Anyone Running a Throttle Body Spacer on There Merc Small Block TBI?

[Alex_AGB]

Just curious if anyone is running a TBI spacer on there tbi Merc? I know this was a popular mod on the TBI pickup trucks for better fuel mileage and a few extra ponies.

 

[Alex_AGB]

Re: Anyone Running a Throttle Body Spacer on There Merc Small Block TBI?

Anyone???

 

[180shabah]

Re: Anyone Running a Throttle Body Spacer on There Merc Small Block TBI?

Probably not going to find many, since it takes more than just a few ponies to make any kind of difference on a boat.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Anyone Running a Throttle Body Spacer on There Merc Small Block TBI?

And gimmicks have no place on a boat.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Anyone Running a Throttle Body Spacer on There Merc Small Block TBI?

I wouldn't go so far as to call them a gimmick - they do produce some benefit. But just like the hydrofoils everbody is in love with, the hype far outreaches the truth.

Carb spacers have been around for years with proven results - this is the same concept. Just trying to make up for a "bad" intake manifold in this situation.

 

[tfret]

Re: Anyone Running a Throttle Body Spacer on There Merc Small Block TBI?

I can't wake board, or ski my kids, without my hydrofoil.

 

[Alex_AGB]

Re: Anyone Running a Throttle Body Spacer on There Merc Small Block TBI?

Probably not going to find many, since it takes more than just a few ponies to make any kind of difference on a boat.

I agree its not worth it for the HP. But from what research I've done on the truck tbi, there is a pretty substantial increase in fuel mileage. So it would be worth it for the fuel savings.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Anyone Running a Throttle Body Spacer on There Merc Small Block TBI?

Fuel savings and the additional power are tied together. The power allows the torque converter to stay locked a little longer, and to delay downshifts a wee bit.

None of that applies to your boat that runs wide throttle/heavy load ALL the time.

Will it make more power - yes a little bit.
Will your engine run more efficiently - yes, a VERY little bit
Will you ever notice it at the pump - nope

With that said - IF you already have one sittin on the shelf AND you need to take the TB off for someting else - throw it on, it certainly won't hurt anything. But, no way would I buy one then do the installation just to save a couple dollars a year.

 

[John_S]

Re: Anyone Running a Throttle Body Spacer on There Merc Small Block TBI?

Trucks also have an O2 sensor and can adj air/fuel mixture. Outside of only the latest engines, boats do not.