The Ford Torino Page Homepage
Forum Home Forum Home > Powertrain Specific Forum > Big Block Engine Forum
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Carb Spacer
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Carb Spacer

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
rodgy2 View Drop Down
New Member
New Member


Joined: 20-February-2011
Location: PA
Status: Offline
Points: 13
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rodgy2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Carb Spacer
    Posted: 13-July-2011 at 8:54AM
I've got a 75 Ranchero 460. It's got a mild cam and Hooker headers. I'm putting on a Edelbrock Performer manifold and a 750 Holley carb with vacuum secondaries and electric choke. I'm wondering if I should be running a carb spacer, how thick it should be and what material. Just looking for mid range performance.
Back to Top
MarkGubinski View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member


Joined: 17-March-2004
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 344
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MarkGubinski Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 14-July-2011 at 1:27AM
If you have the hood clearance a one inch spacer would work great. There is metal, wood & plastic. They all have their advantages & disadvantages. If it's just for the street, I'd go metal. No maintenance.
72 Gran Torino Sport 557
10.12 @136 @3600lbs.
2 Time Milan Dragway Track Champion.
2012 IHRA Div. 5 No-Box Champion.
97 career wins.





Back to Top
Dan the ranchero man View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 24-July-2011
Location: Mchenry,IL
Status: Offline
Points: 1173
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dan the ranchero man Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-July-2011 at 10:59AM
Metal will work fine but it transfers heat. If you find that the fuel is boiling in the carb on hot days I would use a phenolic spacer (plastic) because it stops the unwanted heat transfer to your carb.
Back to Top
GranTorinoSport View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group
Avatar
Admin of "The Org"

Joined: 20-May-2003
Location: Seattle
Status: Offline
Points: 2287
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GranTorinoSport Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27-July-2011 at 11:06AM
I am using the Edelbrock phenolic spacer on my pickup. That 360 generates enough heat to cause boiling fuel in the carb when it sits after being turned off. The spacer does help, but I have a ton of hood clearance in the pickup...

I believe Edelbrock makes 0.5", 1.0" and 2.0" spacers.
Scott Eklund

Webmaster
Back to Top
moose0211 View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 23-September-2009
Location: Baltimore
Status: Offline
Points: 456
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote moose0211 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30-July-2011 at 11:02AM
Just curious, what kind of maintenance would a wood carb spacer need? Would look cool and stand out at car shows.
Back to Top
Dan the ranchero man View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 24-July-2011
Location: Mchenry,IL
Status: Offline
Points: 1173
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dan the ranchero man Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30-July-2011 at 1:22PM
gas would eat anything that you would coat that wood with to make it "look cool". Plus wood by it self is very porus and you would have one hell of a time machining it straight so you could have a tight seal (no vacuum leaks) I would not use wood for that application.
Back to Top
moose0211 View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 23-September-2009
Location: Baltimore
Status: Offline
Points: 456
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote moose0211 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30-July-2011 at 1:52PM
Thanks, I was thinking there would be a problem with vacuum leaks. Another question, if they're so hard to machine and maintain, why are they used? And for what application would they be good for? It seems that a phenolic spacer would be better for everyone. 
Back to Top
Blueoval76 View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar
Member of the Stroker Club

Joined: 20-February-2010
Location: Sussex WI
Status: Offline
Points: 698
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Blueoval76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30-July-2011 at 2:38PM
In my expierence you should run the tallest spacer your car allows with clearance. A good choice I found out from a local custom carb builder is to run a Super Sucker spacer. It is pricey at around $80 but is a proven 20hp. I run a Moroso phenolic one inch on mine.
68 Galaxie Wagon 390/auto/2.70
03 Bonneville some mods
Back to Top
Dan the ranchero man View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 24-July-2011
Location: Mchenry,IL
Status: Offline
Points: 1173
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dan the ranchero man Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30-July-2011 at 3:18PM
Originally posted by moose0211 moose0211 wrote:

Thanks, I was thinking there would be a problem with vacuum leaks. Another question, if they're so hard to machine and maintain, why are they used? And for what application would they be good for? It seems that a phenolic spacer would be better for everyone. 
It's technolgy. In the past all they had was aluminum now there is better But the aluminum is cheaper and some folks like to try cheaper before spending the bigger bucks.
Back to Top
Psquare75 View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group

Member of the Stroker Club

Joined: 26-November-2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 4591
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psquare75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-August-2011 at 2:57AM
I went aluminum on my F100, a 4 hole standard type spacer, 1". 

I also have a spacer/adapter on my gray Cougar to get a squarebore carb onto the OEM Ford 4v intake, which has the EGR passages. From what I can see, the aluminum does heat the carb, as it gets, well, hot! On a 90 degree day sitting in traffic, the carb is leaner than normal (normally idles around 13.5-14 :1, where as it was idling in gear around 14-15:1 with a few random blips into the 16s). No phenolic adapter exists, so I was stuck with aluminum. 
I don't have a baseline for this without the spacer, so I can't tell if it'd be 'normal' or not. I read too many threads about phenolic spacers falling apart, so I wimped out and went aluminum on the F100, as well.
Paul
77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 *SOLD*
78 XR7 523/C6/3.5:1
79 F100 460/TKO500/3.25:1
'I also have some left over potatoes-I understand you can generate electricity from them'- Foote500
Back to Top
Dan the ranchero man View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 24-July-2011
Location: Mchenry,IL
Status: Offline
Points: 1173
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dan the ranchero man Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-August-2011 at 11:34AM
I am using them on both of my 460s and have NEVER had one fall apart. The one spacer has to be about 20 years old and it is a good as the day i bought it.
Back to Top
GranTorinoSport View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group
Avatar
Admin of "The Org"

Joined: 20-May-2003
Location: Seattle
Status: Offline
Points: 2287
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GranTorinoSport Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-August-2011 at 12:15PM
On my pickup, the phenolic E-brock spacer has helped with the carb getting too hot and causing problems. Had it on and off the last couple of years, no problems thus far. I would assume the E-brock ones are at least decent if not better quality than some others. 
Scott Eklund

Webmaster
Back to Top
Psquare75 View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group

Member of the Stroker Club

Joined: 26-November-2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 4591
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psquare75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02-August-2011 at 7:51AM
I equated 'phenolic' with "thermoquad" carbs, which do tend to warp and catch fire.. Am I overreacting a bit?
Paul
77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 *SOLD*
78 XR7 523/C6/3.5:1
79 F100 460/TKO500/3.25:1
'I also have some left over potatoes-I understand you can generate electricity from them'- Foote500
Back to Top
GranTorinoSport View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group
Avatar
Admin of "The Org"

Joined: 20-May-2003
Location: Seattle
Status: Offline
Points: 2287
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GranTorinoSport Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02-August-2011 at 12:40PM
I don't think so, early ones I can imagine were bad. Modern E-brock ones are prob a different material, not that laminate stuff I think you refer to.

I would never re-use an old vintage one. I think the E-brock ones (assumingly other quality brands as well) would be ok in "normal" conditions.
Scott Eklund

Webmaster
Back to Top
Carl View Drop Down
Member
Member


Joined: 21-March-2010
Location: Colorado Spring
Status: Offline
Points: 191
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Carl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04-August-2011 at 11:38AM
There are two ways to tell what kind of carb spacer will make the best power in your application.  A dyno or a dragstrip.  Every engine is different, and some will like more or less spacer, open, 4-hole or taper.  You just have to try them and see what works.
 
In theory, an open spacer will make more power when you need more plenum volume, and a 4-hole will work when you need less.  An open spacer will also reduce the carb size requirements just as a single plane intake does, and visa versa.  A good guide for a starting point, but that's it.
 
Personally, I run a plastic 1/2" open spacer on top of my Performer, mostly to insulate the carb from heat.
 
Back to Top
woodpecker View Drop Down
Member
Member
Avatar

Joined: 17-July-2008
Location: Waco,Georgia
Status: Offline
Points: 36
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote woodpecker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 23-September-2011 at 10:36AM
Hey Guys,
 
This looks like a pretty good place to post my..... situation.  I have a 429 that I would like to get running.  It's pretty much stock with a DOVE 9425B intake and a 4300 carb.  The carb has not been installed yet because I need a spacer.  Yes, I'm sort of a don't know much about this stuff kinda guy.  I know the bolt pattern has to match and what about the about the EGR passages?  Any advise or pointing me in the right direction will be very much appreciated.
 
Thanks,
Jeff
 
1972 Gran Torino Sport, fastback, bright red, 429
1924 Ford Model T, Tudor
1977 Lincoln Mark V
1967 Pontiac Grand Prix Convertible
1948 Buick Super Sedanette
Back to Top
papadeath View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 08-December-2011
Location: Eagle Rock, CA
Status: Offline
Points: 498
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote papadeath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20-December-2011 at 6:32AM
Originally posted by rodgy2 rodgy2 wrote:

I've got a 75 Ranchero 460. It's got a mild cam and Hooker headers. I'm putting on a Edelbrock Performer manifold and a 750 Holley carb with vacuum secondaries and electric choke. I'm wondering if I should be running a carb spacer, how thick it should be and what material. Just looking for mid range performance.


Hahahahaha! I have a 75 toooo! Yay! I heard that the performer is only slightly better than stock, so I sent mine back to Jegs.com and ordered the RPM. Unfortunately, it's a lot higher than the performer, and with a spacer (I plan to add one), I most def will have to cut a hole in the hood. Oh well, was gonna' do it anyway, hehe. Didn't want the hole to be as big as my current air cleaner at 14 inches, so I reckon I'm gonna' have to dump that one. Any suggestions? Just a street car so I DO need a little filtration.
75 Ranchero in progress
04 Harley Deuce stage one kit
89 Toyota pickup modded
09 Scion XB (bought for the ol' lady) buy American! (sorry)
skateboard
4 bicycles
1 scooter
2 dogs
2 stupid cats
Back to Top
papadeath View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 08-December-2011
Location: Eagle Rock, CA
Status: Offline
Points: 498
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote papadeath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-August-2012 at 1:49PM
I know this is an old post, but I never told you guys what happened with the spacer I used.... It was aluminum. It fit well but after getting it in it opened up a bunch of other problems, like my kick-down rod didn't line up any more and wouldn't run right either. I assume it has to be fiddled with (the carb), which is beyond the scope of my abilities. 
75 Ranchero in progress
04 Harley Deuce stage one kit
89 Toyota pickup modded
09 Scion XB (bought for the ol' lady) buy American! (sorry)
skateboard
4 bicycles
1 scooter
2 dogs
2 stupid cats
Back to Top
papadeath View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 08-December-2011
Location: Eagle Rock, CA
Status: Offline
Points: 498
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote papadeath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-August-2012 at 1:51PM
I forgot... I probably should have tried harder to make it work.. Due to the amount of heat this motor kicks out, I imagine it has a lot to do with it running not as well. May look back into a spacer in the future,,, anything to help.
75 Ranchero in progress
04 Harley Deuce stage one kit
89 Toyota pickup modded
09 Scion XB (bought for the ol' lady) buy American! (sorry)
skateboard
4 bicycles
1 scooter
2 dogs
2 stupid cats
Back to Top
Robbdtme View Drop Down
Senior Member
Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: 06-June-2012
Location: Central WI
Status: Offline
Points: 765
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Robbdtme Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-August-2012 at 10:43PM
The spacer is more for RPMs than low end. I had to ad one to mine to clear the fuel rail on a Barry grand Speed Demon carb but yes it tosses the kickdown and throttle linkage out of wack.



Edited by Robbdtme - 12-August-2012 at 10:44PM
Back to Top
Psquare75 View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group

Member of the Stroker Club

Joined: 26-November-2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 4591
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psquare75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13-August-2012 at 2:46AM
It depends what kind of spacer you use.. In general a 4 hole spacer adds lower end torque while an open spacer adds top end, but your particular combo may vary. 
Paul
77 XR7 460/C6/3.00:1 *SOLD*
78 XR7 523/C6/3.5:1
79 F100 460/TKO500/3.25:1
'I also have some left over potatoes-I understand you can generate electricity from them'- Foote500
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.06
Copyright ©2001-2023 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.172 seconds.