carb spacer ???'s - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

nevada70chev · 12-27-2005, 10:44 PM

got a 1406 (jetted and rodded for high altitude, passes our smog requirements

) mounted directly to a 2psp edelbrock intake, is there any advantages of installing a carb spacer between them? if so, what would they be? also what size of spacer is best? its a daily driver. any advice is welcome, thanks.

skeeter288 · 12-27-2005, 11:12 PM

carb spacer will raise carb up off intake, reducing heat transfer to carb.less chance for fuel vapor lock.not sure about power aspect of a spacer.never got around to putting one on my 350.

76bonanza · 12-27-2005, 11:59 PM

normally a 4 hole type will increase lower end power and an open one will help with higher rpm power. But it varies with each motor some will gain nothing other will be noticable. But if you get one made of something that does not transfer heat it will help cool the carb and the air charge. Do you have a high rise intake or not.?

da-burb · 12-28-2005, 12:24 AM

I had gas boiling upon shutting the engine down on my 1406 without a spacer. Added the spacer and it felt peppier and didn't have heat problems.

nevada70chev · 12-28-2005, 12:28 AM

i don't have a hi-rise manifold. ultimately i would like it to help with mpg. what is the overall best type? open or 4 hole? also the thickness, 1" or 2"? thanks again.

kbs71 · 12-28-2005, 02:48 AM

This is from Barry Grant
Tuning With Spacers
Spacers and plenum dividers provide an easy way to change the configuration and the characteristics of the intake tract and the relationship it has with the carburetor. Adding a plenum divider to an open plenum manifold can help keep the left to right fuel distribution balanced for oval track applications This is especially helpful on alcohol engines.
Using spacers between the carburetor and intake manifold can produce dramatic results. The use of a four-hole spacer can improve low end to mid-range by helping the carburetor draw and atomize fuel. An open center spacer increases the plenum area and can benefit the mid-range and upper rpm power. It is not uncommon to see combinations of spacer types or stacking of similar type spacers being used.
The actual results from any spacer or combination of spacers can only be measured during a test and tune session on the specific engine combination being run. This information can be a very useful tool when tuning to find the best horsepower or to change the power characteristics to suit a specific track condition.

BowTieMan · 12-28-2005, 02:58 AM

So if I add a 4 hole do you think I will notice a difference on my 350 with just headers and dual exhaust? More low end would be nice since i got an auto and 3:08 gears

nevada70chev · 12-28-2005, 01:18 PM

as i always say and will again, thanks!!! the guys on this board have forgotten more than i will ever know

. i will probably get a four hole type from summit, i think i was given a open bore type, but its on my parts shelf. thanks again.

farside847 · 12-28-2005, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nevada70chev

i don't have a hi-rise manifold. ultimately i would like it to help with mpg. what is the overall best type? open or 4 hole? also the thickness, 1" or 2"? thanks again.

Can a spacer really help MPG?

Longhorn Man · 12-28-2005, 07:44 PM

Most performance upgrades can increase MPG if done properly.
And yes, a carb spacer more likely than not, will marginally help MPG.

crazy longhorn · 12-28-2005, 08:09 PM

Spacers are Voodoo......they may work , or NOT! Based on what I have seen, a 3/4 or 1" open spacer under a Holley carb tends to give a little more mid to top power. If you stick a spacer under that Edeljoke(sorry for the attitude), it had better be a 4 hole to keep the heat off the carb

L

gator2511 · 12-28-2005, 08:19 PM

I put a 2" phenolic four hole spacer under my 1406 and I could tell the difference in the way the car started from a dead stop. It accelerated smoothly. Don't expect it to make a huge performance gain, but it should smooth it out a little and keep the carb cooler. It was a big plus for me!

muddpile · 12-29-2005, 12:57 AM

I have a performer carb and intake that I haven't installed yet, but I may have to try a 1" 4 hole phenolic (sp?) spacer. 2" sounds pretty big for a daily driver, and I like the idea of better low end power of the 4 hole.

kbs71 · 12-29-2005, 04:08 AM

OK this may sound dumb but check Summit or Jegs they sell "wood" spacers for carburators. I talked to a friend of mine thats a old oval track racer. He has dozens of spacers made of 1/2" and 1/4" plywood thats both open and 4 hole he made himself. when he first starting expermenting with tuning. So go get yourself some 1/2" plywood trace the outline from carb gasket and cut it out with a hole saw or jig saw and then you can stack and experment with 4 hole and open center spacers till you get the performence you want. if you dont want to keep the wood ones on then you can buy the fancy ones from jegs or whoever. Or if you looking for a good heatsink then woods hard to beat. just be sure to use gaskets between each spacer.

71Dragtruck · 12-29-2005, 10:26 PM

Check out a spacer by HVH called the Super Sucker, it is a 4 hole with a contured bottom. Would not have belived it if I wasn't there, but just had my new motor dynoed and made another 21hp, 17flbs. with it. They said that it also makes it more street freindly, the avg. hp gain they been getting with them is 17. The one guy that only got 3hp, they let him try it on the street with and without the spacer and he still bought it.

muddpile · 12-30-2005, 03:34 AM

http://www.highvelocityheads.com/ss.htm

Pricey, but if they work as good as I have said they may just be worth it. What is the advantage/disadvantage of 1" vs. 2"? Also, it says plastic is drag race only. I was hoping I could use one to keep the heat off my edelbrock carb, but it looks like I can't. Does anyone run a plastic one on the street with any success?

71Dragtruck · 12-30-2005, 03:52 AM

I just saw that about the plastic also, that's what mine is? Only have dyno time on mine, guess we'll see this spring. Lots of companies make the plastic ones, not sure what the deal is, I know that people do run them on the street, haven't talked to them though. I'll ask the place where I got mine from. Payed $92 Canadian for mine from Campbell Automotive in Edmonton.

gator2511 · 12-30-2005, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddpile

http://www.highvelocityheads.com/ss.htm

Pricey, but if they work as good as I have said they may just be worth it. What is the advantage/disadvantage of 1" vs. 2"? Also, it says plastic is drag race only. I was hoping I could use one to keep the heat off my edelbrock carb, but it looks like I can't. Does anyone run a plastic one on the street with any success?

Like I said above, I run one on my street truck and it made a noticable difference on the low end. Summit sells a 2" plastic one for $31.95. Just put a gasket on either side of it. Had mine on for a year and it still works good.

muddpile · 12-31-2005, 03:03 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RSC-9...25244618QQrdZ1

I have an edelbrock performer 600CFM square bore electric choke carb that will be monted to an edelbrock performer intake. The rest of the engine will be stock. Think this is a good carb spacer for me? The truck will be a daily driver. Thanks!

Also, will I have hood clearance for the new intake, carb, 14x3 air cleaner and a 2" spacer?

lloyd k · 12-31-2005, 10:27 AM

I put a one inch spacer on mine and made a very noticeable difference (big quadrajet with stock cast iron manifold- four hole spacer made for a quad carb) I would suspect it would matter on what combination you are running , but I am a believer. I would go with a four hole that matches your intake on a daily driver

gator2511 · 12-31-2005, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddpile

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RSC-9...25244618QQrdZ1

I have an edelbrock performer 600CFM square bore electric choke carb that will be monted to an edelbrock performer intake. The rest of the engine will be stock. Think this is a good carb spacer for me? The truck will be a daily driver. Thanks!

Also, will I have hood clearance for the new intake, carb, 14x3 air cleaner and a 2" spacer?

I would get a can of plumbers putty, form it into a two inch high cylinder and put it on top of your present air cleaner. Close the hood and then open it and measure how high the putty is. That will give you an idea of how much clearance you have now and then do the math. By measuring the height of your present combo and comparing it to what you want to run you can tell the clearance you will have. My truck is a K10 and I'm running the same combo you want to go to with plenty of clearance.

72MARIO · 12-31-2005, 12:50 PM

Ther is lots of room under the hood for tall air cleaners and spacers. You should be fine.

71Chevy4-speed · 12-31-2005, 06:05 PM

Also because of the added height above the bottom of the intake it allows fuel droplets to stay atomized and suspeneded longer since it takes more time to fall to the bottom of the intake. Thus not allowing the fuel to puddle or trickle down the intake runners, and giving the motor more time to suck the fuel/air mixture into the combustion chamber, more of a perfect air/fuel ratio. As according the John Lingenfelter, made sense to me anyways.

**53burb** · 12-31-2005, 07:19 PM

I use this one in Phoenix...works great...#9266http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...h.asp&x=24&y=9

it is used on top of an adapter/spacer

12-27-2005, 10:44 PM	#1
nevada70chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: reno, nv Posts: 646	carb spacer ???'s got a 1406 (jetted and rodded for high altitude, passes our smog requirements ) mounted directly to a 2psp edelbrock intake, is there any advantages of installing a carb spacer between them? if so, what would they be? also what size of spacer is best? its a daily driver. any advice is welcome, thanks. __________________ 70 LWB, 350/350 A/C, P/S, 3 Tone Paint (white cap, primer gray with black guide coat)

12-27-2005, 11:12 PM	#2
skeeter288 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: baltimore, maryland Posts: 14	Re: carb spacer ???'s carb spacer will raise carb up off intake, reducing heat transfer to carb.less chance for fuel vapor lock.not sure about power aspect of a spacer.never got around to putting one on my 350.

12-27-2005, 11:59 PM	#3
76bonanza Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: St robert Mo Posts: 2,001	Re: carb spacer ???'s normally a 4 hole type will increase lower end power and an open one will help with higher rpm power. But it varies with each motor some will gain nothing other will be noticable. But if you get one made of something that does not transfer heat it will help cool the carb and the air charge. Do you have a high rise intake or not.? __________________ 1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO

12-28-2005, 12:24 AM	#4
da-burb "Ochre Ogre" Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Springfield, MN Posts: 3,558	Re: carb spacer ???'s I had gas boiling upon shutting the engine down on my 1406 without a spacer. Added the spacer and it felt peppier and didn't have heat problems. __________________ Bowtie Truck Stop Inc. Mid-West GM Truck Restoration Parts Supplier Your Key Parts, Auto Metal Direct, Dynacorn, and Goodmark dealer. like us @ www.facebook.com/BowtieTruckStop 1971 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1971 K-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 C-10 Suburban (Ochre) 1972 K-20 Suburban (Yellow- that just aint right!) Springfield, Minnesota 56087

12-28-2005, 12:28 AM	#5
nevada70chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: reno, nv Posts: 646	Re: carb spacer ???'s i don't have a hi-rise manifold. ultimately i would like it to help with mpg. what is the overall best type? open or 4 hole? also the thickness, 1" or 2"? thanks again. __________________ 70 LWB, 350/350 A/C, P/S, 3 Tone Paint (white cap, primer gray with black guide coat)

12-28-2005, 02:48 AM	#6
kbs71 71 rustless in texas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 257	Re: carb spacer ???'s This is from Barry Grant Tuning With Spacers Spacers and plenum dividers provide an easy way to change the configuration and the characteristics of the intake tract and the relationship it has with the carburetor. Adding a plenum divider to an open plenum manifold can help keep the left to right fuel distribution balanced for oval track applications This is especially helpful on alcohol engines. Using spacers between the carburetor and intake manifold can produce dramatic results. The use of a four-hole spacer can improve low end to mid-range by helping the carburetor draw and atomize fuel. An open center spacer increases the plenum area and can benefit the mid-range and upper rpm power. It is not uncommon to see combinations of spacer types or stacking of similar type spacers being used. The actual results from any spacer or combination of spacers can only be measured during a test and tune session on the specific engine combination being run. This information can be a very useful tool when tuning to find the best horsepower or to change the power characteristics to suit a specific track condition. __________________ "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." "No one really listens to anyone else, and if you try it for a while you'll see why" 71 C-10 LWB presently in a perpetual state of disassembly '96 Toyota (my work car) '04 Mustang Convertable (wife's car & other money pit) Latest aquesition and why my trucks still in the garage covered with junk.. 2010 Aqua Blue metallic 6 speed Manual LS3 2SS/RS Camaro (I want one of these in my truck FAQ here VENDORS here SUPPORT THE BOARD here My second favorite SITE

12-28-2005, 02:58 AM	#7
BowTieMan Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Glendale Arizona Posts: 747	Re: carb spacer ???'s So if I add a 4 hole do you think I will notice a difference on my 350 with just headers and dual exhaust? More low end would be nice since i got an auto and 3:08 gears __________________ "A true hotrodder wouldn't be content untill he had created a car so violent, so hairy, so totally sick that the very act of dropping the hammer would result in instant death. Anything less results in the need to go faster." - Tony DeFeo

12-28-2005, 01:18 PM	#8
nevada70chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: reno, nv Posts: 646	Re: carb spacer ???'s as i always say and will again, thanks!!! the guys on this board have forgotten more than i will ever know. i will probably get a four hole type from summit, i think i was given a open bore type, but its on my parts shelf. thanks again. __________________ 70 LWB, 350/350 A/C, P/S, 3 Tone Paint (white cap, primer gray with black guide coat)

12-28-2005, 07:44 PM	#10
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: carb spacer ???'s Most performance upgrades can increase MPG if done properly. And yes, a carb spacer more likely than not, will marginally help MPG.

12-28-2005, 08:09 PM	#11
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	Re: carb spacer ???'s Spacers are Voodoo......they may work , or NOT! Based on what I have seen, a 3/4 or 1" open spacer under a Holley carb tends to give a little more mid to top power. If you stick a spacer under that Edeljoke(sorry for the attitude), it had better be a 4 hole to keep the heat off the carb L __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears.... Last edited by crazy longhorn; 12-28-2005 at 08:10 PM.

12-28-2005, 08:19 PM	#12
gator2511 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: tampa florida Posts: 776	Re: carb spacer ???'s I put a 2" phenolic four hole spacer under my 1406 and I could tell the difference in the way the car started from a dead stop. It accelerated smoothly. Don't expect it to make a huge performance gain, but it should smooth it out a little and keep the carb cooler. It was a big plus for me! Last edited by gator2511; 12-28-2005 at 08:20 PM.

12-29-2005, 12:57 AM	#13
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Re: carb spacer ???'s I have a performer carb and intake that I haven't installed yet, but I may have to try a 1" 4 hole phenolic (sp?) spacer. 2" sounds pretty big for a daily driver, and I like the idea of better low end power of the 4 hole. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

12-29-2005, 04:08 AM	#14
kbs71 71 rustless in texas Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 257	Re: carb spacer ???'s OK this may sound dumb but check Summit or Jegs they sell "wood" spacers for carburators. I talked to a friend of mine thats a old oval track racer. He has dozens of spacers made of 1/2" and 1/4" plywood thats both open and 4 hole he made himself. when he first starting expermenting with tuning. So go get yourself some 1/2" plywood trace the outline from carb gasket and cut it out with a hole saw or jig saw and then you can stack and experment with 4 hole and open center spacers till you get the performence you want. if you dont want to keep the wood ones on then you can buy the fancy ones from jegs or whoever. Or if you looking for a good heatsink then woods hard to beat. just be sure to use gaskets between each spacer. __________________ "The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources." "No one really listens to anyone else, and if you try it for a while you'll see why" 71 C-10 LWB presently in a perpetual state of disassembly '96 Toyota (my work car) '04 Mustang Convertable (wife's car & other money pit) Latest aquesition and why my trucks still in the garage covered with junk.. 2010 Aqua Blue metallic 6 speed Manual LS3 2SS/RS Camaro (I want one of these in my truck FAQ here VENDORS here SUPPORT THE BOARD here My second favorite SITE

12-29-2005, 10:26 PM	#15
71Dragtruck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,368	Re: carb spacer ???'s Check out a spacer by HVH called the Super Sucker, it is a 4 hole with a contured bottom. Would not have belived it if I wasn't there, but just had my new motor dynoed and made another 21hp, 17flbs. with it. They said that it also makes it more street freindly, the avg. hp gain they been getting with them is 17. The one guy that only got 3hp, they let him try it on the street with and without the spacer and he still bought it. __________________ Speed is just a matter of money, question is how fast can you afford to go? 8.95@148.97mph all motor haven't tried bottle yet Sponsored by: Getz Oilfield Consulting Hard Candy Customs

12-30-2005, 03:34 AM	#16
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Re: carb spacer ???'s http://www.highvelocityheads.com/ss.htm Pricey, but if they work as good as I have said they may just be worth it. What is the advantage/disadvantage of 1" vs. 2"? Also, it says plastic is drag race only. I was hoping I could use one to keep the heat off my edelbrock carb, but it looks like I can't. Does anyone run a plastic one on the street with any success? __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open Last edited by muddpile; 12-30-2005 at 03:36 AM.



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12-30-2005, 03:52 AM	#17
71Dragtruck Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,368	Re: carb spacer ???'s I just saw that about the plastic also, that's what mine is? Only have dyno time on mine, guess we'll see this spring. Lots of companies make the plastic ones, not sure what the deal is, I know that people do run them on the street, haven't talked to them though. I'll ask the place where I got mine from. Payed $92 Canadian for mine from Campbell Automotive in Edmonton. __________________ Speed is just a matter of money, question is how fast can you afford to go? 8.95@148.97mph all motor haven't tried bottle yet Sponsored by: Getz Oilfield Consulting Hard Candy Customs Last edited by 71Dragtruck; 12-30-2005 at 03:54 AM.

12-31-2005, 03:03 AM	#19
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Re: carb spacer ???'s http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/RSC-9...25244618QQrdZ1 I have an edelbrock performer 600CFM square bore electric choke carb that will be monted to an edelbrock performer intake. The rest of the engine will be stock. Think this is a good carb spacer for me? The truck will be a daily driver. Thanks! Also, will I have hood clearance for the new intake, carb, 14x3 air cleaner and a 2" spacer? __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open Last edited by muddpile; 12-31-2005 at 03:04 AM.

12-31-2005, 10:27 AM	#20
lloyd k Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: columbus,ohio Posts: 201	Re: carb spacer ???'s I put a one inch spacer on mine and made a very noticeable difference (big quadrajet with stock cast iron manifold- four hole spacer made for a quad carb) I would suspect it would matter on what combination you are running , but I am a believer. I would go with a four hole that matches your intake on a daily driver __________________ 67 swb gmc,big block cadillac powered,400 turbo,2.73 ratio and disc brakes-basically a frankenstein of many parts- Last edited by lloyd k; 12-31-2005 at 10:30 AM.

12-31-2005, 12:50 PM	#22
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	Re: carb spacer ???'s Ther is lots of room under the hood for tall air cleaners and spacers. You should be fine. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

12-31-2005, 06:05 PM	#23
71Chevy4-speed Speed Limit = Floorboard Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kasilof, Alaska Posts: 803	Re: carb spacer ???'s Also because of the added height above the bottom of the intake it allows fuel droplets to stay atomized and suspeneded longer since it takes more time to fall to the bottom of the intake. Thus not allowing the fuel to puddle or trickle down the intake runners, and giving the motor more time to suck the fuel/air mixture into the combustion chamber, more of a perfect air/fuel ratio. As according the John Lingenfelter, made sense to me anyways. __________________ 1971 C20 350, 4-speed - Sold. 1985 K10 350, Built 700r4, Edel 1406, Performer intake, MSD Ign, Hooker Comps, Silverstars, Piaa drivers, LED tails, Toyo A/T 31's, Eaton Posi, the project. "Build for torque, horsepower will follow"

12-31-2005, 07:19 PM	#24
53burb Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Queen Creek, AZ Posts: 1,004	Re: carb spacer ???'s I use this one in Phoenix...works great...#9266http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...h.asp&x=24&y=9 it is used on top of an adapter/spacer Last edited by 53burb; 12-31-2005 at 07:20 PM.

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