i am about to install a 5/16 md spacer on my 04 sedan. i know how to work on cars. that is not a problem. but before i put this on. i just wanted to ask this question. what is something that can happen/go wrong while installing this or that this can result in? i wont be putting on a iso spacer, just the plenum spacer itself. the only thing that i ahve read is that people over tq the bolts when putting it back on and crack the upper plenum. what are some other things that could go wrong? oh and this is the one with the built in gasket

 

A few things can happen:

a) you will have a vacuum leak - will run like crap, probably show CEL
b) one of the plastic spacers for one of the plenum bolts falls off and melts down into one of the intake ports ...
c) ... ?

 

I overtorqued a bolt and the head of the bolt snapped off, the plenum won't crack.. anyways make sure you have a torque wrench with in/lbs and torque it correctly. I also accidentally let the rubber piece around the oil cap get stuck in between the upper/lower plenums and it had a vacuum leak and made a loud hissing noise. Make sure you check that before you bolt it all up and you should be fine

 

cool thanks.
what kinda problems will arise if i dont install the plastic bolt spacers? if i tq them right i shouldnt really need them should i? im only asking because i dont have them at the moment

 

You definitely need them for plenum support and to keep a seal.

If you have any questions during your install you can call me. (661) 993-5111. I'll help out.

Tony

 

How many vendors make this offer ever? Tony you truly are an asset to the VQ masses. Thanks.

 

get something that cleans carbs, and clean the inside of the plenum while you have it apart.
that and the tbody.

 

tighten the outside bolts before you tighten the middle ones.
Especially if you are not going to use plastic spacers for the middle bolts.

 

Tighten up in steps.
Just snug, then go over again slightly tighter.
Final torque on 3rd pass.

 

Dont drop any of the bolts into the engine bay
dont over tighten
and keep everything outside of the intake ports

 

I just got my 5/16 spacer installed today. While driving it, it seems to drive oddly. When revving up it kind of lunges while gaining speed. And once it shifts into 3rd it seems to make your body go forward for a second then kicks in.

Do I need to go to the dealership and have them reflash my ECU? The mechanic told me to keep the battery off over night and hopefully that would reset it.

Any ideas?

 

It sounds like you may need a throttlebody re-calibration. Its at the back of the installation manual. Give it a try and let me know what you find.

Tony

 

+1... Tony is the Tiger Woods of the VQ community~ giving out his number and making himself available to everyone!!! (only difference is Tony doesn't screw us).

Thanks Tony!

 

^ LOL nice one!

 

the said plastic bolt spacers come with the kit?