Lightning Spacers

[3-D]

I have recently tried the phenolic spacer that fits between the blower and plenum on the lightnings. I like the difference it makes. It really seems to add something to the bottom of the powerband and smooths the powerband also. I also believe this part to be a key in heat control and therefore results in a safer horsepower increase. However, I was a little disappointed that for the $150, I got almost nothing - just a spacer, a few screws and another EGR tube. The EGR tube is unnecessary as the stock one can be lightly tweeked to work with the spacer. Screws are cheap and easy. So then we have the spacer which I expected to be thicker, 3/4 or even 1 inch thick. However, it was only 1/2 of an inch thick. As a result, I am currently having some made out of 15/32 phenolic to use either individually or in pairs as I might deem fit. I am curious if anyone else wants one (or two). It looks like they could be as little as $55 each or as much as $70 each depending on how many are ordered. Is anyone interested? I figured if I am having mine and a few others here in town made, then you guys might want some also. Additionally, we acquired a small batch of very special 3/4 material to also use. It is used in the steel mill to insulate the floors from the giant vats of molten metal as they cool. Some of these could also be available but at an increased cost as it was difficult to obtain. Please let me know if you want one. There will be a deadline (TBA), a limited number made and it will most likely be a one time only offer. The material is too expensive and dangerous to play with often. (The dust made during machining is exceptionally toxic.)
D.

[97Snake1668]

Are these fitting the Cobras too? If so, I am definitly interested.

Kris

[3-D]

I do not believe these will fit the cobra. I have finished the program and rented time on a friends Fadel 3 axis CNC machine. I will be making these Oct 11 or 12. Any takers? I will not be making any extras as every minute the machine runs, it costs me money. I may have two or three extras but these are earmarked in case there is a defective part or installation error. Please speak up if you are interested.

[beerkat]

I will take one at least. I saw some at the Lfest, LFP had them.
they were about 1/2 inches thick, did not check price on them.
See you soon.

[3-D]

OK, it took longer than expected but now I have 3 extra spacers for sale. They are $60 and include the spacer and all the required hardware.
Kim, I have one in the truck earmarked for you if you are still want it.
I think I will try to make one to go between the throttlebody and plenum next.
D.

[1994Cobra]

I have read articles on these Phenolic Spacers several years ago in MM&FF magazine. I was heavy into the 5.0L engines then. I read that the heat savings they were being advertised to dissipate was so minimal that they were not worth the price based on that factor.

However.... They did increase the overall upper intake runner length which improved ( nicely ) the bottom end response of the engine. MM&FF said that they were worth the money for this reason alone.

If there has been significant changes in the last 8 years to the types of material being used, I am probably not aware of it at this time. Please correct me if I am wrong, because I may be in the dark ages and need some updating.

Thanks
Danno

[3-D]

Yes, plenum volume is increased thereby helping the torque. It is why I want one for the TB so I can add another 1/2 inch or so of length and volume. It does work well to isolate heat especially if you intend to ice your manifold. As an extension of this, we have been experimenting with a heat insulating coating on the upper plenum. We can run our trucks hard for a good while and not have any heat in the plenum. It only gets slightly warm whereas it used to be uncomfortable to touch it before. Spacers by themselves will probably only help slightly but as part of a good heat control plan, they can help you make reliable power. I have found more reliable power in heat control in my truck than I have anywhere else yet. And remember that supercharged vehicles really respond to heat more so than N/A motors.
D.

[beerkat]

Yes D I still would like one. Call me one evening an we can set something up. Sorry your guys did not get to run Sunday. Talk to you soon.:)

[1994Cobra]

Originally posted by 3-D
Yes, plenum volume is increased thereby helping the torque. It is why I want one for the TB so I can add another 1/2 inch or so of length and volume. It does work well to isolate heat especially if you intend to ice your manifold. As an extension of this, we have been experimenting with a heat insulating coating on the upper plenum. We can run our trucks hard for a good while and not have any heat in the plenum. It only gets slightly warm whereas it used to be uncomfortable to touch it before. Spacers by themselves will probably only help slightly but as part of a good heat control plan, they can help you make reliable power. I have found more reliable power in heat control in my truck than I have anywhere else yet. And remember that supercharged vehicles really respond to heat more so than N/A motors.
D.

Very Cool.....Pun intended. :p