PRI 2016: Hilborn Shows Off LS Manifolds Hints At New LT Products

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There are only a handful of manufacturers out there producing individual runner manifolds for the LS engine and we think that’s a shame. There is nothing quite like seeing those trumpets peeking out from under a hood. And when it comes to individual runner manifolds, Hilborn Fuel Injection is arguably one of the better-known manufacturers, and for good reason. Their manifolds can be found on top of some of the highest naturally aspirated builds you will come across—plus, just look at them. Naturally, we had to swing by at PRI to see what they were up to and we weren’t disappointed.

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Hilborn has been hard at work perfecting its LS manifold that features adjustable length runners that can be tailored to the owner’s personal needs. And while it may appear similar to other individual runner manifolds, looks can be deceiving as this piece is one of a kind.

“One of the things that sets us apart from other manufacturers of individual runner manifolds is the fact that we do offer multiple bore sizes that allow us to fit the range from daily driver to Pro Tourer, to drag racer,” said Andrew Starr, an EFI-R specialist at Hilborn Fuel Injection. “On high horsepower engines, our manifolds can deliver that amount of air that a high flowing head is going to require. Other manifolds might not be able to keep up.”

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One of the things Starr says they hear most is that people are worried that the won’t be able to get the manifold to idle and drive right. He assured us that this is a worry of the past. Due to the manifold’s unique vacuum system—which is driven off each runner and spidered together—the MAP sensor has a higher resolution of what is happening since it is not seeing the reversion pulse that are associated with a plenum style intake manifold.

The pulses are caused when a valve closes and the pressure is transferred back to the air charge in the plenum and can cause spikes in MAP sensor reading. This becomes especially true with large aggressive cams.

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“Since the IR eliminates those reversion pulses, we have really good idle and part-throttle driveability characteristics, but still make great power due to better cylinder fill,” said Starr.

Another hesitation is concerning the throttle linkage phasing associated with operating eight individual throttle bodies, but again Starr assured us that the team at Hilborn is prepared to help you get your system up and running.

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When we asked about a possible version for the LT, Starr was coy but hinted that something might be coming down the line.

“To do R&D on the LT should be very, very simple,” said Starr. “It’s just a matter of getting the port spacing right and, more importantly, figuring out how to tune it properly. Once, that’s done it shouldn’t be too long.”

Needless to say, we’ll be the first ones in line when their LT version hits the market.

About the author

Chase Christensen

Chase Christensen hails from Salt Lake City, and grew up around high-performance GM vehicles. He took possession of his very first F-body— an ’86 Trans Am— at the age of 13 and has been wrenching ever since.
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