Review on the plenum + manifold spacers

[one_and_only2004]

So after getting home this arvo I noticed my spacers had arrived - so naturally I put them on 15 minutes later. I'd read the instructions roughly a month ago and thought my memory was good enough to remember.
After fitting the manifold spacer with half a tube of the supplied silicon that part was done. onto the plenum spacer! This was easy, the only problem i came across was that my coilpack is attached to the plenum lid. A few longer screws found in the shed averted this problem.

The first drive was very surprising - the spacers have addressed a lack of low end torque quite well - i wish i could have seen how the 25mm spacer goes but it wouldn't have cleared my strut brace.

It'll be interesting to see how this goes coupled with my supercharger when it comes back from raptor. It's certainly doing the job in NA trim!

[immortality]

Thats good to hear mate.

one thing to note is that only a small amount of sealant is usually required. once torqued down you need to wipe away any excess sealant that may have squeezed out into the runners.

they certainly do work. i have both the 12mm spacer and insulator on the missus car and they work well (when it runs properly )

cheers

Bart

[a1k3m1]

yeh i put a heap of sealant on mine and the crap went everywhere, then it went hard as the phone rang half way through, n now its pretty hard to get rid of it all

[MACE]

Thanks for the constructive feedback guys and trusting us to come through with the gains

Cheers
Steve

[vxcalais_01]

Could you use a spray type sealant like Hylomar instead of the silastic ? Just an idea for those who may put on too much, as well as block the little egr valve area(small rattly thing that sits in the runners?). Once tightened down, its all a thin layer anyway.

[MACE]

Could you use a spray type sealant like Hylomar instead of the silastic ? Just an idea for those who may put on too much, as well as block the little egr valve area(small rattly thing that sits in the runners?). Once tightened down, its all a thin layer anyway.

You can as shown in the alloytec fitting instruction example below,

http://www.maceengineering.com.au/We...TALLATION_.pdf

I've also used Hylomar on the spacers for ecotecs before which can give you a neater finish. However rather then risk doing the job twice (vacuum leaks) I much prefer using sealant for the job which is easy to clean when it hasn't set anyway.

Cheers
Steve

[vxcalais_01]

Does the Copper Spray remain tacky ? For vacuum leaks, Hylomar would be very close to the silastic, as it remains soft and at the end of the day once bolted, its all the same, that thin layer of something. What is the surface of the spacer like ? Are they relatively flat ? Theres also the Hylomar in a bottle to paint on and can be applied a lil thicker than the spray.

[MACE]

Does the Copper Spray remain tacky ? For vacuum leaks, Hylomar would be very close to the silastic, as it remains soft and at the end of the day once bolted, its all the same, that thin layer of something. What is the surface of the spacer like ? Are they relatively flat ? Theres also the Hylomar in a bottle to paint on and can be applied a lil thicker than the spray.

"Does the Copper Spray remain tacky?"
It does but it drys fairly quickly.

"For vacuum leaks Hylomar would be very close to the silastic, as it remains soft and at the end of the day once bolted, its all the same, that thin layer of something"
As in this stuff? To be honest I've never used it before. I'll have to give it a go next time I do an install
AtkinsRotary.com

"What is the surface of the spacer like ? Are they relatively flat ?"
Smooth and flat

Thanks for the info

Cheers
Steve

[vxcalais_01]

GUD GASKET GOO Hylomar Norwood Parade Auto Spares Open 7 Days www.derek.com.au THe blue spray can. Yes they seem to be the same. The pic i showed is the one i have used and talking about. The Hylomar stays wet in a sense that is the gasket moves, it goes like threads and will reseal again. Thats what makes it good in intake manifold gaskets where theres differential movement between the cast iron and the alloy for the v6's ecotec and before. So the copper spray eventually dries out. So it must make a hard seal.

[lmfao]

hey there, i'm a newbie here, but have been lurking for a while, i fitted the spacer & cai to my ute on the weekend & am happy wih the results, the 190 motor felt sluggish down low, seemed to work when you get the revs up, now low down torque is much better, feel at the foot is much better, more responsive, i used the gasket goo supplied with the kit, only applying a thin bead. all in all easy fittment, i'm happy
cheer s

[MR_VX]

i think i might have to buy one of these? altho would i stull notice any gain with the supercharger?

[vxcalais_01]

I believe is should. You may get a better result with the charger as most results seem to be amplified with chargers.

[immortality]

i think i might have to buy one of these? altho would i stull notice any gain with the supercharger?

You sure will. The spacer/insulator is going to improve the low RPM torque and throttle response. I'd take a rough stab in the dark and say you probably spend the majority of your time driving in cruise mode, by that i mean low rpm and low throttle %ages. this is when the spacer/insulator is going to be doing it's thing. Of course, mash the loud peddle and let the blower do it's thing

[billy bob]

If your charged you should go the 24mm plenum spacer

[TI3VOM]

What gains can be had by the plenum spacer? Can the 12mm manifold spacer+the 12mm plenum spacer fit on a VT V6 with a whiteline strut brace and the engine cover off?

[vxcalais_01]

What gains can be had by the plenum spacer? Can the 12mm manifold spacer+the 12mm plenum spacer fit on a VT V6 with a whiteline strut brace and the engine cover off?

You should be able to measure the clearance from the top of plenum to the bottom on strut brace. You also need a few extra to allow when the engine torques over. Don't some of the braces have a kink back away from the plenum ?

[one_and_only2004]

The 12mm plenum spacer plus the 12mm manifold spacer with the whiteline strut brace, and there's about 10mm to spare.

[vxcalais_01]

That may be a bit close. Get some one to rev the engine for you and see how close it gets.

[one_and_only2004]

Never hit whilst NA. Might have to check again in the near future.

[vxcalais_01]

Definately go teh Intake spacer, and if u got room, go the plenum spacer.

[TI3VOM]

Cheers guys for the answers.