TBI Spacer Woes
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: Moreno Valley, CA
Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI (L03)
Transmission: 700R4 (MD8)
Axle/Gears: 2.73 Open (GU2)
TBI Spacer Woes
Let me just confirm what everybody said and NEVER buy a TBI spacer.
I ended up buying one because I figured I could modify it to fit, and if not, I only spent like $30.
So I went off to install it and it was not good at all. I put it on easily, but the fuel lines took FOREVER to hook up, and after installing it, the throttle was all jacked up so it idled at 3,000 RPMs (that's normal right?
).
So, to make a long story short, I took that stupid POS off, because I didn't want to mess with the throttle linkage, and just said forget it.
So, confirming what Shifty and everybody else has said, DONT BUY A TBI SPACER.
by the way, does anybody want to buy a slightly used spacer?
I ended up buying one because I figured I could modify it to fit, and if not, I only spent like $30.
So I went off to install it and it was not good at all. I put it on easily, but the fuel lines took FOREVER to hook up, and after installing it, the throttle was all jacked up so it idled at 3,000 RPMs (that's normal right?
).So, to make a long story short, I took that stupid POS off, because I didn't want to mess with the throttle linkage, and just said forget it.
So, confirming what Shifty and everybody else has said, DONT BUY A TBI SPACER.
by the way, does anybody want to buy a slightly used spacer?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland Ohio
Car: Formula, a big red brick.
Engine: A Ford 351 Windsor... ?
Transmission: Dodge 727
Re: TBI Spacer Woes
Originally posted by MikeDirntRulez
by the way, does anybody want to buy a slightly used spacer?
by the way, does anybody want to buy a slightly used spacer?
I just want to try it, don't expect much out of it, but can't see spending much during this time of year (Christmas).Let me know: Godoveryou@aol.com
PS - Expect a mod to not look favorably on this. (At least let him reply before you edit it please.)
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,758
Likes: 560
From: Cincinnati, OH
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Spacers in theory work great. Any increase in plenum volume is a plus. However, with the clunky throttle linkage and non-flex fuel lines thay are a pain to install. I run a 1/2" spacer and I had to "tweak" the afore mentioned items to get my throttle to open and close properly. I was able to get the fuel lines to stretch only after I removed the hold down bolt located on the driver side of the intake manifold near the brake booster line.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,962
Likes: 5
From: Moorestown, NJ
Car: 88 Camaro SC
Engine: SFI'd 350
Transmission: TKO 500
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt w/ 3.23's
With all the linkage geometry and fuel line problems, the spacer just isnt worth it IMO. Also consider that the TV cable geometry is also quite critical and the extra 1 or 2 hp isnt worth accelerated transmission wear. These where all problems I ran into with the large holley adapter that I had that raised the TBI up. The transmission never worked properly with the stock tbi and holley adaptor, but seemed to work flawlessy with holleys TBI. Go figure. The fuel lines are also a pain in the butt when reinstalling the tbi. I have to put teh fuel lines on first before bolting the tbi down.
EDIT: This is just my general opionion, and isnt directed toward anyone here. The way it was origionally worded it looked like I was going after the posters above me.
EDIT: This is just my general opionion, and isnt directed toward anyone here. The way it was origionally worded it looked like I was going after the posters above me.
Last edited by dimented24x7; Dec 21, 2005 at 06:50 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: Moreno Valley, CA
Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI (L03)
Transmission: 700R4 (MD8)
Axle/Gears: 2.73 Open (GU2)
How do I adjust my TV Cable?
Because I think it's not adjusted right now, because on the 2-3 shift it seems To "slip", and also now my throttle sticks a little bit too.
DAMN TBI SPACER!!!!!!!!!!
Because I think it's not adjusted right now, because on the 2-3 shift it seems To "slip", and also now my throttle sticks a little bit too.
DAMN TBI SPACER!!!!!!!!!!
Supreme Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,962
Likes: 5
From: Moorestown, NJ
Car: 88 Camaro SC
Engine: SFI'd 350
Transmission: TKO 500
Axle/Gears: 9-bolt w/ 3.23's
The best way is to set it for full tension.
With the throttle all the way open, press the 'D' shaped metal tab on the side of the housing thats in the throttle bracket. While holding the tab down, firmly pull the cable housing all the way back toward the fire wall and release the metal tab. Close the throttle and slowly open it all the way back up. Check to make sure there is no slack in the cable. If the mechanism rathets back out more then a click or two then youll need another TV cable. The TV cable is a major pita to get out and from what Ive experienced requires you to tilt the engine and trans back to get enough room to unbolt it.
Also, the plastic clip that holds the tv cable on gets extremly brittle after 15 years and breaks easily. If this happens, simply go to a trans shop. They can give you or order you a replacement for just a few dollars. The replacement simply slips on the throttle cable.
With the throttle all the way open, press the 'D' shaped metal tab on the side of the housing thats in the throttle bracket. While holding the tab down, firmly pull the cable housing all the way back toward the fire wall and release the metal tab. Close the throttle and slowly open it all the way back up. Check to make sure there is no slack in the cable. If the mechanism rathets back out more then a click or two then youll need another TV cable. The TV cable is a major pita to get out and from what Ive experienced requires you to tilt the engine and trans back to get enough room to unbolt it.
Also, the plastic clip that holds the tv cable on gets extremly brittle after 15 years and breaks easily. If this happens, simply go to a trans shop. They can give you or order you a replacement for just a few dollars. The replacement simply slips on the throttle cable.
Last edited by dimented24x7; Dec 22, 2005 at 07:22 PM.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
iTrader: (6)
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 751
Likes: 0
From: Beech Bluff,TN
Car: 1991 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3:08
Re: TBI Spacer Woes
Originally posted by MikeDirntRulez
Let me just confirm what everybody said and NEVER buy a TBI spacer.
I ended up buying one because I figured I could modify it to fit, and if not, I only spent like $30.
So I went off to install it and it was not good at all. I put it on easily, but the fuel lines took FOREVER to hook up, and after installing it, the throttle was all jacked up so it idled at 3,000 RPMs (that's normal right?
).
So, to make a long story short, I took that stupid POS off, because I didn't want to mess with the throttle linkage, and just said forget it.
So, confirming what Shifty and everybody else has said, DONT BUY A TBI SPACER.
by the way, does anybody want to buy a slightly used spacer?
Let me just confirm what everybody said and NEVER buy a TBI spacer.
I ended up buying one because I figured I could modify it to fit, and if not, I only spent like $30.
So I went off to install it and it was not good at all. I put it on easily, but the fuel lines took FOREVER to hook up, and after installing it, the throttle was all jacked up so it idled at 3,000 RPMs (that's normal right?
).So, to make a long story short, I took that stupid POS off, because I didn't want to mess with the throttle linkage, and just said forget it.
So, confirming what Shifty and everybody else has said, DONT BUY A TBI SPACER.
by the way, does anybody want to buy a slightly used spacer?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Glowsock
Tech / General Engine
2
Sep 11, 2015 11:09 PM






