zimm17

Just installed my nice new 8x2 Gaffrig flame arrestor. It's the lowest profile one I could find. It hits the engine hatch on my 22 Donzi classic. The hatch shuts, but it's pushing down on the arrestor pretty good.

Mercruiser has a 1" carb spacer between the weber carb and Weiand intake. I know in cars they are good for a few horsepower- (like 5HP). Can I remove it without losing much power? It would give the clearance I need.

Now I know why the previous owner didn't keep the factory flame arrestor when they repowered the boat with the '96 454 mag. It had the 1988 sheet aluminum one on there because it fit. Looks like crap though, have to ditch it.

Whiteknuckle

You would most likely only notice the difference on the dyno, not on the water. However, Merc must have it on there for a reason. I guess you will just have to take it off and see what happens.

cstraub

that spacer I believe is a carb adapter to mate the Weber to a spreadbore intake. . . if so you have to have it or change intakes to accept a Holley/Carter bolt pattern.

Chris

Liberator21

cstraub is right it's an adapter. You'll either have to change the intake, or change to a Rochester carb. Those adapters rob power. Changing to a better carb/intake combo will help not hurt.

zimm17

Darn it! You guys are right, it's an adaptor. I hate spreadbore's, I'll keep the Weber for now. Maybe a marine demon in the future.

What intake should I look at? Looks like an Edelbrock RPM airgap would work, but salt water will eat it alive. Who makes salt-water friendly intakes?

Pat McPherson

World Products makes intakes with a brass lining like the GM/Merc intake, but there are single plane (not good for your engine stock) and big $$.
Aluminum intakes can be hard anodized but that costs almost as much as the intake.
I wrote in your other thread, but I'll write my suggestion again.
I have an aluminum intake off of a 454HO crate engine that has never been used. It is machine for a square bore carb and GM designed it for your engine.
$50 plus shipping and it's yours.
Use it for a couple of years then throw it in the trash...
By then you will be ready for bigger and better power anyhow...

Liberator21

There's nothing wrong with a spread bore, as long as it's setup right.