AFE Blade Runner Intake Manifolds

While airflow through the intercooler and charge pipe may be well addressed in a high-performance engine, that doesn't necessarily mean that the airflow through the intake manifold has been addressed. An intake manifold still must exist to direct the airflow into the engine's cylinders. AFE BladeRunner Intake Manifolds take the airflow through the engine to the next level, ensuring a better air flow to the cylinders and improving the engine's overall performance. They deliver better air flow by allowing for more air-funneling in the intake, less restriction and a more powerful and consistent pulling of the engine.

You don't just swap the intake manifold on a turbocharged diesel hot rod without a good reason. Rather, you do it because you need to fix a weakness of the original design to ensure the engine can cope with the higher levels of boost pressure and airflow it will be seeing.

The BladeRunner Engineering Philosophy

The BladeRunner line represents AFE's focus on airflow engineering. A factory intake manifold is designed with cost, packaging constraints and emissions regulations in mind. It does an adequate job of providing air to the engine at low power levels, but the design can be highly restrictive with poor airflow characteristics that become more pronounced as the engine is modified and power levels are increased.

AFE BladeRunner intake manifolds are engineered with performance in mind. We look to maximize plenum volume, refine the internal runner structure and minimize abrupt changes in the path of the air that enters the engine. All of these design elements work together to provide a consistent air velocity with equal ventilation of all cylinders. Higher volumetric efficiency and a wider power band are the end result.

Instead of chasing peak horsepower alone, BladeRunner manifolds enhance overall engine behavior, delivering smoother throttle response and more predictable performance under load.

Material Strength and Durability

Performance parts have to be able to handle the rigors of the street, and this is especially important in diesel applications where high boost pressure and high heat can be encountered. AFE BladeRunner intake manifolds are made from cast aluminum, a far more robust material than the plastic or carbon fiber found in production intake manifolds.

This engine head is made of high-strength cast aluminum, providing structural integrity under heavy pressure loads and resistance to wear from thermal cycling. It's ideal for high-boost, heavy tow, and race applications. The head features milled and rolled surfaces for proper gasket sealing while retaining all factory sensor mounting points, ensuring engine components remain in their original locations.

The result is a direct-fit upgrade that not only enhances airflow but also reinforces reliability at one of the engine's most critical junctions.

AFE BladeRunner Intake Manifold represents the next generation in intake manifold design. The BladeRunner uses a unique patented MDV (Multiple Directional Vane) technology to guide air through the manifold maximizing air flow. Constructed out of cast A356-T6 aluminum, it uses a proprietary internal bolt design to help increase the flow and provide a solid seal void of leaks or deformities.

Key Features:

• Patented MDV (Multiple Directional Vane) Technology: To increase air velocity, the BladeRunner intake manifold uses aFe POWER's patented MDV (Multiple Directional Vane) Technology. By splitting the air into multiple streams, the air flow speeds up increasing performance and improving throttle response.
• Integrated Heater Grid Design : Some 5.9L Cummins BladeRunner Intake Manifolds incorporate heater grid deletes to reduce air turbulence and increase air velocity for increased performance and throttle response.

Pass Through Installation Bolt Design: Mounting bolts can be a major cause of unwanted backpressure with some intakes. The BladeRunner intake uses allen head bolts that pass through the intake eliminating this backpressure point. This unique design maximizes air volume through the manifold.A356-T6 Aluminum Construction: The BladeRunner intake manifold is constructed of lightweight A356-T6 aluminum for light weight and high strength. A machined aFe POWER logo and gloss black powder coat finish is added for underhood styling and extra durability.Auxiliary Ports: Most AFE intake manifolds come with auxiliary port pads (usually some pre-tapped at 1/8" NPT, and some additional pads are prepped) for use with gauges, temp sensors or nitrous oxide systems.Hassle-Free Installation: AFE Intake Manifolds come with complete installation instructions and include silicone couplers and premium T-Bolt clamps for a hassle-free installation to the factory intercooler and Intercooler tube. 

AFE BladeRunner Intake Manifold for Power Stroke

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One of the most recognized applications within the BladeRunner lineup is the intake manifold engineered for the Power Stroke platform. This engine is commonly found in heavy-duty Ford Super Duty trucks and is frequently modified for towing, work, and performance builds.

The stock factory manifold is a major restriction point when you need more air flow to the turbo. This is even more pronounced in a roots style turbo or a turbocharged engine that has been upgraded. The BladeRunner replaces the stock manifold with a larger plenum chamber and a reworked air runner that significantly reduces drag and is far more efficient in how it shepherds air to the turbo. This gives a more linear power delivery as the manifold air flow is far more smooth and less turbulent.

An increase in throttle response as well as a more even power delivery across the entire operating range is felt. Also when pulling trailers or performing hauling tasks, an improvement in airflow balance helps deliver power more efficiently and helps reduce load on the system.

AFE 46-10061 1999.5-2003 Ford 7.3L Powerstroke

AFE 46-10031 2003-2004 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke

AFE 46-10041 2005-2007 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke

AFE BladeRunner Intake Manifold for 6.7L Cummins

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Another popular item in the BladeRunner family is the intake manifold for the 6.7L Cummins engine. The 6.7L Cummins engine and associated products are some of the most durable and tunable on the market.

The BladeRunner manifold upgrades the airflow internal to the engine, increasing plenum volume and optimising the shape of the runners, allowing the intercooler compressed air to be vectored directly into each cylinder. Improved airflow with a more stable airflow profile also results in a more efficient burn. These benefits greatly enhance the engines ability to handle the stresses of later turbo chargers and stronger tuning.

Most diesel engines, whether you are going for more horsepower or just wanting to breathe easier, are restricted by the intake manifold. If you make gains elsewhere in the engine, these gains can be wasted if they are restricted by the intake manifold before they even reach the cylinders.

AFE 46-10073-1 2007.5-2018 Dodge Ram 6.7L Cummins

AFE 46-10071-1 2007.5-2018 Dodge Ram 6.7L Cummins

5.9L Cummins Applications

In addition to the popular 6.7L Cummins, the AFE BladeRunner Intake Manifold offers options for the slightly smaller 5.9L Cummins engine.

AFE 46-11011 2003-2007 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins

AFE 46-10011 2003-2007 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins

AFE 46-10021 1998.5-2002 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins

AFE 46-10051 1994-1998 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins 12V

AFE BladeRunner Intake Manifold for the Duramax

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The Duramax platform is one of the most popular diesel engines in the Chevy and GMC heavy-duty lineup, and it's a frequent target for performance upgrades in both towing and competition builds. The BladeRunner turbo inlet manifold is a direct-fit replacement designed specifically for this engine family.

The factory turbo inlet on the Duramax is a known choke point, particularly in applications where the turbo has been upgraded or boost levels have been pushed. The BladeRunner addresses this with aFe's patented MDV (Multi-Directional Vane) technology, which redirects airflow through the turn at the turbocharger inlet rather than letting it pile up and lose momentum. The result is a more efficient path to the turbo, with measurable gains in airflow, spool-up time, and exhaust gas temperature reduction.

Whether you're running a stock airbox or an upgraded intake system, the BladeRunner is fully compatible and requires no modification for installation. The wrinkle-black powder coat finish adds heat resistance and a clean look under the hood.

AFE 46-60029 2004.5-2005 Chevy/GMC 6.6L Duramax LLY

AFE 46-60039-1 2006-2010 Chevy/GMC 6.6L Duramax

Real-World Performance Advantages

While everyone cares about the numbers the dyno reads, an upgraded intake manifold can have many effects on the driving characteristics of a vehicle. With a more consistent airflow to the engine, throttle response becomes more crisp and quick. The turbo also spools up more smoothly, and power delivery becomes much more linear across the rev band.

When we think of torque intake manifold upgrades on a daily-driven truck, we usually think of improved drivability and the ability to pull the trailer or camper up the steepest hills with ease. But with a performance turbocharged engine, the ability to have consistent airflow to the engine at all points in boost is not a luxury, but a necessity. Without a high-torque airflow path, you can forget about steady power delivery to the wheels and can only look forward to bursts of power as the airflow ramps back up to match the demand.

Because the intake manifold is literally at the hub of the performance parts wheel, an improvement in this particular component will contribute to the total effectiveness of the others.

Designed to Complement a Complete Airflow System

An AFE BladeRunner intake manifold will produce the most noticeable gain when used in conjunction with other airflow modifications such as a high flow AFE cold air intake, AFE BladeRunner intercooler, AFE charge pipes and a tune. Every component in a turbocharged engine contributes to airflow efficiency and as each restriction is removed throughout the system, the AFE intake manifold helps to ensure the benefits are realized at the engine.

Rather than being a standalone cosmetic upgrade, the AFE BladeRunner intake manifold acts as a performance multiplier within a well-balanced build.