Throttle body spacers are aftermarket components installed between the throttle body and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. Their primary function is to alter the airflow characteristics entering the engine. Typically constructed from aluminum or composite materials, these devices introduce a physical separation designed to promote a swirling or turbulent motion of the incoming air charge. This altered airflow is intended to improve combustion efficiency and potentially enhance engine performance.
The perceived benefits of installing such a component have been debated within the automotive community. Proponents suggest that the improved air-fuel mixing resulting from a spacer can lead to increased horsepower and torque, particularly in the low to mid-range RPMs. Fuel economy is also cited as a potential advantage. Historically, these spacers were more prevalent in carbureted engines where fuel atomization was less precise. The effectiveness of spacers in modern fuel-injected engines is often contingent on specific engine design and tuning parameters.
