Skunk2 Pro Series Intake Manifold Clone Knock-off Alert

[rvm]

I just received this information, keep and eye if you're buying a skunk2 pro series intake manifold, you might be buying a knock off!

Skunk2 Pro Series Intake Manifold Clone Alert

Mar 30th, 2010 // Article By: Skunk2 Staff // Photographer: Skunk2 Staff
For years, unscrupulous competitors have advertised their knock-off intake manifolds as being the “same as Skunk2.” They aren’t. Skunk2’s Pro Series Intake Manifold continues to set the bar and remains the most copied intake manifold around simply because it’s the best. Learn why Pro Series Intake Manifolds stand apart from the rest and how you can avoid being fooled by the clone makers.

Poor Appearance:
Open the clones' box and the casting flaws and irregular blemishes are obvious. That's because the clone makers put little effort into ensuring an acceptable level of quality. In contrast, the care taken by the foundry to produce the highest quality as demanded by Skunk2 is unmatched. Even the clone makers' materials are different. Although both manifolds are constructed of cast aluminum, only Pro Series Intake Manifolds are made from virgin, 356 aluminum, not recycled metals that are brittle and prone to cracking and discoloration. (Be sure to view the photo gallery for close-up comparisons and detailed descriptions.)

Poor Performance:
The more air and fuel that can be introduced into an engine's combustion chambers, the more power can potentially be made. High-flow air filters, exhaust systems, headers, throttle bodies, and intake manifolds all contribute to this. But a bottleneck within any one of these components can restrict flow. That's why Skunk2 ensured that its Pro Series Intake Manifolds allow for maximum port-matching to take advantage of up to 75mm throttle bodies. The clone manifolds allow for no more than 66mm throttle body port-matching, creating a significant bottleneck within the intake stream and severely limiting horsepower potential. The clone manifolds' irregular casting is also apparent inside where harsh transitions from the plenum to the runners create turbulence and restrict smooth airflow. (Be sure to view the photo gallery for close-up comparisons and detailed descriptions.)

Get ready because other clone manifolds will be introduced to the market shortly, some under the guise of companies you may already be familiar with. Some may continue to outright steal the Skunk2 Pro Series name, others may simply steal the design while rebadging it as their own. Either way, beware, as the clones, the knock-offs, and the copycats all share one thing in common: a lack of innovation and one poor design.

Source:

Skunk2 Racing: Pro Series Intake Manifold Clone Alert

Irregular blemishes and casting marks are common among clone manifolds (3). That's because often times recycled, lesser grade aluminum is used to reduce manufacturing costs. The results are brittle manifolds that are prone to cracking and discoloration. Inside is where the clones further fall short. A harsh transition from the throttle body opening to the number four intake runner (2) and limited space for throttle body port matching (1) makes the clone manifolds no better than OEM castings.

Skunk2 reshaped and relocated the IAC passage on its manifolds to accommodate throttle body port-matching as large as 75mm without the risk of breaking through. The clone's OEM-located IAC passage allows for throttle body port-matching no larger than 66mm, resulting in a significant bottleneck, limited horsepower gains, and decreased performance.

Why upgrade your intake manifold to only be limited to a 66mm throttle body? Skunk2 Pro Series Intake Manifolds allow for port-matching as large as 75mm to allow you to extract the most power out of your engine as possible.

Pro Series Intake Manifolds feature smooth transitions from plenum to runners and clean parting lines for optimal air flow. Each runner entry is smoothly tapered, much like an air horn. A rough, V-shaped transition from plenum to runners within the clone manifolds is the result of a poor design and careless manufacturing. The results prohibit proper air flow and decrease performance.

The consistent finish and fitment of Pro Series Intake Manifolds is the result of care taken by the foundry to produce high-quality parts as demanded by Skunk2. Clone manifolds can be identified by their irregular casting marks near their badges (2), unpredictable finishes and blemishes, and slightly square-shaped plenums (1). Genuine Skunk2 Pro Series Intake Manifolds can also be identified by their acid-etched, stainless steel nameplates. Notice the slightly rounded corners and shiny appearance when compared to the clone. Also notice the make-shift, trimmed corners on the clone manifold’s Pro Series nameplate. Once you know what to look for, spotting the clones, and then avoiding them, is easy.

Pro Series Intake Manifolds feature a smooth transition from the throttle body opening to the number four cylinder’s intake runner for smooth, uninterrupted flow. Each runner's transition is designed like an airfoil to improve flow and maximize performance. The clone's odd-shaped, abrupt transition from the throttle body opening to the number four cylinder’s intake runner impedes proper air flow and results in limited horsepower.

Although the packaging may appear similar, don't be fooled by what's inside.

 

[blinx9900]

wow thats crazy!

 

[pateras_vtec]

****!!!! Got mine installed 1 month ago!!!!! Looks like i got the real thing though. But you got me thinking...

 

[sharbel]

r u saying we gotta check it from the performance outlets aswell ? i didnt knw they r capable of selling fake's .... (

 

[smokymo]

you got me paranoid gotta check mine later just in case

 

[J700OCK]

great info rvm . thanks for sharing

 

[JayTee]

Not sure if this is posted over here, but just a heads up.

Fake ASR sub-frame braces are making their way around as well. Take a look at this link Buyer Warning! Fake ASR Subframe Braces on the Loose! JHPUSA – JDM Honda Parts USA – Blog

 

[silguy]

First, I don't condone in copying another manufacturer's name directly and reselling or impersonating that specific manufacturer. Good luck Skunk in sorting this out. Now, in reality, didn't Skunk copy an OEM part anyways? If my information stands correctly, they copied the Type R manifold to fit on other B-Series. I'm sure they added their little designs here and there, but in general, that's the concept. Not to turn this into a negative flame thread, but in a business and like all things, what goes around comes around. Just have to be prepared for it. Good luck!

 

[good at crashing]

First, I don't condone in copying another manufacturer's name directly and reselling or impersonating that specific manufacturer. Good luck Skunk in sorting this out. Now, in reality, didn't Skunk copy an OEM part anyways? If my information stands correctly, they copied the Type R manifold to fit on other B-Series. I'm sure they added their little designs here and there, but in general, that's the concept. Not to turn this into a negative flame thread, but in a business and like all things, what goes around comes around. Just have to be prepared for it. Good luck!

I half agree with what your saying. However, Skunk2 did not label their intakes as OEM. Copying is not a crime, but a different company trying to decieve customers is.

 

[powey]

They took OEM and made it better, see no problem with that.

Just hope no one buys these fakes at skunk2 rrp

 

[hpmx18]

when i read this im glad im using itbs so big relieve for me

 

[excaliburcombo]

gud info mate

 

[Mr. Vtec]

I HAVE SKUNK2 MANIFOLD FORSALE IF ANYONE WANTS TO BUY IT!!! ITS REAL I PROMISE

Fits B16a B16b B18C not for GSR

Asking $150 USD

 

[silguy]

I half agree with what your saying. However, Skunk2 did not label their intakes as OEM. Copying is not a crime, but a different company trying to decieve customers is.

Yea, that's what I meant when I say "copying directly". I mean, even though they didn't label it as OEM, I doubt Skunk2 woulda created that style if the Type R never existed, but who knows...=). This reminds me of wheels or Rotas or SportMaxx..=p I mean they didn't directly name their wheels as RGs, Mugens or Watanabes...etc. I guess it's not THAT bad if you look at how the industry is evolving. But from the personal designers standpoint, it's bad that there are tons of knock offs out there..etc.

But yea, much props to Skunk, though, for re-manufacturing this for us to be more affordable. They gotta good Honda reputation. Good luck!

 

[Latos]

I HAVE SKUNK2 MANIFOLD FORSALE IF ANYONE WANTS TO BUY IT!!! ITS REAL I PROMISE

Fits B16a B16b B18C not for GSR

Asking $150 USD

Do you ship international?
I do like to buy it. I'm from Hong Kong.

 

[VTEC.SA]

omg lol you even get fake skunk 2 products hewwwww I'm gonna have to watch out for this especially at really cheap prices