Manifold Insulators/Plenum Spacers

Will the Cold Air Intake Manifold Insulators to suit Alloytec & SIDI VZ–VE V6 engines improve power and fuel economy?
Yes, they will. You can expect gains of around 10% in power and torque, particularly in the lower rev range. Fuel consumption should also improve by approximately 0.5L/100km, depending on driving style and conditions.
What is the difference between the MACE Performance CPR6 Intake Manifold for Holden Calais VE Alloytec LY7 3.6L V6 and the stock manifold?
The CPR6 manifold is manufactured from high-quality automotive-grade cast alloy and is designed to deliver significantly better breathing and airflow compared to the stock manifold. It provides the Alloytec V6 with a smoother, cleaner intake path, resulting in power gains of up to 11%. While there may be a slight reduction in low-end power, the CPR6 offers noticeably improved performance at higher RPMs, allowing the engine to breathe far more efficiently.
What material are the MACE manifold insulators and plenum spacers made from?
Our manifold insulators and plenum spacers are manufactured from a high-quality, heat-resistant thermal composite plastic. This material is specifically designed to reduce heat transfer, improving intake air temperature and overall performance. Unlike some alternatives, they are not made from wood and are backed by our lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
What is the difference between the thicknesses of the MACE manifold insulators (6.35mm, 12mm, and 25mm)?
The main difference between the manifold insulator thicknesses is the level of torque increase they provide: 6.35mm – around
10% more low-end torque, 12mm – around
13% more low-end torque, 25mm – around
15% more low-end torque across a broader range.
The 25mm option delivers the greatest improvement in low-end torque by effectively increasing the runner length. However, before selecting a thickness, we always recommend measuring the available clearance under your bonnet to ensure a proper fit.
Is it recommended to use a 12mm manifold insulator with a 25mm plenum spacer in an Ecotec 3.8L engine for boosted applications?
Yes, we recommend pairing a 12mm manifold insulator with a 25mm plenum spacer mainly for packaging reasons, as this combination typically clears the bonnet without modification. Ideally, the best setup would be a 25mm manifold insulator and a 25mm plenum spacer for maximum gains. However, this would generally require reworking the bonnet reinforcement to provide adequate clearance.
Does the MACE 25mm Manifold Insulator to suit Alloytec VZ–VE LY7/LE0 3.6L V6 come with gaskets as well, or just the longer bolts?
Manifold insulators themselves replace the factory gaskets pair of 25mm manifold insulators, longer manifold bolts, and gasket sealer
Does MACE sell the bolts for the MACE Manifold Insulator and Plenum Spacer separately?
Unfortunately, we no longer sell the bolt packs separately. This is due to the number of counterfeit insulator kits on the market. To ensure proper fitment and reliability, bolts are only supplied as part of our genuine MACE kits.
Do you have manifold insulator to suit Nissan TD42?
We don't unfortunately.
Do you have an intake manifold for a 2007 Ford Ranger PM?
Unfortunately, this is not something that we offer at this point in time.
Does a gasket need to be used with the MACE Manifold Insulator and Plenum Spacers?
If your factory gaskets are still in good condition, they can be reused. However, to ensure proper fitment, all MACE Manifold Insulator and Plenum Spacer kits include gasket sealer, so the use of factory gaskets is not required.
Is it common for manifold insulators to discolor? Mine looks like it has been soaked in oil after a few months. Could this indicate a deeper issue?
Discoloration of the manifold insulator itself is not a problem and won’t affect its performance. However, if it appears to be soaked in oil, it may point to an underlying issue such as a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system fault or a related engine condition. We recommend inspecting the PCV system and associated components to rule out any oil-related issues.
What is the difference between the 25mm manifold insulator to suit VS–VT and VX–VY Ecotec engines?
The main difference lies in the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) layout, which varies from model to model. Because of this variation, the manifold insulators are designed specifically to match the PCV configuration of each engine series.
What are the differences between the various thicknesses of the MACE manifold insulators?
The difference in thickness mainly affects torque output and manifold cooling. In general, the thicker the insulator, the greater the torque gains in the low- to mid-RPM range, as well as improved heat shielding to keep the intake manifold cooler. This results in better efficiency and stronger performance where it’s most noticeable in everyday driving.
Just wondering if you have a 25mm manifold insulator for a VY series 2 Ecotec?
We have a manifold insulator to suit your VY Series 2 Ecotec. For details about this item please refer to the link below.
View Product
From where I can get the material for the manifold insulator/plenum spacer?
We have a manifold insulator to suit your VY Series 2 Ecotec. For details about this item please refer to the link below.
Click Here
Can I use both the MACE Performance 12mm upper and lower manifold insulators for Ford at the same time?
Yes, you can use both, but whether it’s the best option depends on your application and driving style. If you had to choose just one, we generally recommend the lower manifold insulator first, as it usually provides the most noticeable gains. That said, you’ll see benefits from either upgrade, and using both together can further enhance performance if installation space isn’t an issue.
What's the power difference between the 25mm and the 12mm manifold insulators?
There is about 3-4% difference in down low torque.
Do you have manifold insulators to suit the 5.4L Ford 3-valve engine?
We don't unfortunately, our manifold insulators only suit the Boss variant.
What is the size of the bolts come with MACE 12MM PERFORMANCE MANIFOLD INSULATOR KIT HOLDEN ECOTEC L36 3.8L V6 (95-00
With the exception of the 4 M6 screws, all of the hardware that we supply in the bolt packs of our kits need to be custom made to be able to install the insulator.
Are the AU and BA Falcon upper inlet manifold insulators the same?
They are.
What insulator would I need for 2007 VE SV6 ALLOYTEC?
MI603, MI631 or MI635 would all be suitable to for your vehicle. For maximum torque gains, I would recommend our 25mm manifold insulator, MI631, otherwise, if your budget does not stretch far enough, then the other insulators would still work well as advertised.
Does the MACE inlet manifold gasket to suit Ecotec and L67 supercharged include the gasket for the rear of the intake manifold?
If you are referring to the 2 orange strips with the black stripe that sit at the front and rear of the lifter valley, then yes. These can be noted in the image in the link below:
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How much improvement in power and fuel economy can I expect from the PERFORMANCE COLD AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD INSULATOR FORD EA EB ED EF EL AU 6 Cylinder?
Results can vary depending on your vehicle and driving style. On average, you can expect around a 3% improvement in fuel economy and approximately a 5% increase in low-end torque, giving you better throttle response and overall drivability.
What is the difference between the MACE PERFORMANCE MANIFOLD INSULATOR KIT for VS–VT and VX–VY Commodores?
The profile between the two insulators in these kits is different to take into account the different PCV port designs for each inlet manifold type. To clarify which insulator fits which engine, MI601 is suitable for VS-VT Commodore Ecotec engines while MI602 is suitable for VX - VY Commodore Ecotec engines.
Will the Cold Air Intake manifold insulator to suit Ford EA-AU 6 suit a Ford Falcon EF Futura?
Yes, it will.
Does the MANIFOLD INSULATOR TO SUIT FORD FALCON BA BF FG 6 Cylinder I6, it is an HPC-coated plenum, or is it a port and polished intake?
Given its thermal resistive properties, the plenum doesn't need to be HPC coated. The profile of the insulator is designed to suit the stock intake runners.
What is the best combination of manifold insulator and plenum spacer for the SIDI LLT 3.6L engine?
Ideally, you'd want a 12MM manifold insulator with the 12MM plenum spacer for the most gains. We recommend taking a couple of measurements under the bonnet beforehand though for clearance purposes.
Can I Paint My Manifold Insulator/Plenums Spacer?
Yes, you can paint your manifold insulator any color, however we do recommend that it be prepared prior to painting. This includes sanding, priming and the use of high temperature paint.
Will the manifold insulators reduce top end power?
With the 6mm and 12mm items not so much, with the 25mm item, you may see small drop off in peak power depending on other mods. However, in our opinion, you more than make up for it with the low/mid range gains in torque/power, considering it's a street vehicle.
When selecting a manifold insulator or plenum spacer, what does "boosted application" mean?
Forced induction turbocharger supercharger
Is the plenum spacer compatible with the factory L67 3.8L V6 (M90) supercharged engine?
Unfortunately, no. Because of the M90 supercharger setup, the engine doesn’t use a traditional plenum, so a plenum spacer cannot be fitted. However, we do offer manifold insulators designed specifically to suit M90 supercharged applications.
What advantage does the 25mm manifold insulator have over the 12mm?
The main difference is in the level of torque improvement. A 12mm manifold insulator provides around a 10% increase in low-end torque, while the 25mm version delivers closer to a 13% gain over a broader RPM range. The thicker insulator also offers better heat resistance, helping to keep intake temperatures lower for longer.
Which upgrade is better for performance gains, cams or a CPR6 intake manifold?
Ideally, the two items combined will provide maximum power gains but if we had to choose one item we would definitely recommend the cams for the following reasons:
a) The cams are cheaper
b) The cams provide a bigger power increase
c) Since the CPR6 manifold ideally requires a tune for maximum power gains, we find that money would be better invested to tune the cams for a better power per dollar ratio.
Otherwise, for people who prefer bolt-on mods and are interested in an option with less installation complexity involved, then the CPR6 manifold is a good alternative.
Can The Manifold Insulators/Plenum Spacers be used with a stock engine or do other upgrades need to be achieved first?
These items can be used on dead stock engines right through to dedicated race engines.
How Can I Improve My SIDI Holden V6's Acceleration Off The Mark Such That It Takes Off Quicker?
If you want it to take off quicker then a set of manifold insulators, higher diff gear ratio, air intake upgrade and tune would certainly help out.
On The Inlet Of The VZ SV6 Manifold, There Is A Hose Attached To The Front Left Pipe On The Manifold. What Is This Hose Actually For? If It’s Cracked Does It Matter?
That's part of the crank case ventilation. The problem with it being cracked is not so much due to the crankcase ventilation, but the fact that it will cause a vacuum leak in the manifold. This results in a poor idle quality and possibly decreased throttle response.
What else besides the Cam can help my Alloytec/SIDI V6 gain more response?
If you want it to take off quicker then a set of manifold insulators, higher diff gear ratio, air intake upgrade and tune would certainly help out. Our cams are more beneficial mid to top end.
Does The Manifold Insulator For The Windsor GT40 Engine Suit A Series 3 AU XR8?
Yes it does
Are there any issues with clearance or tuning when fitting a manifold insulator for the supercharger?
No tuning is required for this mod. Bonnet clearance is rarely an issue but can be resolved by removing the engine cover if required.
Do the manifold insulators to suit HOLDEN VZ VE WL WM ALLOYTEC LY7 LE0 LW2 LCA LWR 3.6L V6 also fit the Holden Colorado V6?
Yes, they do. The Colorado V6 uses the same bolt and port profile as the Commodore engines, so the MACE manifold insulators will fit.
Why Can’t I Remove The Plenum Chamber Cover On My Ford V8?
Please ensure you have removed the 4 middle bolts which are hidden by the plastic cover. This plastic cover must first be removed in order to expose the hidden bolts.
Have You Sold Many Rb25 Manifold Insulators And Is There Any Feedback From Customers?
We've sold many over the years and we have never had any bad feedback. Most customers report cooler manifolds and a slight power increase due to the improved air distribution into the heads.
Can The Manifold Insulators/Plenum Spacers Be Sealed Without The Use Of Sealant?
No, we strongly recommend for sealant to be used in all applications.
Do I Need Injector Rail Extenders To Suit The 6mm Supercharger Insulator For My M90? How Do I Install This?
Injector rail extenders are not needed for this item as you can easily modify the fuel rail such that it will still work. What you need to do is cut the supporting tab on the top of the fuel rail such that it is no longer supported by the bolt. This will allow the supercharger to be raised while the rail remains in its original position. Other customers have also left the fuel rail as it is after modification and have reported no problems.
You don't need longer bolts for this item, however some people have replaced them with longer items during installation. You should use a high temperature silicone sealant with the plate, ideally though you would want to also use the following gaskets.
Supercharger to Lower Intake Manifold O-Rings
Qty:1
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L67 Supercharger Gaskets
Qty:2
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With the MACE 12MM PERFORMANCE MANIFOLD INSULATOR KIT to suit VZ VE Alloytec V6, Will the Standard Engine Cover Still Fit Under The Bonnet?
Yes you can refit the engine cover with no problems once these are installed.
You can check out the install instructions here:
View Product
What is the best combination of Manifold insulator and Plenum spacer for Ecotec V6 3.8L Engine?
For N/A (naturally aspirated) applications we recommend the 25mm manifold spacer and 12mm plenum spacer.
If you are running boost we recommend a 25mm plenum spacer and 12mm manifold spacer, as the thicker plenum spacer does offer even better air distribution between cylinders, which is more critical in boosted cars making lots of HP.
Does MACE sell the manifold insulator only for the L67 3.8L V6 engine without the Fuel Rail Extenders?
Yes, the insulator can be purchased separately.
Do I Need To Port Match The Boss V8 Manifold Insulators Prior To Installation?
Ideally you would port match the insulator to suit the heads and intake manifold due to manufacturing variances.
Will I Have To Remove The Engine Cover Or The Strut Brace Once The Plenum Spacer Is Fitted?
Generally with just a single 12mm spacer fitted the engine cover will fit fine. We recommend that you measure the current clearance without the spacer fitted to see how much clearance you have under your strut brace. Please bear in mind that you also need sufficient clearance to allow for torquing of the motor as it tilts during acceleration and can rub up against your strut brace or bonnet. We also recommend customers to remove the engine cover as it traps heat like an insulator which isn't ideal.
With the MACE 25MM PERFORMANCE MANIFOLD INSULATOR KIT TO SUIT HOLDEN L67 SUPERCHARGED 3.8L V6 Will My Supercharger Hit The Bonnet?
Bonnet clearance won't be an issue with raising the blower by 25mm.
Which Gaskets can be used when Installing The Manifold Insulator on the Ford BA-FG Boss V8?
You need to use the factory inlet manifold gaskets in between the inlet manifold and insulator. You need to use sealant between the insulator and heads.
Are supercharger gaskets required with MACE 25MM PERFORMANCE MANIFOLD INSULATOR KIT TO SUIT HOLDEN L67 SUPERCHARGED 3.8L V6?
If installed with the supplied silicone sealant, then gaskets are not required.
Will It Fit/ How Will It Fit Under The Bonnet?
Your best bet would be to take a couple of measurements just to make sure, as every car is different but here is a fitment summary from experience shown below:
1-Raising manifold by 12mm: Cover will go on like factory
2-Raising manifold by 25mm: Cover will need to be trimmed around the alternator or bonnet liner needs to be removed or trimmed. Otherwise cover will rub on bonnet liner
3-Raising manifold by 37mm: Cover will need to be removed. Otherwise cover will rub on bonnet liner/possibly not close depending engine mounts
4-Raising manifold by 50mm: Will require bonnet mods without cover
How long should I let the sealant set for before driving my car?
Silicone dries in 1 hour, and fully cure in 24 hours. Your can can be driven after one hour of installation or 4-5 hours in supercharged or turbocharged applications. Allow more time in cold or very dry conditions. Please ensure you refer to instructions on the back of silicone packaging.
Are they effective at sealing under high-boost conditions (30 psi+)?
If installed correctly, they will seal perfectly. They seal so reliably that we offer a lifetime warranty on this product, assuming no major backfires occur.
Which tools are needed to install a manifold insulator?
You can complete the installation using Allen keys, a socket set, a screwdriver, and pliers. We also recommend using engine degreaser to clean the intake manifold, especially around the injectors in the lower intake manifold. This ensures that no dirt falls in when the injectors are lifted out as you remove the plenum.
For comprehensive fitting instructions, please see here:
View Instructions
Will removing the manifold or plenum cause damage to the manifold insulator?

Once all bolts are removed, the manifold can be lifted off without damaging the insulators. However, be careful not to bend the manifold insulator during removal, as excessive bending may cause it to break.

Before reinstalling the manifold, ensure that all mating surfaces, including the manifold insulator, are cleaned of any residual silicone using a scraper. Apply fresh sealant to all surfaces. The installation process is the same as when the insulator was fitted initially.

Do the insulators affect top‑end power output?
With the 6mm and 12mm items, there is little to no effect. With the 25mm item, you may notice a small drop in peak power, depending on other modifications.
However, the gains in low- and mid-range power typically outweigh any small loss in peak power, especially for street-driven vehicles.
How Can I Improve My SIDI Holden V6's Acceleration Off The Mark Such That It Takes Off Quicker?
If you want it to take off quicker then a set of manifold insulators, higher diff gear ratio, air intake upgrade and tune would certainly help out.