Understanding adding 1 inch spacer plate vs machining .050 off reed block on v6 carb

[coffeeguy]

I am wanting to know which is better in a V6(2.4) carbureted merc . Both are suppose to increase mid range power but the theories seem to be opposite each other.

[wired247]

You arent increasing the crankcase volume by adding a spacer plate. The spacer plate goes on the other side of the reed boxes.

[bobthebuilder]

You arent increasing the crankcase volume by adding a spacer plate. The spacer plate goes on the other side of the reed boxes.

The spacer makes for a much straighter air flow. If you look straight in through the carbs with throttle open you will not see all the reed pedals but with a 1 inch spacer you will see all them.. It also increases air flow velocity. Cutting the front 1/2 .050 reduces the crankcase volume thus increasing the crankcase pressure when the piston comes back. I would do both if your cowling will accept the spacer.. I built a 2.4 that way and it really wakes them up along with all the other things we did to it. :thumbsup:

[coffeeguy]

Is the spacer actually holding the reeds then?

[wired247]

Sort of. There are through bolts that sandwich the spacer between the reed blocks and the intake manifold using 2 gaskets. Reed blocks go on the block side and space goes on the intake manifold side. Ive got a Chris Carson model. Does what he says it will. Ive heard they will soften the bottom end up but I havent seen that.

[bobthebuilder]

I think mine even improved my bottom end and hole shot..

[coffeeguy]

Thanks.

[brogreg]

I've noticed that on some omc's that with the same manifold and reeds on different engines,
some of them have a spacer between the reeds and the reed stop plate i'm assuming they allow the reeds to open up a little more
any opinion on that before i throw some spacers behind my reeds