Manifold History

In 1972, we helped Porsche develop the first nylon engine air intake manifold for their 911 6-cylinder engine. The Ultramid nylon manifold improved engine performance, weighed less and cost less than traditional magnesium manifolds. It was such a success that in the years since, companies such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, General Motors and others came to us for help in developing their own engine manifolds. That's why GM Powertrain turned to BASF during development of their 1995 Northstar V-8 engine.

The Ultramid nylon air intake manifold used in the Northstar engine was the result of a combined effort from BASF, Cadillac, GM Powertrain, and Freudenberg-NOK. The use of Ultramid nylon 6/6 in the manufacture of the Northstar manifold earned BASF the 1994 SPE Grand Award for the Most Innovative Use of Plastics for the second year in a row. Last year's award went to BASF for the use of Ultraform polyacetal co-polymer and Elastollan TPU in the front suspension stabilizer bar link on the Ford Taurus and Lincoln Continental, which is lighter, easier to install and lasts longer than the steel version of the same part.

Performance plastics from BASF Plastic Materials can be used for a wide range of automotive applications. Plastics from BASF can be found in almost every part of the automotive manufacturing process- from the engine block to cooling and ventilation systems to transmissions. Whatever the application requires- resistance to heat, high mechanical strength, toughness in sub-zero temperatures- there's a BASF product to fit the bill.

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