Composite Thermoplastic Air Intake Manifold for the General Motors 3800 V6 Engine

A new composite thermoplastic air intake manifold has been developed and introduced into high volume production that incorporates several novel approaches to provide substantial performance, emissions and cost savings over other intake manifold construction techniques. These approaches include: interlocking of pieces to allow traditional low cost injection molding; integration of gaskets in assembly; clock-and-lock attachment of EGR, PCV, and vacuum source adapters; and performance and service advantages of the thermoplastic material usage.