Do TBI spacers actually work or are they just lame gimicks like the tornado air intake modification?

 

Spacers have two functions generally; first one is to reduce the heat transfer from the manifold to the TBI unit creating cooler gas and the second is generating more plenum volume, just like a high rise manifold would do.

So yes they do actually work.

 

I am running an open air element. its the standard 14X3 cleaner. Is anyone else running a spacer with a open air element.

 

5/8 spacer, 14x3 open element.

And someone nailed it already, plenum volume and heat

 

Ok....I guess that will be my next upgrade. Canadian tire's DriverFX sells them. They are made by Edlebrock. 5/8's is the height...ok I will keep those dimensions in mind.

 

I think they're gimmicks. Probably as effective as the TB coolant-bypass.

Wouldn't the spacer need to be bigger in order to actually spin the air?! Because of it's ridges and shallow size, all it does is create turbulant air (sp?).

 

The spacer is a proven thing; it's been around since the 60's on carbs. It doesn't spin the air (nor supposed to) and most spacers are smooth so there is no turbulent air.

 

Oh. I thought this post was about spacers that swirl air. My appologies.

 

Spacers work great on certian carb applications but only offer the placebo effect on TBI cars. I have one and I sich I had my money back. I hvae never seen any dyno numbers to back up my hate for these things but my geuss is that I am right. I am only using mine because it keeps my open element off of my coil and I am too lazy to switch to a non drop base. Save you money and put it towards something that will add power. There is a section about spacers in the sticky. Try a search to for others results. This is as common as the LT1 cam threads.