What is this exactly? These spacers (3 in a set, each is port specific) are meant for the 194, 230, 250 and 292 GM Inline 6 engines. The were developed during a custom 292 build that was running Multiport Fuel Injection as a way to make space for the injectors, fuel rail and throttle body to all live in their own space without interfering with each other. In the process a superior mount design was developed.
What are the advantages?
- Superior mounting process. Once these are welded to an aluminum intake and paired with steel tube headers (Clifford, Headman, etc with the addition of flange loops) the mounting process is typical of what you would do with one of today's modern engines. Instead of using the old clips that span the edge of both the intake and exhaust flange, one set of flange nuts secure the headers, and a second set of flange nuts will secure the intake. When paired with modern studs and nuts like Titanium, your manifolds won't need a second look! This applies to both Fuel Injected and Carbureted Spacer Blocks.
- In applications where modern fuel injectors and fuel rails are required, the blocks provide additional space. The bosses that are cast into many of the current aftermarket aluminum intake manifold crowd the space your components need to occupy. A commonly used modern throttle body for a MPFI system from Holley for instance will require to much area for injectors to be placed in the existing bosses cast into an aftermarket intake. This applies specifically to the Fuel Injected Spacer Blocks only.
- In custom fuel injected applications the spacers space the injectors properly to align them with the corresponding intake valve. This applies specifically to the Fuel Injected Spacer Blocks only.
- Once the spacer blocks are welded to your intake it will sit 1.375" further out from the head. This opens the space up between the intake runners, head and the headers allowing more airflow and less heat saturation. If you combine this with ceramic coated headers and intake your intake air temps will improve nicely! This applies to both Fuel Injected and Carbureted Spacer Blocks.
- Intake Alignment/Porting. Many I6 enthusiasts spend quite a bit of money trying to get the most out of their factory heads as they can. Larger valves and lump ports are two of the biggest upgrades. Along with those two updates most spend some time and effort porting the intake ports. These Spacer Blocks make the process very simple. Before the blocks are welded to the intake, if you install them on the head you will quickly and very easily be able to see exactly how much of the intake opening in the head needs to be removed for smooth air flow. And then after you weld the intake and spacer blocks together you can easily see how much work the intake runners need! Very simple and easy and once completed, everything aligns nicely and flows smoothly. This applies to both Fuel Injected and Carbureted Spacer Blocks.
- Injectors. Fuel injected Spacer Blocks and the mating fuel rail are made to work with Holley's Terminator X line of fuel injectors for simplicity! They are a Pico/EV6 body/connector and they offer several different flow rates to accommodate anything from a mild build to a turbo application. Or if you would prefer to do something different, purchase a set of the Carbureted Spacer Blocks and drill them for your desired components. This applies Specifically to Fuel Injected Spacer Blocks only.
What are the disadvantages?- The aluminum spacer blocks must be welded to the aluminum intake manifold! These is no getting around this process. If you are not a skilled aluminum welder, you will need to find someone that is to do this upgrade.
- The spacer blocks may not work well with cast exhaust headers/manifolds. Some of the common aftermarket cast manifolds have thick walls that don't leave much room to do this upgrade. Additionally adding loops for the mounting nuts on a cast manifold may be more difficult than the same process on a steel tube header with a steel mounting flange. If you are skilled or comfortable with metal fabrication, it may be possible to overcome some of these issues. Just keep in mind that the spacer blocks were not developed to be used with cast iron headers and at a minimum will require fitment work, or may not work at all.
What items will I need to go with the Spacer Blocks?- First and foremost is your favorite aftermarket aluminum intake manifold. Clifford, AussieSpeed, Offenhauser all work well.
- Steel tube headers. Headman offers a long tube header. Clifford 52-0011 Street rod headers work very well. It will be optimum for you to add bolt loops to the mounting flange for each mounting stud to go through. While your at it you might also look into V-Band clamps for the bottom of the headers. Monkey Fab Garage offers a very nice self-aligning 2.5" V-Band Clamp set that will fit the collector perfectly! Once your headers are complete, don't forget to have them ceramic coated!
- 3/8-16 x 2.5" threaded studs (x8) and 3/8-16 flange head nuts (x16). The 292 engine that these were developed for initially is utilizing Titanium mounting hardware. Since their initial installation they have not loosened at all. Both the intake and exhaust have remained perfectly secure through years of heat cycles. If Ti isn't in your budget you might also look up exhaust manifold studs for a Caterpillar C15 here on Ebay.
- Intake/Exhaust Gasket. Look into a Remflex 2034 gasket. You won't be disappointed! A standard Felpro Gasket will also do the trick.
- 6 Holley Terminator X Fuel Injectors in the flow rate best for your application. This applies Specifically to Fuel Injected Spacer Blocks only.
Demonstration/Installation Video Link: https://youtu.be/0CNFTGhe52k