Intake Systems

Our latest 6 Cylinder Intake System was designed with the serious 540 or 580 in mind. This system was designed to be the ultimate performance intake while being able to accommodate tight cowling dimensions. The light-weight magnesium cast intake plenum is flanged for RSA-10 type fuel servos and has large bell-mouthed outlet ports leading into each cylinder intake tube. What makes this system truly revolutionary though, is the inclusion of tapered intake tubes. These tubes start at 2" OD leaving the plenum exit and taper slowly and smoothly down to 1.75" OD by the cylinder port entry. This gradual taper provides maximum airflow, while maintaining a high velocity intake charge to pack the maximum amount of fuel/air into the cylinder.

Initial independently-performed, back to back dyno tests show increased pressure at the valve, resulting in increased power. The data acquired from aircraft using this new system is showing as much as a 1.2" gain in cylinder port pressure on takeoff. In flight, we have seen as much as 6" of port pressure over ambient - yes, 35"+ from a naturally aspirated engine. We have seen consistent gains of 3 - 6 knots over other systems, and as much as 9 knot increases in some delicately-refined installations.

We also offer a lightweight option for this system, designed for the highly-competitive Red Bull Air Race planes but available to anyone looking to save every pound possible. The lightweight version knocks an additional 3.5 pounds off the total system weight. The total weight of the complete intake system is 5 pounds, 15 ounces (2.69kg). The light-weight version's tubes can be color-anodized to match your engine or come highly polished.

Our 6 Cylinder Cold Air Intake conversion kits allow the use of the large Bendix RSA-10 Type Fuel Servo and places the servo tilted slightly upward and forward facing, following the contour of the sump for tight cowl applications. We also offer a billet aluminum angle adapter that places the fuel servo parallel to the engine case when the angled face is not required.

The combination of magnesium plenum and carefully formed tubes create the lightest intake system available today . When combined with our standard 6-cyl Maxi-Sump, the entire system weighs just 19 pounds, 4 ounces or 15 pounds, 8 ounces for the light-weight version. The intake tubes slide onto the plenum outlet ports using Nitrile O-rings for a positive seal and easy installation.

Also available to compliment this intake system is our new aerobatic sump designed for consistent engine oiling in various attitudes. Click here for details on the 6 Cylinder Maxi-Sump.

High-Flow Cold Air Intake System - Cast Magnesium Plenum w/ 2" bell-mouthed ports, Bright Annealed Tapered Stainless Intake Tubes, includes hardware and seals	$2135.00
Inlet Angle Adapter - Machined Aluminum Adapter, creates servo mounting face perpendicular with the engine - for those who do not wish to utilize 15deg face that points servo upwards, installed on plenum at time of purchase (pics below)	$225.00
Lightweight High-Flow Cold Air Intake System - Cast Magnesium Plenum w/ 2" bell-mouthed ports, Tapered Aluminum Intake Tubes, includes Titanium hardware and seals, 3.5 pounds lighter than SS system, available polished or color anodized	$2760.00
Stainless Tapered Tube Set	$1180.00
Lightweight Tapered Tube Set	$1770.00

The compliment to our 4 cylinder Maxi-Sump is the Cold Air Induction Manifold. Our intake is separate from the oil sump and, as such, does not let the heat of the oil increase the temperature of the inlet air. On a standard Lycoming, as the oil temperature increases, the power level decreases. Pilots flying our system have noticed that the power stays consistent over a full sequence or practice session thus relieving some of the pilot's workload. Additionally, the intake plenum chamber volume of our system is substantially greater than the stock piece which means there is always a fresh slug of cool air available to fill each cylinder.