Assembly in Action: Modular Conveyor System Enhances Production Line
Injection-molded plastic manifolds offer several important benefits over the previously universal cast metal versions. They are lighter in weight and lower in cost. Injection-molded manifolds don’t require honing or polishing, and they permit more complex geometries than cast metal manifolds, thereby improving airflow. Plastic manifold components are friction welded on the production line, eliminating the need for later assembly on the vehicle engine production line.
The South Bend operation produces three-part manifolds for four-cylinder General Motors engines, and a four-part assembly for eight-cylinder Chrysler engines.