How Does a Throttle Body Spacer Affect a Daily Car?
Introduction
A throttle body spacer is an aftermarket device that is installed between the throttle body and the intake manifold of a car’s engine. It is designed to improve airflow into the engine, which can lead to increased horsepower and torque. Throttle body spacers are often used on performance cars, but they can also be used on daily cars to improve fuel economy and drivability.
How Throttle Body Spacers Work
Throttle body spacers work by increasing the distance between the throttle body and the intake manifold. This creates a larger plenum, which allows more air to flow into the engine. The increased airflow can lead to a number of benefits, including:
* Increased horsepower and torque
* Improved fuel economy
* Reduced emissions
* Smoother idle
* Better throttle response
Types of Throttle Body Spacers
There are two main types of throttle body spacers:
* Open-plenum spacers create a single, large plenum that is shared by all of the intake runners. This type of spacer is typically used on performance cars, as it can provide the greatest increase in airflow.
* Plenum-within-plenum spacers create a smaller plenum that is located within each of the intake runners. This type of spacer is typically used on daily cars, as it can provide a balance of increased airflow and improved drivability.
Benefits of Throttle Body Spacers
Throttle body spacers can provide a number of benefits for daily cars, including:
* Increased horsepower and torque: Throttle body spacers can increase horsepower and torque by up to 10%. This can make a noticeable difference in the performance of your car, especially when accelerating from a stop or passing other vehicles.
* Improved fuel economy: Throttle body spacers can improve fuel economy by up to 5%. This is because the increased airflow helps the engine to burn fuel more efficiently.
* Reduced emissions: Throttle body spacers can reduce emissions by up to 10%. This is because the increased airflow helps to complete the combustion process more efficiently, which reduces the amount of unburned fuel that is released into the exhaust.
* Smoother idle: Throttle body spacers can help to smooth out the idle of your car. This is because the increased airflow helps to stabilize the engine’s air-fuel mixture.
* Better throttle response: Throttle body spacers can improve throttle response by up to 10%. This is because the increased airflow helps the engine to respond more quickly to changes in the throttle position.
Drawbacks of Throttle Body Spacers
There are also some potential drawbacks to using a throttle body spacer, including:
* Cost: Throttle body spacers can be expensive, especially for high-quality models.
* Installation: Installing a throttle body spacer can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to have the spacer installed by a qualified mechanic.
* Warranty: Installing a throttle body spacer may void your car’s warranty.
Conclusion
Throttle body spacers can provide a number of benefits for daily cars, including increased horsepower and torque, improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, smoother idle, and better throttle response. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to using a throttle body spacer, including cost, installation, and warranty issues. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding whether or not a throttle body spacer is right for your car.
