Manoli Katakis 
The C8 Corvette Stingray has so far been a nightmare to work on, largely due to a fully encrypted and locked engine control module that keeps tuners from really calibrating their build. That being said, there are some steady improvements that can be installed on the 2020 Corvette Stingray, without the need for tuning. Largely centered around airflow and exhaust, companies that are positioned to offer these types of upgrades will find early success in the C8 aftermarket. We’ve seen some early examples of the exhaust, such as from LG and Kooks. But how about the intake system? Well, we present to you a Lingenfelter C8 Corvette engine bay with a fully carbon fiber intake manifold from Performance Design. It also features custom carbon fiber cross braces.
Lingenfelter currently offers the Carbon PTR intake manifold from Performance Design for LS3 and LS7 applications, priced at $1,299.99, the same as is marked on Performance Design’s website. According to PD, the carbon intake is primed for several performance add-ons, such as nitrous. And, crucially, the manifold was also built to be reversed. Per PD, here’s a description of the part:
The Carbon pTR Intake Manifold combines the best materials into a flexible and powerful tunnel ram architecture. Glass reinforced nylon lower and carbon fiber upper shell combine for lightweight, strong and heat resistant performance. Offering unique modular velocity stacks enabling 6.5 – 9” runners, multiple accessory port and sensor options along with other custom features, this manifold offers easy configuring for any LS3 or LS7 hot rod setup.
Shipping with the longer runner, optional velocity stacks offer different lengths. Tuning of the intake runner length to match the cam, head and exhaust combo gives the ultimate way to optimize your engine’s power curve. Shorter runners support high RPM drag applications or longer runners for improved torque in the mid-range. Mixing lengths can help smooth out the torque curve.
The plenum is constructed from high strength carbon fiber with high temp epoxy for improved strength to weight ratio and reduced heat soak to the fresh air charge. The polymer lower runner pack resists heat soak from the heads and houses all ports/sensors hidden in the valley. The combination of materials offers a 10 lb weight savings over competitive aluminum tunnel ram manifolds.
The Lingenfelter C8 Corvette has been teased multiple times at this point, and hints at performance gains, although we may have to wait a little longer. SEMA 360 – the online replacement to the physical SEMA Show – is just a few weeks away.
