Mark Basford

I found this mod on the net and wondered if anyone out there has tried these.
I have just fitted a 5/8th plenum spacer and am so far impressed with the 'bang for the buck' factor. Trouble is though, 5/8ths means I have had to leave off the strutt brace. Is this a good thing? I don't race the car but cover a lot of miles.

350zz053

iTrader: (8)

With the 5/8 spacer you dont have to take off the strut bar man

Mark Basford

Guess I'll have to have a word with my mechanic!

davidv

iTrader: (2)

9 out of 10 drivers will not know that the front strut brace is missing. Do you need one? Generally yes. Its not a good idea to remove suspension parts and toss them in the trash. You can buy a strut brace that fits in front of the motor. Search.

first350

iTrader: (24)

tons of ppl have done both a spacer and full upper plenum - they have about the same performance, but spacers cost less...but full plenums 'look' better.

-Peter

Eazzy

iTrader: (8)

The 5/16 spacer u dont have to take off the strut, The 1/2 will not clear-------5/8 is taller that 1/2
The 3/8 MD is within 1 HP of the 1/2 Motordyne.

Eazzy

iTrader: (8)

BTW ---If Im not mistaken---the 5/16 MD out performs the Kinetics upper plenum

Audible Mayhem

iTrader: (48)

5/8s spacer you cant have the strut bar and it will rub the hood...

Mark Basford

Doesn't seem to rub on the bonnet (hood to you guys!). Any ideas as to where I can get a good strut brace??

Eazzy

iTrader: (8)

I have a suggestion ---Get rid of the 5/8 what ever u have and get a MD 5/16.

All problems solved

Eazzy

iTrader: (8)

BTW ---If u do in fact have a 5/8---Take a lump of clay that is softened and slap on ur plenum where ur bar would go and gently close the hood---Measure the thickness after u open it again and that will tell u all sorts of things

Mark Basford

Thats a good thought!
I should have checked around this site before buying the 5/8ths spacer.......
It raises the question as to whether 5/8ths is better than a lesser thickness??
Anyone out there with an opinion?

Eazzy

iTrader: (8)

U refered to Bang for the Buck ---There is no better BFB than the MD 5/16

Mark Basford

Just looked under the hood and you were right! Plenum is rubbing against the underside!

I think a little filing and maybe some kinda padding???

Definately sticking with the 5/8ths spacer though, extra torque at the top end of the rev range. Trys to spin up in the first 3 gears now on damp roads; gonna have to keep the lead out of my right foot!

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Members do have problems with engine bay components touching the underside of the hood. As you mentioned, self-sticking cushion may help. Check a hardware store in the door and window department.

Eazzy

iTrader: (8)

Iv also found that a small Kitten works well.

I was lucky ----Im running Kaminari Ram air Fiberglass hood ---I was able to just grind the contact spots and touch it up with Black spray paint

Something to consider though if u want to go that route----Solid Motor Mounts, Some lower the motor a 1/2 inch

Mark Basford

Thats terrible! I like cats.

Going to use a small puppy instead!

May go down the route of some harder motor stabilisers....