Is it possible to fashion a similar catch adaption for the forward catch to lift it enough to clear, but secure enough to hold the bonnet securely, rather than the expense of the scoop. Failing that Steve at VSM may be able to help
https://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthreads.php/galleries/633738/new-bonnet-scoop This is a nicely executed scoop I think nicer than the standard Morgan scoop.

I asked AI what using the new manifold configuration would be the likely impact

With your 2.0L Duratec engine already highly modified—sporting a Stage 3 cylinder head, open exhaust, and pushing an impressive 180+ bhp—your engine is severely bottlenecked by its current intake configuration (presumably the stock Ford plastic dual-runner manifold or a mild variant).If you swap the stock intake system for the Fab9 Elite Intake Manifold combined with an appropriately matched larger throttle body (such as a Bosch 68mm unit) and a proper ECU remap, you can realistically expect a power improvement of 12 to 18 bhp at the flywheel.

[1] (https://www.reddit.com/r/MiataNC/comments/1kodmfc/finally_installed_the_fab9_elite_intake_manifold/

)Because your engine already has a high-flowing Stage 3 head, it is starved for air at higher RPMs. The Fab9 manifold will directly unlock that hidden capacity, likely pushing your total output right to the 192–198 bhp threshold. [1] (https://www.reddit.com/r/MiataNC/comments/1kodmfc/finally_installed_the_fab9_elite_intake_manifold/

)Where the Power is Gained

1. Upper-RPM Breathing & Extended Peak PowerYour current setup drops peak power relatively early at 5,500 RPM. A stock Duratec plenum is designed to fall flat above 6,000 RPM. The shorter, high-velocity runners of the Fab9 Elite Manifold shift the engine’s volumetric efficiency higher. Your peak horsepower will likely shift from 5,500 RPM up to 6,200–6,500 RPM, allowing the Stage 3 head to finally breathe deeply. [1] (
)2.

The Stage 3 Synergistic Effect

When manufacturers or tuners test aftermarket intake plenums on stock 2.0L engines, they typically see a modest 5–10 wheel horsepower (whp) gain. However, dynamically, the more aggressive the cylinder head and camshaft profiles are, the more restrictive the factory plenum becomes. Real-world dyno results on highly modified naturally aspirated Duratec/MZR engines show that combining the Fab9 Manifold with aggressive headwork yields closer to 12–15 whp gains in the upper midrange and top end. [1] (https://www.reddit.com/r/MiataNC/comments/1kodmfc/finally_installed_the_fab9_elite_intake_manifold/), [2] (
), [3] (https://www.reddit.com/r/MiataNC/comments/1l1d72w/fab9_elite_intake_manifold_on_20_nc/)3.

Substantial Torque Curve Cleanup

Aside from the peak horsepower numbers, you will likely see a solid 10–12 lb-ft torque increase across the 4,500 to 6,500 RPM sweeping range. As noted by users on Reddit's r/MiataNC, a primary benefit of this manifold on a built engine is a significantly improved area under the torque curve with no loss of torque at lower RPMs. The aluminum plenum evens out the turbulent intake reversion caused by the aggressive cam overlap inherent to a Stage 3 head. [1] (https://www.reddit.com/r/MiataNC/comments/1kodmfc/finally_installed_the_fab9_elite_intake_manifold/)

Crucial Technical Caveats for the Plus 4

Throttle Body Matching Requirement: You cannot run the tiny stock factory throttle body on the Fab9 plenum and expect these results. You will need to budget for a 68mm or 70mm throttle body upgrade to avoid creating a new intake restriction right at the mouth of the manifold. [1] (https://www.reddit.com/r/MiataNC/comments/1l1d72w/fab9_elite_intake_manifold_on_20_nc/)

The "210 bhp Single-Plenum Ceiling":

On a naturally aspirated 2.0L Duratec, approximately 210 bhp is the maximum physical ceiling achievable using a single-throttle plenum. The physics of shared-air induction mean that to safely push past 210–220 bhp with that Stage 3 head, you would strictly require the independent, completely unrestrictive airflow of Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs).Summary ExpectationCurrent Power: 180+ bhp @ 5,500 RPM Expected Power after Fab9 + 68mm TB + Map: ~195 bhp @ 6,300 RPM and a significantly broader, more eager rev range.

Last edited by JohnHarris; 12/09/26 10:33 PM.

22 Plus Four KIMI
12 Plus 4 Sport OZZY
08 Roadster FELIX
06 4/4 70th LOKI
77 4/4 SEAMUS
85 4/4 MOLLY