PHENOLIC or ALUMINUM intake spacer?

[Red Mustang Gt 46]

It's neat how old tricks resurface in a different way. Back when I had my 79' Z28 (back in 1983) we were all looking for a little extra horse power. Car Craft Magazine was raving about tests regarding 3/4 inch carb spacers made out of space age materials (plastic) used in in conjunction with an aluminum heat sheild. The theory of the spacer and heat sheild was to reduce heat transfer from the manifold to the carb and thus reduce gas temps, it also added a little air volume for a better mix. I tried it on my 406 small block and it did solve my problem with vapor lock and I did feel a tad bit of power. Keep in mind that my 406 was sporting a Holley 750 double pumper and 406 cubic inches. For a carbed motor it would be worth it.

In theory, for the way the 4.6 is set up (fuel injection) and only sporting 281 cubic inches, I would say no. But there is nothing wrong with trying it anyhow...

Old timers, correct me if I'm wrong.

(btw, carb spacers had been around for years prior to my experience)