Changes to 5VZ-FE?

[amherveyusna]

Anyone out there know about changes made to the 5VZ-FE over the years it was in our 4Runners? I was looking at the intake manifold off of a 2002 and noticed that it had a little valley going across it (front left side) for one of the throttle body cables (the cruise control one I believe). I don't remember this being on the intake of my '98 and can't see it in any pictures I have of my engine (It looks like there is no valley, but I can't go check until I have liberty this weekend).

Does anyone know if there is indeed a difference? Assuming there is, would the 2002 fit on my 1998? Also, would there be any performance advantages in going to the newer intake manifold?

Attached is a picture of the 2002 manifold with the valley.

 

[amherveyusna]

Preempting the questions, I want to get a second intake manifold, throttle body, and possibly heads so that I can do some porting work on them and still have an intact vehicle to drive until I finish. (I'm a mech eng major, can't resist tinkering... especially if it results in more power).

 

[pat161]

Well I recently found out that unlike every other 3rd gen the 02 had throttle by wire, so perhaps the valley has something to do with that.