Okay I got the thread that hasthe full write up, temps were only down 26.5 NOT the 40 I quoted earlier. Here is the link, http://www.sr20forum.com/general-sr2...ld-gasket.html

 

Hmm I just noticed something in the link above. Even though the intake runner temps were down by 26.5 deg. the IAT was the same at 117 deg. I have a call out to the guy to verify IAT placement... If it's in the mani the spacers are nil and not worth putting them in. If fact, the could be hurting the performance by not allowing the IM to act as a heat sink to remove heat away from the head.

Received the call: IAT's post MAF...so basically just underhood temps.

 

Removed it - but my car gets a lot of mechanical attention because it's used mostly for competition or track, so it's tough to say what the long term effects are since things get taken off and put back on my car often.

 

evodan2004 - I don't have any direct proof other than touching it with my hand. I let the engine idle awhile, checked, went on a cruise around town, and checked. I put the spacer on, did it again, and it definitely was lower with the spacer. Again, nothing scientific, but then again that's why I used lazy wording like "bunch."

 

I ran a phenolic barrier gasket on my IX. The intake manifold went from skin burning hot after an autocross run to simply warm to the touch after installing the gasket. That was enough proof for me. It's now been in the car for about 30k miles and still working perfectly with no leaks (the EGR port in the head isn't plugged either).

 

One of the things that you guys still have to consider is the EGR system is still running into the intake manifold, and I don't care what kind of spacer you put in there, your still getting 900 degree plus exhaust gasses into the manifold.

If you really want to go all out, like I did, pull the head off the car, and run a drill/tap through the EGR outlet hole on the back of the head, and plug it with a stainless 1/8" NPT plug to keep the exhaust gasses from ever physically leaving the head, and thus never reaching the intake manifold to heat it up.

Then use your phenolic spacer like I did, and enjoy. My intake manifold stays cooler than all of yours. (Unless you did the same as I did)

 

I should mention I did plug the EGR port at the same time. That would negate some of the claimed decrease temperature from the spacer.

 

I Agree...this is a good option for those that are willing to remove the EGR. For Some of you wont or did not remove the EGR System, then i am guessing that you will not see the full benefit of the Spacer.

In short:

Stock = Hottest
Spacer = Warm
EGR Plugged = Warm
Spacer + EGR Plugged = Cool
Spacer + EGR Plugged + IM Thermal Coating = Frozen



For those that disagree look at it this way....its our Money and we will spend it how we choose, and we will not tell you how to spend yours.

Cheers

 

As promised:



Sorry for the smartphone-quality pics, but my good camera died and I haven't found a worthy replacement yet. The EGR portion is pretty well burned, and at least 2 of the port openings are visibly misshapen by heat, and also show small signs of burnt plastic.

More photos here

 

im running the one from MAP and i plugged up the egr hole. still gets HOT! i can only stand a few seconds holding on to it