Im very interested in this, Lincoln states that the newer 2nd gen manifold was mainly designed for quality/sound(lower noise levels) I think it could be improved. Im really concerned more in the throttle body to intake manifold itself, it goes from 60mm or whatever the stock throttle body is to damn near 90mm or something, the transition is retarded and thats why I want to work that first. I plan on making a sheet metal neck for the S197 twin 55mm throttle body I have, no EGR, maybe re-working the cooling passages under the stock neck so that the custom one is more of a "straight shot". I really would like to get my hands on the whole top end of the Gen2 motor to look over during the winter, possibly clean up the heads a little, see what all was left out on the table so to speak. First I would really like to see those pictures of the ports on the lower end of the intake manifold tho as I have yet to pull mine. Hope you get them soon and maybe we can devise some sort of idea as to how to go about tackling a new intake manifold should it be deemed necessary.