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Aug 10, 2003 | 10:42 AM

Custom 1975

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Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 37

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From: Bloomfield New Mexico

Spaced out

Does anyone know what is the purpose of spacer plates between the carburator and manifold. Do spacers have any effect on performance, or simply just to gain height for linkage clearance ect.??
I have an edelbrock 600cfm installed on an edelbrock performer manifold. I am not using a spacer plate. Should I be??

Thanks
Custom 1975

Aug 10, 2003 | 09:40 PM

johnsalterego

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Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 255

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From: Dallas/Fort Worth

Spaced out

Spacers can be used for three purposes; Tune plenum volume to tweak the power curve a bit (as a rule more volume under the carb tends to help @ high RPM, less volume helps torque and throttle response), give clearance for linkages, and/or to isolate the carb from the heat of the rest of the motor. There are two basic types, open and 4-hole. The open ones are usually used for open plenum intakes While the 4-hole ones are for dual-planes like your peformer. Either can be made of phenolic (spelling?) plastic to give some thermal protection to the carb.

As to whether or not you should run one, that question is sure to start a flame war! I run a short phenolic 4-hole one to help keep the carb cooler... but that's just me.

Aug 11, 2003 | 01:59 PM

LxMan1

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Joined: Dec 2001

Posts: 22,436

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From: Louisville,Ky.

Spaced out

I have always had good luck running a 1" 4 hole spacer on my performers. I like the added clearance and it helps keep some heat off or the carb. On dyno reports that I have seen, they actually help low end torque just a tad. The open spacers help top end power.
If you are running good and not having any problems, I wouldn't put one on. I have had one for years and that's why I always use it.
Jimmy