clearance before installation.
- Modified engines and engine-swap applications may require additional parts or fabrication.
Performance and Design
Dual-Plane Air-Gap Design
The dual-plane layout divides the intake path to support a broad operating range and responsive street performance. The open space beneath the intake runners separates part of the manifold from the engine valley, helping reduce direct heat transfer into the intake structure.
This configuration is intended for street and performance applications that operate primarily between 1,500 and 6,500 RPM. Actual engine performance depends on the complete combination, including displacement, cylinder heads, camshaft, carburetor, exhaust system, ignition, compression ratio, and tuning.
Product Specifications
| Product Type |
Intake manifold |
| Compatible Application |
Holden V8 engines using compatible 1988–1998 VN-style cylinder heads |
| Intake Design |
Dual-plane air-gap |
| Carburetor Configuration |
Single four-barrel carburetor |
| Carburetor Flange |
Square-bore |
| Recommended Operating Range |
1,500–6,500 RPM |
| Engine Block Deck Height |
Standard deck |
| Maximum Manifold Height |
5.82 inches |
| Manifold Height A |
4.80 inches |
| Manifold Height B |
5.82 inches |
| Carburetor Pad Height |
5.31 inches |
| Port Exit Dimensions |
1.16 × 2.00 inches |
| Material |
Cast aluminum |
| Finish |
Natural aluminum |
| EGR Provision |
No |
| Quantity |
One intake manifold |
Construction and Package Contents
Construction Details
The manifold uses a cast-aluminum body with eight curved intake runners and machined cylinder-head mounting surfaces. It includes a square-bore four-barrel carburetor mounting flange, rectangular intake-port openings, threaded mounting points, and a machined distributor opening.
The natural finish leaves the cast-aluminum surface visible. Minor variations in casting texture may be present and do not by themselves indicate a fitment issue.
What Is Included
- One cast-aluminum intake manifold
- Three threaded plugs shown in the product images
Intake gaskets are not included. Carburetor, carburetor gasket, mounting hardware, distributor, sensors, fuel-system components, throttle linkage, air cleaner, and other installation parts are not listed as included.
This Product Is Best Suited For
This intake manifold is best suited for street and performance Holden V8 builds using compatible 1988–1998 VN-style cylinder heads, a standard-deck engine configuration, and one four-barrel square-bore carburetor.
- Street-driven Holden V8 builds that operate across a broad RPM range
- Performance engines intended to operate primarily between 1,500 and 6,500 RPM
- 253, 304, and 308-based Holden V8 applications using compatible VN-style cylinder heads
- Compatible 308–383 cubic-inch performance builds
- Projects requiring a dual-plane manifold for responsive street performance
- Engine builds using a single four-barrel square-bore carburetor
- Custom applications where the cylinder heads, port dimensions, deck height, distributor position, and available clearance have been verified
This manifold is not intended for an electronic fuel-injection installation without additional compatible conversion components. It should not be selected solely by vehicle model year or engine displacement; the cylinder-head design and complete engine configuration must also match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engines is this intake manifold designed for?
It is intended for Holden V8 engines using compatible 1988–1998 VN-style cylinder heads. Current product information identifies 253, 304, and 308 applications, along with performance builds in the 308–383 cubic-inch range. Cylinder-head design and intake-port compatibility must be confirmed before ordering.
Does this manifold fit every 1988–1998 Holden Commodore V8?
Not necessarily. The vehicle year and model alone do not confirm fitment. Check the installed engine, cylinder heads, intake-port dimensions, bolt pattern, deck configuration, distributor position, and available clearance.
Is this an EFI intake manifold?
This manifold is configured for one four-barrel square-bore carburetor. References to 1988–1998 EFI-style heads describe the compatible cylinder-head design and do not indicate that the manifold includes an electronic fuel-injection system.
What carburetor configuration does it use?
It is designed for one four-barrel carburetor using a square-bore mounting pattern. Confirm the carburetor bolt pattern and linkage requirements before installation.
What is the recommended operating range?
The recommended operating range is 1,500–6,500 RPM. Actual performance depends on the complete engine combination and tuning.
What does the air-gap design do?
The open area beneath the intake runners helps reduce direct heat transfer from the engine valley into the intake structure. Its effect depends on engine temperature, airflow, vehicle use, and the complete engine configuration.
Are intake gaskets included?
No. Intake gaskets are not included and must be selected for the installed cylinder heads and engine configuration.
Will additional parts be required?
Additional parts may be required depending on the installation. These can include gaskets, bolts, fittings, vacuum connections, fuel-system components, throttle linkage, an air cleaner, and other application-specific hardware.
Should the manifold be professionally installed?
Yes. Professional installation is recommended, particularly for modified engines and custom applications where port alignment, sealing, distributor clearance, carburetor setup, and tuning must be checked.
Installation
Before Installation
Complete the following checks before removing the existing intake manifold:
- Confirm that the engine uses compatible 1988–1998 Holden VN-style cylinder heads.
- Compare the intake-port dimensions, bolt pattern, distributor location, and coolant passages with the existing engine.
- Confirm that the standard-deck manifold dimensions are suitable for the engine.
- Check carburetor, air-cleaner, distributor, throttle-linkage, fuel-line, and hood clearance.
- Prepare the correct intake gaskets, carburetor gasket, sealant, bolts, fittings, and other application-specific hardware.
- Obtain the correct tightening sequence and torque specifications for the engine and cylinder heads.
- Allow the engine to cool completely, disconnect the battery, and relieve fuel-system pressure before beginning work.
- Drain coolant as required by the engine configuration before removing the existing manifold.
- Label the vacuum lines, electrical connections, fuel lines, and coolant hoses to make reassembly easier.
Brief Installation Steps
- Disconnect the battery and allow the engine to cool completely.
- Drain coolant as required and remove the air cleaner, carburetor, fuel connections, throttle linkage, vacuum lines, hoses, distributor, and other components that block access to the intake manifold.
- Remove the existing intake manifold according to the applicable engine service procedure.
- Cover the exposed intake ports, then carefully clean the cylinder-head mating surfaces without allowing debris to enter the engine.
- Test-fit the new manifold and verify port alignment, bolt-hole alignment, distributor clearance, carburetor position, and hood clearance.
- Install the correct intake gaskets and apply sealant only where required by the gasket or engine manufacturer.
- Lower the manifold into position without disturbing the gaskets, then start all mounting bolts by hand.
- Tighten the bolts in the correct sequence and to the torque specifications provided for the engine and cylinder heads.
- Reinstall the carburetor, distributor, throttle linkage, fuel lines, vacuum connections, coolant hoses, and other removed components.
- Refill any drained fluids, reconnect the battery, and check throttle operation before starting the engine.
- Start the engine and inspect for fuel, coolant, and vacuum leaks. Verify ignition timing, idle operation, and carburetor adjustment.
These steps provide a general installation overview. The exact procedure, sealant requirements, tightening sequence, and torque specifications depend on the engine, cylinder heads, gaskets, and related components. Professional installation is recommended.
PLEASE NOTE!
