Thermal spacer is on!!

[Mad Hatter]

Well, we finally got the first prototype polycarbonate thermal spacer on my car tonight. Tests showed a significant drop in temperature!! See thread:

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=80994

 

[ssmp5]

So what's the final outcome and price? I'm interested in one and how long for removal and install?-Stacy

 

[changedman]

pics?

 

[wickedjra]

please tell us about the install, i was reading the other thread about intake manifold modding and was blown away by the process just to even get it off. so please advise as much as you can. thanks

 

[TurfBurn]

So what's the final outcome and price? I'm interested in one and how long for removal and install?-Stacy

We measured temperature drops of 15 degrees or more with just the intake manifold spacer in place (didn't have TB spacer at the time). Price will be 52 dollars plus shipping for the IM spacer, and about another 30 most likely for the TB spacer. I'll know exact pricing once I get this first batch back as I'm changing sources on the material, and also will provide the option for an extra stock gasket or not (we did MadHatter's with only the stock gasket on the IM and the spacer hitting against the head and it sealed beautifully).

Removal and install took us about 4 hours that night, but we also had a number of difficulties and "lost" a ratchet for 30+ minutes as well as all the testing. I'd estimate 2.5 hours or less to do the install. I'll provide instructions and so forth to make it easy as i know exactly how to do each nut and bolt with minimal effort.

Hope that helps! We'll have parts by the end of this week or the middle of next (depends on the machine shop).

Thanks guys!

Steve
sales@nsnmotorsports.com

 

[TurfBurn]

pics?

Here you go

 

[TurfBurn]

please tell us about the install, i was reading the other thread about intake manifold modding and was blown away by the process just to even get it off. so please advise as much as you can. thanks

The install can be made easy by doing the following:

1) Remove your intake/air box and tubing
2) Remove EGR Pipe or remove TB
3) using the right extension and right ratchet you can easily reach each of the 5 bolts and 2 nuts
4) disconnect several vac hoses and a coolant hose.
5) Slide the IM back just enough to get off of the studs, slip the IM spacer over the studs, put the IM back on and reconnect everything.

Removing the IM completely is MUCH more work than putting the spacer in place. We had some difficulties because we messed up the stock gasket and had to pull the IM further to scrape the gasket and put on a new one. As long as you don't do that the install is pretty quick. (sub 2 hours if you know what you are doing)

We'll be happy to field questions and walk you through it if you are doing the install and have problems.

Thanks guys!

Steve
sales@nsnmotorsports.com

 

[Mad Hatter]

Just as a note, if you all recall, I had some major throttle body tube damage, on the CAI(hitting master cylinder). With the new IM spacer, it has provided more room(clearance), to prevent further problems with the tube. *Note*, this is not with the TB spacer installed. Clearance issues, will be addressed once Steve gets the parts in.

 

[wickedjra]

should an extra gasket be used? so that both sides of spacer have a gasket between them and the manifold?

 

[ssmp5]

Sounds like a good deal Steve, Let us know when you get them in.

 

[snooky]

ya im qurious about it too.

 

[Mad Hatter]

should an extra gasket be used? so that both sides of spacer have a gasket between them and the manifold?

The "poly spacer" provided a very nice seal against the engine. I suppose, if you were trully worried about it, you could put one on each side. We damaged the existing gasket during the install. And from Steves inital fitment check, we decided the fit would be fine the way we did it. I think Steve will have extra gaskets available?.

EGR tube fitment was not a problem for any of you who were wondering.

As Steve said, the spacer provided a significant drop in temps, which is the main purpose. As far as power gains, which are questionable, I really can't say I've noticed anything, as I am still getting accustomed to the gains from the header which was installed last weekend, and I also have a power robbing A/T, sorry.

 

[acidbug]

*subscribed*

 

[TurfBurn]

I had expected the machine shop to be cutting them today or tomorrow, but haven't gotten word. For sure I'll have them in stock by the end of next week including throttle body spacers. I'll have final cost at that point, but as of now it looks like if anything it will go down a bit. So stay tuned! Additionally, for anyone concerend I have tested these things up to nearly 290 degrees which is well in excess of anything the head should see at that point, so the part can handle it as I expected based on material properties.

If you have any questions, just let me know and I'll do anything I can to answer them.

Thanks!

Steve
sales@nsnmotorsports.com

btw.. msprotege.com has been weird with me lately and doesn't send me thread updates... so I'll check back as often as I can!

 

[TurfBurn]

Hey guys. The gaskets are done! I'm going tomorrow morning to get them. I'll be able to ship by Monday for any and all orders. I'll post additional pictures tomorrow too. And this weekend I'll write the full how-to with pictures and publish it on our website.

Thanks much!

Steve
sales@nsnmotorsports.com

 

[TurfBurn]

I have all the parts in and in stock. If you would like yours shipped on Monday please contact me with payment and shipping information by 2:00 on Sunday. You can contact me at any point after that as well and I will ship as soon as possible. But for those of you looking to see them at your door this week I'll be taking payments until 2:00 on Sunday for shipment on Monday.

Have a good one!

Steve
sales@nsnmotorsports.com