Throttle body spacer?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Pcola, FL
Throttle body spacer?
Hello, I have a 2001 Explorer 4.0 SOHC and am relatively new to mods. I recently added a cone filter and plan to redo the exhaust. I'm trying to figure out what else I can do to increase performance, mainly for mileage gains as well as the fact that I just plain like working on the suv. I've read some people add new throttle body spacers. What does that do exactly?
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,448
Likes: 2,934
From: Reed Point, MT
Originally Posted by ledbetter
I've read some people add new throttle body spacers. What does that do exactly?
A port injected engine like you have will see no gains in mileage, power, etc. Your throttle body only takes in air. An extra 1/2 to 1 inch isn't going to affect airflow at all. If that tiny bit of added length actually did anything, don't you think that the manufacturer would have cast the intake accordingly?
MAYBE on a dyno, a throttle body injected or carbureted engine that has a 'wet' manifold will see something, but you'll still never feel any gains in a 4000+ pound vehicle (kind of like the 'splitfire' spark plugs...your lawnmower might not bog out on doggy doo anymore, but that 5 HP they claim does nothing for your truck).
Don't waste your money. Upgrade the exhaust and enjoy it.
Cody
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Bridgewater, NJ
As far as I can tell all that throttle body spacers on port injected engines seem to do is make a whistling noise. Good if you want to make people think you have a turbo, but otherwise just another aftermarket gadget that boasts a lot but doesn't do much of anything.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
Marcus said it, sounds like a turbo, I did notice mid range power but my fuel mileage sucked, I lost 5 mph a tank with that thing. So exhuast and air filter have worked better for me 17-19 around town, And I have a 4.2 so up to you, but all that glitters ain't gold as I've found out. Good luck
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 1
From: Northern California
For those that have installed these overpriced chunks of aluminum, anything that makes a "whistling noise" in your intake is actually causing a bad turbulance in the intake stream. This will lead to decreased CFM, not increased and likely a loss in HP instead of any gain will result.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ledbetter
Hello, I have a 2001 Explorer 4.0 SOHC and am relatively new to mods. I recently added a cone filter and plan to redo the exhaust. I'm trying to figure out what else I can do to increase performance, mainly for mileage gains as well as the fact that I just plain like working on the suv. I've read some people add new throttle body spacers. What does that do exactly?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo