(Left) This is an “after” view of our intake once Wilson had completed their efforts. The porosity issues were completely repaired and the damage to the coil mounts appeared as if they had never been there. (Right) All Chevrolet aluminum intakes sport this Winters foundry “snowflake” casting mark. Poorly executed restorations often obscure the mark due to overzealous blasting. Wilson’s approach removes no metal from the intake yet restores the intake’s original appearance.
Our manifold was in good condition since it had been separated from the engine for several decades, saving it from the aluminum-eating corrosion monster. However, Wilson assured us that even if that thermostat shelf has been heavily damaged, his TIG-weld artists can quickly build this area up and then machine it back to OE condition.

In another example, a customer delivered a similar small-block dual-plane manifold that had been thoroughly molested. The most obvious issue was the plenum divider had been completely removed by a previous owner. The manifold was going back on a 1965 Corvette and the owner wanted the plenum wall reinstated, which is exactly what the Wilson crew achieved. This is just one sample of the kind of magic that the Wilson guys create on a daily basis.

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This bottom side shot (left) with the heat shield removed revealed the date code cast into the manifold. Ours was very difficult to read but appears to indicate a 1966 casting date. Wilson left the heat shield off so we could document the date. This vertical view into the plenum (right) reveals the work goes far deeper than just the cosmetics to the exterior.

More Than Just Looks

Beyond just restoration, Wilson can also perform internal modifications that can drastically enhance the performance of older intakes. For example, there is some minor excitement created right now with the Factory Appearing Stock Tire (F.A.S.T.) drag classes where the car – and especially the engine – must appear stock from the outside. Internal modifications like added displacement, roller cams, major cylinder head modifications, and intake manifold porting is legal as long as the external appearances remain stock. Wilson says that many of the top F.A.S.T. cars benefit from Wilson upgrades.

Wilson’s rehab of our manifold required only a short time to complete. Our timing was such that Wilson used our manifold as part of his display at the 2018 PRI show alongside several of the jewel-like creations they pull off on a weekly basis. So if you’re looking to have an original intake manifold restored, we can’t think of a better place to send it than to the artists at Wilson Manifolds.