1998 Mustang GT

[CADreamin]

No...what you are referring to as a cold-air intake is the pipe that replaces the air filter housing, usually putting the air filter inside the fenderwell.

The intake manifold sits on top of the engine, and has "runners", or tubes that direct airflow to each of the cylinders. This is the weak part.

I should mention that at 60,000 miles, my 98 GT has experienced no problem with the intake manifold, starts right up every morning, and requires only routine maintenance. The only real work done on the car was the repalcement of an outer tie rod end which was done at Ford's expense under warranty. They're very reliable cars.