Hi, I am looking for some inexpensive horsepwoer gains for my 350 engine. I have a edlebrock performer intake and a edlebrock 600 cfm carb. I was wondering if a carbuerator spacer would help increase my horsepower or my torque. Would I be able to feel the power? I would like to know if anyone has any experience or reconmendations for me, like a type of brand, or how high to go.
Thanks,
Vin

Carb spacers may or may not improve your engine's efficiency, depending on the engine and spacer.

probably not for a mild combo like yours. free up the breathing ability of the engine with good headers and exhaust, and you will see a very niticable gain.

Cheap hp tricks in order of cheapness assuming a perfectly tuned carb and timing curve.

1. Synthetic oils thoughout
2. K&N air filter (you may have to rejet)
3. Freeflowing mufflers
4. Cam changeout
5. Larger exhaust and tail pipes
5. Good headers
6. Vortec heads
7. Aftermarket aluminum heads

Well....you get the picture.

Vin, They work for my ride but I seriously doubt one would "feel" the gains. I have a poorly calibrated seat of the pants gauge, so I may be biased.... I would suggest making sure your engine recieves cool outside air and enough of it(DUCTING) vs warm engine bay (AKA open element air cleaner) air would provide more feelable gains. You know, a swap-meet nitrous system may be what you are after. a 100 shot is definately feelable, even by my seat. Be advised of this many people fall victim to the placebo-seat of the pants feel and end up chasing all types of gimmicks. Do you homework. Ask for empirical data before you choose to spend those hard earned dollars. and consider this: something that results in a 5-10 HP increase under race situations may never be noticable on the street. other than making your wallet lighter.
Good luck
Milan

I have seen several articles over the years that seem to suggest that a 1" spacer, no more or less can be benificial. But as others have said, this is so subjective. You might try to get some dyno time, and make sure your air/ fuel mixture is correct. Cool fuel and induction air (previously mentioned) is a good, cheap way to boost HP. Also getting your distributor timing tailored to your application can be a big plus. Clean fuel filters and adequate fuel supply, and a good, free flowing air filter ( dont run without one),etc. Look at the broad spectrum of things which enhance performance ( including gear ratios, tire size, transmission gearing) and pick those which are in your budget. Look at how well the "stock" classes run. It is all about getting it right in a balanced package IMHO.

Rob graemlins/beers.gif

I myself have run 1/2" Phenolic spacers and noticed improvements. The size (height) of the spacer is dependant on quite a few things, and more or less difficult to explain in a simple post. You can use different sizes and materials to accomplish different things, but more or less what you are doing is changing the plenum volume and effectively changing the signal pulse strength available to the base of the carb by changing its distance.

In answer to your question, it is considered that a '4-hole' spacer is better to improve low speed and mid-range torque (keeps up specific velocity) while the 'open-hole' spacer improve's top end HP (additional plenum volume). I am sure I can argue this myself, but in basic theory that pretty much sums it up.

You are not going to see hugh gains in any direction specifically, but in consideration to the phenolic materials available, even the 1/2" spacer will help. If nothing else to help keep the carb cooler. I myself noticed better starting hot and cold, a measureable deduction in intake charge (air/fuel) temperature and the mid range power was smoother.

If you can find the hood clearence, I like to use this (http://www.tooltechsystems.com/default.asp?page=pulse_command) spacer when possible. Other than that, the only thing I have been able to fit under a 'stock' hood of a Camaro with a Performer manifold, a Holley 4150 series carb and a 3" drop base air cleaner......is a 1/2" spacer. I perfer a four-hole Phenolic like the one availabe through Summit Racing.

i can deliver spacers that are made of heat resistant, light-weight material.

they wont transfer heat from the intakemanifold to your carb,therefore the floatbowls wont be too hot either.

i can deliver any design you want(open or 2- or 4 holes).

i can mail you some pics of it if you want.
http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v83/rolling/mor-64930.jpg