There is lots of black build-up coated all over the intake and the plenum. What is the best way to clean this out? Will it make a performance difference? Is it best to take the manifold off (plenum, runners etc already off for valvecover job)? How do you get way down in the ports...last time I tried the plenum, sray cleaner just doesn't work since it is caked on the walls.

thanks.

 

hot tank. pull teh middle plenum too. clean teh tb w/tb cleaner, not carb cleaner

 

You mean take it to a place that dips them? Isn't there a coating inside there that the chemicals will take off?

 

Yeah, it's called carbon buildup

 

That's VERY correct!
Serious it's your EGR set up plumbed into the intake that causes this reaction. Aging engines create more of that stuff
Will ya gain any power?
Not likely.
Will it help by cleaning out that crud/mud stuff?
Yes to some extent.
When I did my swap, I spent a bit of time with a long screwdriver, cleaner, hot tank washing and personal labor. After awhile I passed on that cleaning project to do other things.
On that project spend your time wisely.
AND think of it also as (crud in the intake) a smoothing air passage, to some extent, too!
Best place is to clean the EGR passage, replace the EGR & fix vacuum leaks in the hoses, clean IAC & TB, too.

 

power washer with cleaner in it, after you flood the thing with intake cleaner/degreaser and let it sit for a few minutes.

my .02

Dave