Just bought a car with a 331 dss stroker. It has a carb spacer that is probably 2" at least. Problem is, the air filter doesn't fit with the hood down.

Question one:
How does the carb spacer come off?

Question two:
Will this affect any tuning of the carb?

I am obviously a beginner with this stuff. Any help is appreciated

 

once u unbolt the carb u can take off the spacer,no noticable affect on tune without spacer, but the spacer helps keep the fuel in the carb bowls cooler,by dissapating the heat from the intake manifold,u should replace the spacer with a one inch high one or search for an air cleaner with a lower profile. without the spacer when the motor is hot the fuel in the bowls can boil over,and drain into the intake making warm start ups hard.
some old hot rodders used to make spacers out of wood,very effective on keeping the heat away from carbs. if u smell fuel when the car is off after a run u might need 2 lower the bowl floats

 

Thanks for the detailed response. That is what I needed.

 

Okay, so another question...

If I plan to use no spacer, should I use a gasket with the four holes or an open one? It is a Summitt Brand carb.

Thanks!

 

i would match the gasket to the opening of the intake if open use an open gasket.

 

Spacers are also for tuning the power curve. They increase the plenum volume. If you have the hood clearance. Spacers often pick up the 1/4 mile trap speed. So yes it is a tuning tool.

 

Thanks to all the responded. I worked it out with a one inch spacer.