For an intake manifold on a car, as far as increasing the inlet air temperature which is better steel or aluminum? Assuming the cylinder heads are aluminum, and half the thickness of steel is used versus aluminum. I know that steel has a lower heat capacity than aluminum, so does this mean even in this case the steel will heat up quicker and disperse the heat into the inlet air more than aluminum? Basically which material will keep the inlet air as low as possible. I know certain plastics are better than both, but I'm just curious about these two metals. Thank you.
Aluminum conducts heat much better than steel. That is great for keeping valves and pistons cool but it is not great for keeping heat out of the inlet air. Aluminum is much lighter than steel so it makes lighter engines.
Increasing heat temperature (Highest point) must be less than melting point of the Aluminum (1221 degree Fahrenheit).Now factor of the weight and stabilizing is important to choose the metal in that section .Aluminum is like fire cricket during melting and if be in flounce of the over heating my cause lot of damages .
