05 - 280 mercury with 1" intake spacer plate question

[kellytheaker]

Recently noticed a 1 inch spacer on the intake on this new to me 280 . Now I understand why the bracket that bolts to pan was missing .
So with the spacer in place is there a restriction that is made - so close to the cowling - do I need to open up the cowling in that area as far as holes to reduce or relieve the restriction if any . All I know is it's damn close to the cowling -
I will ask - did the spacer provide an improvement ?

[billybob]

The spacer was just to lengthen the intake, to increase velocity into the engine block. Unless you have a super high perf. hull. you will notice no difference with or without it. The problem with opening up front of cowl is the extra noise you may hear from the whine of the motor.

[KIRCHNER]

ive got a 225 mag with 1'' spacer, dont think it does squat. i dont think the reduced clearance has any illeffects on power.

[kellytheaker]

Thanks guys . Appreciate the discussion .
I did reach out to Jay Smith in a pm - I hope he gets back as he is always a great conversation on tech matters .