P2R Throttle Body Spacer FAQ's

**ErichPryde** · 12-22-2007, 01:49 PM

Just like the title says, this is the Frequently-Asked-questions thread for the P2R Throttle Body Spacer (FOR THE K20Z3 motor ONLY). There are more threads than I can count that talk about throttle body spacers, and most of them cover the exact same questions.

A lot of these answers will apply to any other throttle body spacer on the market, or the few examples of custom spacers that are out there.

Q: Does the TBS make any power?
A: YES. At the very least, Sickyute and bizzybearfigiblue have dynoed their cars after installing a TBS and have gained power. You can expect somewhere in the neighborhood of a 2-4 whp gain and a 1-2 wtq gain. Gains from the throttle body spacer seem to be across the WHOLE powerband, there is no loss down low. Some users have also experienced a slight gain in gas mileage.
Results of those dynos can be found here:
bizzybear's results:
Sickyute's results:
There is one dyno floating out there that shows unstable hp at high RPM, and the poster wondered if it was due to the TBS. because he is the only person with this problem, it is more than likely that he had a vacuum leak or something was wrong with his particular car.

Q: Will the Throttle body spacer cause my car to run lean or rich?
A: NO. The throttle body spacer should not cause your car to run lean or rich. Your car's ECU is able to compensate for the slight increase in air.
(If someone has some proof to the contrary, please let me know as I want this info to be as accurate as possible.)

Q: If I have a CAI or a SRI, will there be any fitment issues with my TBS?
A: YES. installing a TBS will cause a CAI to rub against the radiator hose, which can lead to problems later in your car's life. Installing a TBS with a SRI can cause the same problem as well. at least one person cut the rubber piece that connected his Fujita SRI to his throttle body so that it would fit in his engine bay. Homemade "X" intakes will fit with the spacer without issues.
One possible solution to the radiator hose intake contact is to put a drink cozy around the radiator hose and zip-tie it in place (or use another method to make sure it doesn't move). This should only be viewed as a temporary solution. Other fixes are to replace the radiator hose or somehow reposition it.

Q: Did anyone notice a difference in power after installing a TBS?
A: Some people have claimed to notice a slight improvement in throttle response, but the majority opinion is that the power gain cannot be felt. Most people have also noticed a slight "whistling" noise at certain RPMS. this noise is so quiet and subtle that it would be impossible to capture it with audio equipment. Most people don't find it annoying and some people don't notice it at all.

Q: How exactly does the Throttle Body spacer work?
A: The throttle body spacer spaces the throttle body a little over 3/4" away from your intake manifold, providing a slightly larger total volume of air to be held within the intake manifold and behind the plate in the throttle body. The high temperature gaskets that come with the spacer keep the metal of the Throttle Body from touching the metal of the Intake manifold, and this helps keep air temperatures in the throttle body and intake manifold somewhat lower than stock.

Q: What does it look like in my engine bay?
A:

Q: Is the throttle body spacer a good buy?
A: For the cost, yes. The throttle body spacer has essentially the same horsepower per dollar ratio as an intake or a header.

Q: What do I need to buy with my TBS?
A: You will need to purchase the Spacer and two high temperature throttle body gaskets. All other necessary hardware will come with the spacer. Most places (like Corsport and Excelerate, for example) offer a "package discount" when you buy 2 gaskets and a throttle body spacer.

Q: How do I install the throttle body spacer? is it hard, or can I do it myself?
A: as far as bolt-on parts go, the throttle body spacer is by far one of the easiest installs to do. it will require you to partially remove your throttle body, and remove the studs in the intake manifold that the throttle body slides on to. several good DIYs can be found in the DIY section:

http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/bolt-...s-install.html
DIY: P2R TB Spacer + Gaskets (this one was great, but the pictures don't work at the moment. it's really too bad...)

Q: Will I lose any coolant when I disconnect the throttle body?
A:Yes, you will lose a couple of tablespoons of coolant. the amount is not significant, but you can always top your radiator off with Honda type II coolant.

i'm sure there are more questions- I know there are more, but I have to run some errands.... Feel free to post more questions on this thread, we'll get them answered. with any luck, this should reduce the number of throttle body spacer threads out there.

redpepSi · 12-22-2007, 02:04 PM

well done.

Jkritsas · 12-22-2007, 02:08 PM

Yeah very nice, I like it

Space_Cowboy · 12-22-2007, 02:11 PM

I think you should add that it helps with the gas mileage as well. Anyhow, good thread

***WhiteSicivic06*** · 12-22-2007, 02:14 PM

So does this mean there wont be 9000 TB Spacer threads daily? Darrrnnn!

**ErichPryde** · 12-22-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Space_Cowboy

I think you should add that it helps with the gas mileage as well. Anyhow, good thread

added.

iomatic · 12-22-2007, 02:48 PM

Nice. I would also rephrase this:

Q: Does the TBS make any power?

To

Q: Does the TBS help free up any power?

***07mugencivic*** · 12-22-2007, 02:50 PM

nice....rep+

KSE · 12-22-2007, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 07mugencivic

nice....rep+

**ErichPryde** · 12-22-2007, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iomatic

Nice. I would also rephrase this:

Q: Does the TBS make any power?

To

Q: Does the TBS help free up any power?

I will add to it.

added: the throttle body spacer gains power across the whole powerband, there is no loss of power down low.

this is true, and needed to be added. is this what you meant?

**ErichPryde** · 12-22-2007, 04:43 PM

I added some links to some DIYs and added in a couple more questions...

***GeezerSi*** · 12-22-2007, 06:16 PM

So, to me, the extra 1% or 2% gain doesn't really seem like it's worth the expense or time.

**ErichPryde** · 12-22-2007, 06:33 PM

100-120 for 4whp and 2wtq

or buy an intake- 200-240 for 8whp and 4-5wtq.

your call.

yourwhiteshadow · 12-22-2007, 06:41 PM

good faq, sticky it maybe?

***GeezerSi*** · 12-22-2007, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErichPryde

100-120 for 4whp and 2wtq

or buy an intake- 200-240 for 8whp and 4-5wtq.

your call.

I already have a CAI, header, Evo 2 exhaust, reflash. Why would I spend $120 now to get 2-4 whp?

pwrful4 · 12-22-2007, 06:55 PM

It's not worth the $120.00. Better to save towards bigger upgrades such as intake, header, exhaust, hondata, cams, etc. I purchased it and decided not to install it and have since sold it. IMO the quality isn't there, ie the gaskets don't match the spacer, burs in the metal, ridges in the metal, and POOR customer service from Sean/Shawn at P2R.

**ErichPryde** · 12-22-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwrful4

It's not worth the $120.00. Better to save towards bigger upgrades such as intake, header, exhaust, hondata, cams, etc. I purchased it and decided not to install it and have since sold it. IMO the quality isn't there, ie the gaskets don't match the spacer, burs in the metal, ridges in the metal, and POOR customer service from Sean/Shawn at P2R.

who did you buy it from? my build quality was excellent. P2R claims that the gaskets not matching the spacer is intentional.... and your horsepower per dollar ratio is pretty good with this mod.

sorry to hear that you had troubles with your purchase. before anybody freaks out over the issues pwrful4 had, please keep in mind that there are a lot more of us who have had no trouble and like this upgrade.

**ErichPryde** · 12-22-2007, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeezerSi

I already have a CAI, header, Evo 2 exhaust, reflash. Why would I spend $120 now to get 2-4 whp?

I'm not saying whether or not you should spend the money now- that's of course your call. I'm simply saying that the horsepower per dollar ratio is pretty decent with this mod.

also, I haven't seen a single dyno that shows a gain from the spacer after a reflash. I'd be curious to see how it fares.

iomatic · 12-22-2007, 08:12 PM

That, but I also meant that it's semantics really.
You don't really "make" power, you just happen to free up input/output... I guess you do make power? That vs. pulleys is different I guess. I have no idea what I'm talking about.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ErichPryde

I will add to it.

added: the throttle body spacer gains power across the whole powerband, there is no loss of power down low.

this is true, and needed to be added. is this what you meant?

**ErichPryde** · 12-22-2007, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iomatic

That, but I also meant that it's semantics really.
You don't really "make" power, you just happen to free up input/output... I guess you do make power? That vs. pulleys is different I guess. I have no idea what I'm talking about.

with the pullies you are reducing a parasitic loss of power, so you are "freeing" it up. this causes an additional amount of air, which leads to more fuel, so you are "making" more power.

although I see where your going with that.

12-22-2007, 01:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
ErichPryde Moderated Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wichita Age: 24 Posts: 3,547 Erik iTrader: 7 / 100%	P2R Throttle Body Spacer FAQ's Just like the title says, this is the Frequently-Asked-questions thread for the P2R Throttle Body Spacer (FOR THE K20Z3 motor ONLY). There are more threads than I can count that talk about throttle body spacers, and most of them cover the exact same questions. A lot of these answers will apply to any other throttle body spacer on the market, or the few examples of custom spacers that are out there. Q: Does the TBS make any power? A: YES. At the very least, Sickyute and bizzybearfigiblue have dynoed their cars after installing a TBS and have gained power. You can expect somewhere in the neighborhood of a 2-4 whp gain and a 1-2 wtq gain. Gains from the throttle body spacer seem to be across the WHOLE powerband, there is no loss down low. Some users have also experienced a slight gain in gas mileage. Results of those dynos can be found here: bizzybear's results: Sickyute's results: There is one dyno floating out there that shows unstable hp at high RPM, and the poster wondered if it was due to the TBS. because he is the only person with this problem, it is more than likely that he had a vacuum leak or something was wrong with his particular car. Q: Will the Throttle body spacer cause my car to run lean or rich? A: NO. The throttle body spacer should not cause your car to run lean or rich. Your car's ECU is able to compensate for the slight increase in air. (If someone has some proof to the contrary, please let me know as I want this info to be as accurate as possible.) Q: If I have a CAI or a SRI, will there be any fitment issues with my TBS? A: YES. installing a TBS will cause a CAI to rub against the radiator hose, which can lead to problems later in your car's life. Installing a TBS with a SRI can cause the same problem as well. at least one person cut the rubber piece that connected his Fujita SRI to his throttle body so that it would fit in his engine bay. Homemade "X" intakes will fit with the spacer without issues. One possible solution to the radiator hose intake contact is to put a drink cozy around the radiator hose and zip-tie it in place (or use another method to make sure it doesn't move). This should only be viewed as a temporary solution. Other fixes are to replace the radiator hose or somehow reposition it. Q: Did anyone notice a difference in power after installing a TBS? A: Some people have claimed to notice a slight improvement in throttle response, but the majority opinion is that the power gain cannot be felt. Most people have also noticed a slight "whistling" noise at certain RPMS. this noise is so quiet and subtle that it would be impossible to capture it with audio equipment. Most people don't find it annoying and some people don't notice it at all. Q: How exactly does the Throttle Body spacer work? A: The throttle body spacer spaces the throttle body a little over 3/4" away from your intake manifold, providing a slightly larger total volume of air to be held within the intake manifold and behind the plate in the throttle body. The high temperature gaskets that come with the spacer keep the metal of the Throttle Body from touching the metal of the Intake manifold, and this helps keep air temperatures in the throttle body and intake manifold somewhat lower than stock. Q: What does it look like in my engine bay? A: Q: Is the throttle body spacer a good buy? A: For the cost, yes. The throttle body spacer has essentially the same horsepower per dollar ratio as an intake or a header. Q: What do I need to buy with my TBS? A: You will need to purchase the Spacer and two high temperature throttle body gaskets. All other necessary hardware will come with the spacer. Most places (like Corsport and Excelerate, for example) offer a "package discount" when you buy 2 gaskets and a throttle body spacer. Q: How do I install the throttle body spacer? is it hard, or can I do it myself? A: as far as bolt-on parts go, the throttle body spacer is by far one of the easiest installs to do. it will require you to partially remove your throttle body, and remove the studs in the intake manifold that the throttle body slides on to. several good DIYs can be found in the DIY section: http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/bolt-...s-install.html DIY: P2R TB Spacer + Gaskets (this one was great, but the pictures don't work at the moment. it's really too bad...) Q: Will I lose any coolant when I disconnect the throttle body? A:Yes, you will lose a couple of tablespoons of coolant. the amount is not significant, but you can always top your radiator off with Honda type II coolant. i'm sure there are more questions- I know there are more, but I have to run some errands.... Feel free to post more questions on this thread, we'll get them answered. with any luck, this should reduce the number of throttle body spacer threads out there. Last edited by ErichPryde; 01-23-2008 at 02:24 PM.

12-22-2007, 02:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
*07mugencivic* Whos The Whore NOW Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Southern CA Age: 23 Posts: 60,161 Tony iTrader: 3 / 100%	nice....rep+ __________________

12-22-2007, 06:16 PM	#12 (permalink)
*GeezerSi* Hidy ho neighbor Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Palm, PA Posts: 12,164 -> Ken iTrader: 5 / 100%	So, to me, the extra 1% or 2% gain doesn't really seem like it's worth the expense or time. __________________

LinkBacks (?) LinkBack to this Thread: http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/bolt-ons-all-motor/70434-p2r-throttle-body-spacer-faqs.html
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12-22-2007, 02:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
redpepSi Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: austin, tx Posts: 849 iTrader: 0 / 0%	well done.

12-22-2007, 02:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jkritsas Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Wheaton, Il Posts: 98 Jimmy iTrader: 0 / 0%	Yeah very nice, I like it

12-22-2007, 02:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
Space_Cowboy Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 211 The Masterbator!! iTrader: 4 / 100%	I think you should add that it helps with the gas mileage as well. Anyhow, good thread

12-22-2007, 02:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
*WhiteSicivic06* Bottle Fed! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Quantico Age: 27 Posts: 2,046 Ryan iTrader: 0 / 0%	So does this mean there wont be 9000 TB Spacer threads daily? Darrrnnn!

12-22-2007, 02:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
iomatic Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Age: 37 Posts: 1,054 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Nice. I would also rephrase this: Q: Does the TBS make any power? To Q: Does the TBS help free up any power?

12-22-2007, 04:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
ErichPryde Moderated Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wichita Age: 24 Posts: 3,547 Erik iTrader: 7 / 100%	I added some links to some DIYs and added in a couple more questions...

12-22-2007, 06:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
ErichPryde Moderated Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wichita Age: 24 Posts: 3,547 Erik iTrader: 7 / 100%	100-120 for 4whp and 2wtq or buy an intake- 200-240 for 8whp and 4-5wtq. your call.

12-22-2007, 06:41 PM	#14 (permalink)
yourwhiteshadow Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Age: 19 Posts: 65 iTrader: 0 / 0%	good faq, sticky it maybe?

12-22-2007, 06:55 PM	#16 (permalink)
pwrful4 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 359 Tom iTrader: 5 / 100%	It's not worth the $120.00. Better to save towards bigger upgrades such as intake, header, exhaust, hondata, cams, etc. I purchased it and decided not to install it and have since sold it. IMO the quality isn't there, ie the gaskets don't match the spacer, burs in the metal, ridges in the metal, and POOR customer service from Sean/Shawn at P2R.