A ? for the judges. What do u all think of the new Blue Thunder FE dual quad manifold? Better performance and looks good. Would it be to off to use for a judged car? Yours and anyone's thoughts.
Thanks
Very simple
Any variation from stock is subject to a deduction if you are having a car judged
Quote from: csheff on November 06, 2025, 07:43:12 AMA ? for the judges. What do u all think of the new Blue Thunder FE dual quad manifold? Better performance and looks good. Would it be to off to use for a judged car? Yours and anyone's thoughts.
Thanks
If you can get the blue thunder intake reproduction with the C7ZX-9425-A marking then there should only be a minor deduction or mention without deduction even though it doesn't have the Ford trademark depending on class and venue. That is because that one is so close to genuine in the same way that some better repro regulators, solenoids and alternators get the same scrutiny. There is another Blue thunder intake that doesn't have the same markings that will get hit much harder IMO. With this said you will have to manage your expectations accordingly and decide what makes the most sense for your situation.
I know a guy who is selling a C7ZX original intake that is really nice modified. I f you are interested please let me know.
Kent, how modified is it?
Hey Bob,
The new Blue Thunder has the FOMOCO besides the part number on it. What would u and the judges want to see on finish? Dull or Shiny?
Quote from: csheff on November 11, 2025, 02:12:32 PMHey Bob,
The new Blue Thunder has the FOMOCO besides the part number on it. What would u and the judges want to see on finish? Dull or Shiny?
I have not seen this newest offering but given the limited availability of the genuine intake a welcome addition IMO to the restoration and enthusiast community. The original finish was not shiny. It was a duller finish because of the porous nature of the cast aluminum. Vapor blasting typically leaves a shinier finish for example.The filler neck was typically painted black from the engine plant.
Yes I have seen one in real and you can see it that it's not from the 60s. But as Bob said a nice addition.
As far as I can tell Blue Thunder is out of business and Art Francis's son is just selling off leftover stock.
Roy
@csheff do you have a picture of the underside from the intake? I just try to figure out what are the main differences between the originals and Blue Thunder with the FoMoCo logo.
I am surprised that Blue thunder went to the trouble of getting Ford licensing on the small volume item. That is the first C7ZX blue thunder intake that I have seen or heard of that have that trademark.
csheff, what makes you think the picture of the intake manifold you posted is a new blue thunder intake? If you zoom in, you can see lots of patina to it.The only thing new looking are the studs. I slightly enhanced the picture, so you can see even better. Art made some several years ago and if you go here, there is a large discussion on the subject of blue thunder intakes:
FYI - Blue Thunder Intakes https://share.google/qgkHMJI5EfCPTPXhz
Roy
Hi Roy,
The pic I posted was a orignal one. I was using the pics for reference for finish.
Quote from: Bob Gaines on November 16, 2025, 02:10:40 PMI am surprised that Blue thunder went to the trouble of getting Ford licensing on the small volume item. That is the first C7ZX blue thunder intake that I have seen or heard of that have that trademark.
Thank you Bob exactly what I thought but look at the underside and you see its definitely a repro.
Quote from: Kent on November 18, 2025, 03:59:18 AMQuote from: Bob Gaines on November 16, 2025, 02:10:40 PMI am surprised that Blue thunder went to the trouble of getting Ford licensing on the small volume item. That is the first C7ZX blue thunder intake that I have seen or heard of that have that trademark.
Thank you Bob exactly what I thought but look at the underside and you see its definitely a repro.
Sorry Kent you lost me as I don't see a underside picture.
Some of the initial product examples from B.T. did have the "FoMoCo" as cast, but Ford Motor Co. was quick to point out to him that that was a "No-No"; so he removed this for later production examples. :(
Then it seems he did make an agreement with F.M.C., as they then had started to chase him over the "COBRA" logo also, and it seems intermittently cast again "some" (mostly the 289 "Cobra") with the logos, but charged an additional fee to cover the royalty he said he had to pay Ford for doing so. :)
So, when it comes to the intakes that B.T. may have made, with some of them (especially after use and then having been abrasive blast cleaned) and for some individuals not so familiar, may have to basically be holding them in your hand to determine for sure. :-\
Scott.
@Bob there is a Made in USA cast on the underside of the intake.
What are the correct plugs used in the manfold? Square top or inward square? correct nipple for the pvc going into intake? Thanks everyone
Quote from: csheff on January 06, 2026, 01:23:52 PMWhat are the correct plugs used in the manfold? Square top or inward square? correct nipple for the pvc going into intake? Thanks everyone
Hex head plugs with dot in the middle. https://www.npdlink.com/product/plug-38-npt-hex-head/167431 It doesn't have the dot like original though. Technically the 67 did not have a PCV to the manifold from the factory. With that said the PCV will work better then then the factory configuration if you use the forward pass side plug to but a nipple in . The best nipple to use for this technical service bulletin fix is the same one as used on the GT350 non thermactor cars. https://www.npdlink.com/product/pcv-fitting-rear/143684
Thanks Bob
U happen to have a pic of the hex plug with the dot? So I can see what it looks like.
NPD sells AMK. Here is one but without the dimple. I haven't tried it but think you could duplicate the look of the dimple in the middle with a rounded head punch and a hammer. https://www.npdlink.com/product/plug-38-npt-hex-head/167431 .FYI for those reading so that there is no confusion I have only seen the hex shape plugs on FE aluminum intakes . The 289 aluminum intakes used a different shape plug.
Centered? How big? Any pics of original one?
Thanks
Quote from: csheff on January 12, 2026, 04:48:22 PMCentered? How big? Any pics of original one?
Thanks
Sorry don't wait on me. I don't have one in my parts bin to take a picture of and all of my pictures are far enough away from the intake that you can only make out the hex shape and not the dimple. They are too low of resolution to see even when you blow it up.