VVTi's Plastic Intake Manifold

[jick.cejoco]

fenderbender,
plastics per se have different formulations, there are polyethylene, polypropylene, poly carbonate, polyvinyl chloride (pvc), polymer (the same material to make glocks), abs, chloropolyvinyl chloride, bakelite and some other plastics. your intake mainfold is made of polymer which is resistant to heat to some degree and resistant to warpage if installed right. composite materials have been widely used in cars to reduce the vehicle weight, resist corrosion, insulate from heat (so your intake air is not too hot causing detonation), and of course less expensive to manufacture. there is no need to worry about the "plastic" intake manifold.
as with only one fan in front of your condenser and radiator, there is absolutely no need to overcool your engine.
jick

p.s.
as per the gasket, you can use rtv(room temperature vulcanizing) sealant that is oxygen sensor safe, just make sure the surfaces to be sealed are free of dirt and oil residue.