"I can't stress this enough: under *controlled* circumstances with a 350 cid Chev motor producing 180 hp and every engineering student submitting a design NO measurable hp or fuel economy gains were recorded at under approximately 1 meter. This was using an assortment of aftermarket products as well as the shop designs. It did lead however to massive throttle lag.
A long straight tube on the air side of the carb or TB with no vanes, few bends, no internal sources of turbulence, a cold air source and a large, quality paper element returned the best HP and fuel economy gains without modifying the mechanics of the engine.
Also of note Shell Silver motor oil (no longer available) produced 2 HP more than other motor oils in the same engine. We did not test synthetic oils or additives because these would have 'contaminated' the engine. Some motor oils actually reduced HP but I can't name them"


from this web site :

http://bb.bc4x4.com/showthread.php?7...it-REALLY-Work

 

Weather or not a TB spacer actually does what it claims might be up for debate, but it "feels" like it makes a difference, and in the long run, isn't that all most people are looking for? Besides, hopefully technology has come a long way since that Canadian study from pre-2002...

Thankfully, I've wasted $90 on much more useless things over the years, so I feel like I'm still ahead...

JohnVI-

Did your guy prep the plastic in anyway, or just clean it and spray? It looks great!

 

he cleaned it, primed it, and sprayed it

 

The Volant looks great! I went a cheaper route with the airaid, which is basically to sweeten the magnaflow exhaust note. The open top airaid will pull in hot air from the engine compartment so a performance gain is improbable and I def didnt notice one. It did make the truck sound much better though. HIHemi is right about the cortex though! That performance gain was very evident and varies on how you set up the advance program. I didnt do the throttle body spacer but am now interested! Love the engine cover DIY, i did the same just left the letters and "ribs" black with the red surround. Pics in my album if interested. Any one else with throttle body spacer opinions?

 

Well, just got my Cortex a little over a week ago. Now thinking of picking up the Volant and a Corsa exhaust. I guess next is painting the engine cover? It looks awesome, although my truck is black.... Trying to decide if maybe another color would be better for the cover and maybe paint the intake tube as well?