Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: sum_weirdo on September 01, 2006, 01:10:44 PM

Title: Carb spacer modification
Post by: sum_weirdo on September 01, 2006, 01:10:44 PM
I'm pretty much starting this one because I'm bored at work ;) But anyway soon I'm going to swap on a 4 barrel carb to my 83 5.0.  I'll probably go with a Weiand Stealth intake and one of my local stores sells a plastic 1" 4-hole spacer that I've decided to go with.  I did a fair bit of research into the effects of different spacers beforehand and I know that open type spacers are better for top end power while the more restrictive 4-hole variety are better for low end torque and driveability.  But this idea occured to me just now... the secondaries aren't open at low throttle.  They open later when an open spacer might be beneficial.  So I think to myself, what would happen if I ground out the secondary holes into a oval-esque shape so that the spacer looked like the face of a Jacko-lantern.  The primaries would have their small holes for better velocity at low throttle while the secondaries would have a more open passage at high throttle, in theory anyway.  Any thoughts on this?
Title: Carb spacer modification
Post by: vinnietbird on September 01, 2006, 01:16:23 PM
The spacers are pretty affordable.Try your idea,and if it sucks,swap on another.Try it as is first,you may be happy with it right out of the package.
Title: Carb spacer modification
Post by: 4mykid on September 01, 2006, 02:48:31 PM
Hey sum_weirdo, i am sure i have one you can have, i will look once i get home. Check your PM.
Title: Carb spacer modification
Post by: SLEEPER T-BIRD 87 on September 02, 2006, 01:13:38 AM
Worth a shot, i think more of a gain would be seen to bevel the lower area's of the 4 holes to mimick a taper like the super sucker style carb spacers.
Title: Carb spacer modification
Post by: Fred on September 04, 2006, 04:08:46 PM
Do you have the room to run a 1" spacer?  I have an '83 Heritage with a '89 5.0l HO, using a Edelbrock Performer and Holley 600 Vacuum secondary, with a Ford Motorsports 13" open air cleaner, and I only have 3/4" space above the combo.  My is a real tight fit, under a stock hood.  I believe the Wieand and Edelbrock RPM manifolds are even higher at the carb pad, so go easy on height. 
P.S.  Spacers change the air signal to the carb, so be ready to rejet, change Power Valves or change secordary spring to make a vacuum carb work best!
        Good luck, Fred
Title: Carb spacer modification
Post by: sum_weirdo on September 04, 2006, 08:32:48 PM
Well my stock spacer setup is an inch and some change.  I plan to keep the stock air cleaner, atleast right now.  I should have enough clearance I think even with the possibility of a higher rise manifold.
Title: Carb spacer modification
Post by: sum_weirdo on September 04, 2006, 09:39:20 PM
Actually does anyone know how much higher the Stealth is than a stock intake?  You'd think Summit would have the height listed but they don't and it's difficult to get an idea from pictures.