That's fantastic. Great addition to the aftermarket support for long-term owners of these cars!

 

I created a comprehensive video exploring intake flap assemblies across multiple generations, including the OODA Version. This deep dive examines the purpose of these flaps, their sub-assembly construction, how they operate within the intake manifold, and the key design changes that have evolved across generations.

 

The OODA 997 GT Intake Manifold Upgrade has officially moved from prototype to full production spec, and we are now shipping units globally from our Seattle HQ.

While the prototype in our 997.2 GT3 RS performed flawlessly, we used the final development phase to "over-engineer" the production units even further. We made two refinements to ensure this is a "set it and forget it" fix:

1. Stress-Concentration Elimination: We’ve implemented a softer, more gradual radius on the flap stops. This removes the sharp "stress risers" where fatigue often starts(prototype left production right)
   
   
   
2. Fastener Evolution: We’ve upgraded to specialized, high-grade assembly bolts with double the tensile strength of our initial prototype hardware. (prototype right production left)
   
   Grade 10.9 Fastern
   

A Reality Check: It’s Not a Matter of "If," but "When"

We recently received a sobering photo from the renowned GT specialist shop in the UK, RPM Technik. They had a 997 GT3RS towed to their shop. Turns out another intake manifold rod has failed, and this engine is being rebuilt.

UK based 997 3.8 RS Rod Failure

As these cars age, the OEM Intake rods are reaching their fatigue limit. This isn't an "isolated incident" or a "track-only" problem—it is a mechanical reality of the factory design. When this fails, you aren't just looking at a bad afternoon; you're looking at a $40,000+ rebuild and a 6–18-month wait for parts and repairs, as many 997-era parts are back-ordered without an ETA. We are happy that the owner and RPM Technik are upgrading their manifold as part of the rebuilding process. But ideally, these failures never happen.

Limited Production Run

Because we prioritize precision and material quality, our production runs are strictly limited in quantity. We don't mass-produce these; we build them to a standard.
Given the recent surge in awareness and the number of pre-orders from shops and customers, our current shelf stock is limited. If you want to secure your "insurance policy" before this run is exhausted, we recommend ordering now to avoid the wait for the next manufacturing cycle.
Secure your unit here
Our goal is to keep these special cars on the road, not sidelined. If you have questions, I am happy to answer.

Elliot
OODA Motorsports

 

Bravo @OODA Motorsports for developing something really special for our engines!

 

indeed. engine out job?

 

Thanks Steve!

Its doable without a full engine drop. Just need to lower the engine slightly to get the intake manifold plenum out.

 

Interested but too much on my plate to do at this moment. When will the next run be?

 

We don’t have a confirmed date for the next run yet, but based on current lead times, it will likely be 8+ months out. I recommend grabbing an upgrade kit now, just to have it 'on the shelf' so it’s ready the next time the car is in for a service. It’s much cheaper to have the part waiting for the shop than to have the shop waiting for the part.

 

Did we ever confirm whether the latest .95 part being sold for all 997 GT3 variants is the old 3.6/3.8 non RS tube size or the larger 3.8 RS/4.0 size?

If it’s larger, I’m wondering if it would be beneficial to upgrade to the larger diameter tube on a 3.8 non RS? Since the tube is only a grand or so, seems like it would make sense to go bigger first before considering Elliot’s retrofit given that the tube isn’t super expensive.

 

The 95 ending part is for the 3.6 GT3/RS and 3.8 GT3. The centers aren't compatible. You would at least need to switch the side manifolds as well. See this part listing here
Photos of a 3.8/4.0 RS center next to the smaller 3.6 GT3/RS & 3.8 GT3.

 

Thanks for the info. It looks like with the side runners the swap is a bit more expensive. Maybe I can luck out and find a used complete manifold setup. Not sure if the juice is worth the squeeze at new parts prices.