09 1.8L Throttle Body Spacer

[Dave532]

Hi all, I just installed a Helix throttle body spacer (# 97188) on my '09 1.8L a couple days ago. Just wanted to report in, in case anyone else was thinking of this mod. Installation was incredibly simple although I have an SRI -- not sure how easy it would be with a stock configuration. After I first installed it the car seemed to run a little off (weird idle) but since it has been great! I definitely notice a performance gain -- even in third and fourth gear which is surprising. The only thing that may or may not be an issue for some is the fact that it makes a slight high pitched whistling noise when the throttle opens up. I personally like it but to each his own. I have no idea about the 4 mpg increase they claim though -- don't pay that much attention to my mpg's. All in all, I would definitely recommend this for someone looking for a little better acceleration.

[Kincaid]

Interesting. Glad it's working well. I wonder what the tradeoff is? Obviously, if it were all upside GM and Toyota would have it that way from the factory.BTW, love the 1.8 engine. It was certainly quick enough when I test drove it - wish I could have got the upmarket stuff with that engine. I'd like the better mpg.

[Dave532]

The only downside to it that I can see is the noise it makes as the throttle body opens and sucks air. It's very noticeable and I could see how some wouldn't like it. I guess the same can be said for other aftermarket parts like an intake or exhaust. Personally , I'll take performance over a quiet ride any day.

[beemerphile1]

Could you explain what it is supposed to accomplish. I don't see where placing a spacer between the throttle body and intake would do anything. I have seen manufacturers use spacers between a carb and intake but I believe the purpose was to isolate the carb from engine heat. I don't see where it would result in any other benefit.I also don't understand the whistle or other noise. I would have to think you have a vacuum leak if it is whistling.Be easy on me, I'm curious and just don't get it.

[Bedlam]

honestly, i have a hard time believing any gains are actually, measurably had by a TB spacer on these motors. Many say that there is a noticeable gain but if you put the car on a dyno before and after in a controlled test, you'd more than likely find nothing.They were originally used to space the carb from short runners on older motors and actually worked back in the day. They are also meant to isolate some heat from the intake manifold up to the TB and air intake itself. These things are honestly snake oil. Even if you have a bigger motor that will show even small gains easily these are pointless. Actual testing has been done on many different car forums i have been members of over the years and the only thing they are is another potential area for vacuum leak in the intake and can make the engine run rough as a result causing surging at idle.Whether you have a 6L motor or a 2L motor, on a modern and fuel injected vehicle, save your money. Companies market these as performance enhancing devices as well as efficiency and will provide manipulated results to prove their point. dyno, the car hot, let it cool, install the device and run it again cool and presto, more power!These are in the same department as those resistor chips that supposedly add 20hp for $50. In all seriousness, if you have one, sell it or use it for leveling a book case or something, it will only do harm in the long run.

[star_deceiver]

Already have a whistling TB from the brake line recall... The whistling from aftermarket spacers can come from sharp exposed edges where the air can get trapped (as I recall).

[DiveNut]

Quote, originally posted by Bedlam »They were originally used to space the carb from short runners on older motors and actually worked back in the day. They are also meant to isolate some heat from the intake manifold Correct, used one on an old NOVA back in the day (I'm an old fart). Hurt my low end a bit, but picked a bit in the higher RPM range. That said, have not seen any dyno results on our 1ZZ's, but your happy with it Dave that's kewl.

[Dave532]

@beemerphile1 - I'm no expert but from what I understand the TBS is not designed to reduce heat, it is designed to increase airflow by speeding and spinning the air. More air = more power. The whistling (I'm assuming) is from the increased airflow. It's mostly noticeable right when I step on the gas.@bedlam - You may be right, the TBS may be snake oil. I can definitely imagine the scenario that you described about their dyno test results. The only thing I can say is that it worked for my car. I, of course, am going by the "seat of your pants" dyno. Why don't you give it a try on your car? They are not that expensive and really easy to install!

[beemerphile1]

Quote, originally posted by Dave532 »...it is designed to increase airflow by speeding and spinning the air. More air = more power....Here is where I have a problem, how can it possibly "increase" air flow? Air flow (volume) is determined by the smallest restriction in the flow. If the smallest restriction is the TB how can something added under the TB increase air flow? It is impossible. If the spacer is smaller than the TB it can increase velocity but does it by reducing flow (volume).From looking at pictures, it appears to have some sort of fins or other obstruction inside the spacer. Those fins are claimed to cause turbulence to "better mix" the fuel mixture. First off I believe the fuel/air is adequately mixed in the TB and in reality the turbulence will increase resistance and thus reduce air flow. Some tuners/engine builders spend a lot of time and money on porting and polishing their intakes to reduce turbulence and provide a smoother unobstructed path for the air flow. It seems to me like the spacer design is actually counter-productive.The only thing I see that may be beneficial in some way is the spacer in effect lengthens the intake. That may or may not be beneficial but it certainly can change the tuning of the motor. Since it would be very simple for the engine manufacturer to lengthen the intake at almost zero cost, I doubt it is beneficial to drivability.Drivability is a term used to describe the balance of power, torque, smoothness, and steadiness which provides a pleasurable driving experience. Sometimes a small power gain at full throttle or high RPMs comes with a cost to drivability. Thus those gains are only beneficial on the track or when driving in a manner that is illegal on the street.I'm not hammering on you Dave532, if you appreciate the change that is good. However, I think I will pass on this mod because it doesn't make sense to me.