If you’re looking to boost your engine’s performance and increase the compressed air intake, many active devices can help achieve this. Although, this isn’t something you should always become accustomed to with a passive device. This is where a throttle body spacer comes in.
If you’ve never heard of a throttle body space before – we don’t blame you! – you may wonder: what does a throttle body spacer do (see also ‘Are Wheel Spacers Safe?‘)?
Essentially, all it does is increase the amount of airflow traveling through the intake manifold by lengthening it which provides a straight air supply into the intake.
If this still sounds confusing then don’t worry! We have created a detailed guide to help you understand everything there is to know about a body spacer.
Let’s get straight into it!
What Is A Throttle Body And What Does It Do?
Before we delve into the importance of a throttle body space to the aftermarket modifications of your vehicle, the first thing to understand is what exactly is a throttle body. Essentially, it is a vital component of the vehicle’s air intake system.
It can be found between the air filter and the intake manifold – making the center of the air intake system. Its primary role is to determine the levels of air reaching the car engine’s combustion chamber.
Inside the component, you’ll find the throttle body valve, which is usually referred to as the ‘butterfly’ valve or ‘flat’ valve. This serves the important function of opening to allow the right amount of air for the intake manifold while you’re stepping on the pedal.
Hence, the more pressure on the gas pedal, the more air flows through the valve and into the intake manifold. However, the throttle body has another function, too.
Once the valve has opened to allow air through, the throttle contains a position sensor that reports back to the engine control unit (ECU).
This then sends another signal to the fuel injectors which determines the required fuel for the chambers.
Depending on how much the throttle body valve is open; determines the throttle position sensor report. Whereas the mass airflow sensor indicates how much air travels through the intake manifold.
This all takes place when you press your foot on the pedal. Therefore, it could be said that the throttle plays an important role in engine combustion.
The Importance Of The Throttle Body Spacer
As you now know, the throttle body spacer plays an essential role in allowing more space for air to flow into the intake manifold. It lengthens the manifold, aiding the mass of airflow that travels and is introduced to the engine quicker.
This direct airflow is considered to enhance the performance of your engine in many ways. Primarily, there is a gasket situated between the intake manifold and the throttle body itself.
Therefore, a throttle body space is essentially used as a replacement for this gasket – providing a thicker, more robust, metal ring (or a throttle body spacer).
This aids in the increase of airflow into the engine more efficiently, ultimately resulting in increased torque and horsepower.
It is a type of active device which is used to increase the compressed air intake – enhancing the vehicle’s engine performance. The beauty of the throttle body space is that it is a simple metal ring – it’s small but mighty!
Types Of Throttle Body Spacers
If you’re looking to add some modifications to your vehicle, then it is important to understand the different types of throttle body spacers that can be attached between your throttle body and intake.
The most common types are:
- Direct or smooth throttle body spacer
- Spiral throttle body spacers
The differences between these two models are extremely small and can be found in the designs of the interior ring of the throttle body spacers.
While smooth spacers don’t have anything on the inside of their rings, spiral spacers contain a spiral-like metal shape. This is designed to mimic the function of an air vortex – allowing air to enter in a different direction.
So, as you can see, the differences are minimal. When determining the right throttle body spacer for your vehicle, it all comes down to your stock engine parts.
While some people believe that spiral airflow spacers are better for enhanced combustion, each provides extremely similar results.
Consider Your Engine
The only downside to throttle body spacers is that they don’t function great with modern vehicles which have a multi-port injection system. Essentially, they provide more boost on vehicles that combine air and fuel in the throttle body before entering the chambers.
Therefore, regardless of the type of thriller body spacer you purchase, they won’t have much effect on newer car models. Although, they may add some more horsepower for older models.
Moreover, you should ensure that there is adequate space within your stick intake parts to add a throttle space.
Advantages Of A Throttle Body Spacer
A throttle body space can help relieve some of the burdens on your engine since it doesn’t need to work hard pumping air into the chambers. Enhanced airflow – especially with a spiral throttle body space – results in easier fuel/air combustion.
This would increase your vehicle’s horsepower by at least 5, it also enhances the torque output effects. Therefore, the results aren’t bad when you’re simply placing a ring between the intake manifold and throttle body.
This would be an ideal modification for those looking to improve their vehicle’s performance – great for older engines!
Final Thoughts
Essentially, a throttle body spacer is implemented to improve your vehicle’s air intake system. The general rule of thumb is the more air, the smoother your engine will run.
While throttle body spacers aren’t required for newer cars, they can make for a simple, yet effective, component for older models. Hopefully, this guide has informed you about everything you need to know about throttle body spacers.