Carburator Spacer Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,115
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From: VA
Carburator Spacer Question
I did a search on this but could not find any info on what size is best for a SB 350. I have a 350 with an edlebrock 600 cfm 4106 on an edlebrock 2101 performer intake. I also have a drop base air cleaner to allow for some room under a stock hood on a '75. I am wondering if I gain anything with a 1/2" spacer or should I go with a 1" spacer? If I go with the 1" spacer I will most likely have to use a 2" air filter instead of the 3" filter. I want to use the Phenolic Resin spacer. What do you all think is the best size for the spacer?
Thanks,
Ron
Thanks,
Ron
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,115
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From: VA
Re: Carburator Spacer Question (Ganey)
Thanks Gainey. I have the edlelbrock performer 2101 dual plane intake with an 4106 edlebrock 600 cfm non egr carb. Engine was recently rebuilt and bored .30 over. It is estimated to be around 300+ hp. I have the TH400 automatic with 3:36 rear end. I have the 4 hole gasket on there now and I am looking for the insulating properties as you mentioned and that is why I was thinking about the Phenolic spacer but edlebrock sells a 1/2" wood fiber laminate that I was thinking about also. What is the normal torque used on the bolts for this type of spacer?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: Carburator Spacer Question (Ron 75 L48)
The bigger spacer you get - the more top end horsepower you gain.. but you are going to shift your RPM range.. (you are going to peak at higher RPM)
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,115
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From: VA
Re: Carburator Spacer Question (GrandSportC3)
Thanks Oliver. I am concerned with the clearance issue under the hood and I would really like to keep the 3" air cleaner instead of using the 2" so I am going to try the 1/2" spacer.
Ron
Ron
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Carburator Spacer Question (GrandSportC3)
Spacers can easily take power away from a motor. Why is a spacer needed? A spacer can be used to tune the carb. A small carb is more likely to need a spacer then a big carb. The air fuel mixture has trouble making the turn so a spacer is used to help this turn. A small carb has his velocity so the mixture can hit the intake floor causing seperation. A large carb has lower velocity so the mixture makes the turn.
Just slapping a spacer on, saying it makes more horsepower is not correct. Only a dyno can say if the spacer works or not and I have seen a spacer actually decrease top end power, in fact power over the entire range.
Just slapping a spacer on, saying it makes more horsepower is not correct. Only a dyno can say if the spacer works or not and I have seen a spacer actually decrease top end power, in fact power over the entire range.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Lakeland, FL
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St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: Carburator Spacer Question (Ron 75 L48)
Thanks Oliver. I am concerned with the clearance issue under the hood and I would really like to keep the 3" air cleaner instead of using the 2" so I am going to try the 1/2" spacer.
Ron
Ron
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: Carburetor Spacer Question (Ron 75 L48)
using carb spacers on one engine may produce different results on another. A phenolic spacer is great in some areas, but can cause carbs to ice over during colder months in northern areas.
Best way is to have an assortment and do some tuning with them at a drag strip.
I would bet a 1" spacer would be best for that setup, and you may have to also adjust your carb. mixture for optimal results.
Like I said, it would be great to be able to do runs on the track using different spacers and working with the meetering rods to get the best track times.
[Modified by BSeery, 6:51 PM 2/10/2004]
Best way is to have an assortment and do some tuning with them at a drag strip.
I would bet a 1" spacer would be best for that setup, and you may have to also adjust your carb. mixture for optimal results.
Like I said, it would be great to be able to do runs on the track using different spacers and working with the meetering rods to get the best track times.
[Modified by BSeery, 6:51 PM 2/10/2004]
