I don't think that most folks here are postulating that the manufacturers build the most efficient vehicle. What I think has been said repeatedly is that the manufacturers, being driven by sales and profit, build the most efficient vehicle they can FOR THE MONEY. So, it is not unexpected that one can spend a fair chunk of money and get ones vehicle to perform better -- at least, under some circumstances. However, in the case of BT spacers, and some of the goofy aftermarket air intakes that one sees advertised, it would have cost the manufacturer little, if any, extra manufacturing costs to make their vehicle with such items installed OEM if they truely worked. If, for example, some inexpensive item like that raised the power output of the engine 15%, most manufacturers would jump at the change to advertise that their vehicle put out 310 hp rather than 270 hp. Conversely, if they could install some relatively inexpensive modification and be able to raise the MPG figure one or two MPG, they'd jump at the chance. For example, I have a Chevy 5.3 V8 in my SUV. By using various sensor inputs, and programming a few computer circuits, they are able to engineer their "active fuel management" system that did result in significantly raising the freeway mileage figures. That was a big selling point that yielded them more sales as well as more CAFE goodie points.

"What I think has been said repeatedly is that the manufacturers, being driven by sales and profit, build the most efficient vehicle they can FOR THE MONEY." Sure Bob, we agree on that and that is what I tried to imply. What I dont agree with is the blanket statement that there is no improving what is supplied by the manufacturer, period, no if and or buts. I have seen this statement time and time again. I love to tinker with my stuff and if we accept this as true, why bother, ya know? I have a buddy who swears by that "Fuel Tornado" thing, ya know that little deal you put inline in your air intake that supposedly puts a swirl to the air coming in and increases fule mileage? I could put this in the same exact truck and get worse mileage. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I am sure if this trinket worked for real, it would be supplied by the factory as it couldnt cost much to make. I know there are alot of bogus things out there with outrageous claims but to say there is no improvement possible is an overstatement. Lets keep with the subject and say that throttle spacers and CIA's do not improve horsepower and fuel mileage as stated by this research study and here's the link for you to read and formulate your own opinion. Thats all I am saying. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

my brother is a diesel mechanic for my fathers machinary moving company and ofcourse they allways move big wide loads and their one truck which was only rated at about 425 hp had a hard keeping up with the other trucks so my brother spent a saturday fine tuning the turbo and now it keeps up with the rest with not problems at all hauling a big wide load. my brother also spent a bunch of time doing little things to make his truck faster because hes a driver when they're busy, during spring break i went with him on a job in wyoming and it was funny to look over at peoples faces in the cars as we were passing them up going up the mountains

I too hate seeing people put others down for buying aftermarket engine upgrades.

Aftermarket upgrades do work, and do add power, fuel economy, etc. They just have to be used in the right application.

i.e. - My Honda Prelude absolutely loves more air. When I installed the CAI on it I could feel the difference than without it.

Again, the point is you have to add these things to the right vehicle. My prelude redlines at 7000 rpm's, and the limiter is at 8000 RPM's. When I finally get a turbo on it, it will be pushing 10,000 RPM's. So upgrades that hurt bottom end torque is not a problem imy application.

Anything you can do to any motor to make it breathe better, whether it be exhaust, intake, or whatever, will always have some benefit over the stock setup. Unless of course you put a full 3 inch exhaust or something on a N/A car. N/A's do need back pressure, boosted vehicles do not.

Anyway, me recommendation would be to not get a TB spacer, I would get a bigger TB. My 2ó.

B

I wish you fellers the best of luck with your addons! When you save up enough money from all that increased milage, I have this ocean front lot in Arizona we can talk about.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

I think my mileage increases after I wax it! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />