Polishing A Stocker Intake
 

I'm pretty sure that the answer is no, but I'll ask anyway. Can the outside of an aluminum stocker intake be polished, so long as the runners, plenum, etc. are not modified?

I know that they can be painted. Polishing would look really nice though.

Re: Polishing A Stocker Intake
 

I've wondered the same thing.

Re: Polishing A Stocker Intake
 

You would think it shouldn't matter, as long as you can prove it hasn't been "polished" inside, should a tech official ask you to remove it. My 2 cents.
Danny Durham

Re: Polishing A Stocker Intake
 

I believe you're not even supposed to remove any casting flash somewhere in the book, so my take would be not allowed.

Re: Polishing A Stocker Intake
 

I agree. Also, as long as you don't remove or modify the part number or any other identifiers. Just polishing it so it looks nice (like using chrome or polished valve covers, timing covers, etc.).

Re: Polishing A Stocker Intake
 

"Must retain the unaltered stock manifold, consistent with year and
engine horsepower claimed. Grinding, sandblasting, or any other
modification to manifold prohibited. Any film coating inside
manifold prohibited. Runners and plenum must retain OEM
appearance. Final acceptance at the discretion of the NHRA
Technical Services Department."

I'm with Chipper. I interpret the rule to mean that polishing would not be allowed.

John

Re: Polishing A Stocker Intake
 

Considering the intent of the rule I doubt one would have a problem with it.

Re: Polishing A Stocker Intake
 

So you can not laser cut it . I have heard about this, but was it ever done?? Tom

Re: Polishing A Stocker Intake
 

Stop worrying about the outside and work on the inside. Bill Jenkins once told me if it ain't ugly it's not going to be fast, because you're worried about the wrong thing. This isn't a car show it's a race.

Re: Polishing A Stocker Intake
 

Your problem will be that there will be a question of whether or not you polished the outside in order to disguise illegal cutting, welding, and/or grinding, or other alterations.

I'm with Lee. Make little effort, and spend little money, upon appearances until the car is very competitive. It need only be presentable and not embarassing. There's nothing wrong with wanting it to look good. But not at the expense of making it faster. If you're polishing the intake yourself, there are other things to better spend your time on. If you're paying someone to do it, there are other things to better spend your money on.