aFe Power Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer Kit Installation Manual

1. Product Overview

The aFe Power Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer is engineered to enhance air intake speed and improve throttle response in compatible vehicles. Its unique serrated/helix design is specifically developed to optimize airflow while preventing the whistling sound often associated with helix-only designs. This precision-machined billet aluminum spacer is manufactured in the USA and includes all necessary hardware and gaskets for installation.

Figure 1.1: The aFe Power Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer, a precision-machined billet aluminum component.

2. Kit Contents

Please verify that all components listed below are present in your kit before beginning installation.

• (1) aFe Power Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer (Model #46-38011)
• (2) Gaskets
• (4) Mounting Bolts
• (4) Washers

Figure 2.1: Contents of the aFe Power Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer Kit. Shown are the throttle body spacer, two gaskets, four mounting bolts, and four washers.

3. Safety Precautions and Tools Required

3.1. Safety Precautions

• Always ensure the vehicle's engine is cool before starting any work.
• Disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle's battery before installation to prevent electrical shorts or accidental engine starts.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and gloves.
• Refer to your vehicle's service manual for specific torque specifications and additional safety guidelines.

3.2. Tools Required (Not Included)

• Socket wrench set
• Extension and universal joint (if needed)
• Torque wrench
• Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
• Pliers
• Clean shop rags

4. Installation Instructions

1. Prepare Vehicle: Ensure the engine is cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Access Throttle Body: Locate the throttle body. Depending on your vehicle model, you may need to remove the air intake tube, air box, or other components to gain clear access. Carefully disconnect any electrical connectors or vacuum lines attached to the throttle body.
3. Remove Throttle Body: Unbolt the throttle body from the intake manifold. Note the orientation of the original gasket.
4. Clean Surfaces: Thoroughly clean both the intake manifold and throttle body mating surfaces to ensure a proper seal. Remove any old gasket material.
5. Install Gasket and Spacer: Place one new gasket onto the intake manifold. Then, position the aFe Power Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer onto the gasket, ensuring the side marked "GASKET SIDE" faces the intake manifold and "AIR IN" points towards the air intake. The "TOP" marking should be oriented correctly for your vehicle.
6. Install Second Gasket and Throttle Body: Place the second new gasket on top of the throttle body spacer. Carefully re-attach the throttle body to the spacer, aligning the bolt holes.
7. Secure Components: Insert the provided longer mounting bolts through the throttle body, spacer, and gaskets into the intake manifold. Hand-tighten all bolts first, then tighten them evenly in a crisscross pattern to the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications (refer to your vehicle's service manual).
8. Reassemble: Reconnect all electrical connectors and vacuum lines to the throttle body. Reinstall the air intake tube, air box, and any other components that were removed.
9. Final Steps: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the vehicle and check for any air leaks around the throttle body spacer. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature and check for proper idle and throttle response.

Figure 4.1: Top view of the aFe Power Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer, showing the "GASKET SIDE", "TOP", and "AIR IN" markings for correct orientation during installation.

Figure 4.2: Angled view highlighting the unique serrated/helix design of the throttle body spacer, which optimizes airflow.

5. Operation

Once installed, the aFe Power Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer works by creating a vortex effect in the incoming air charge, which helps to atomize fuel more effectively. Users may notice an improvement in throttle response and potentially a unique sound from the air intake system, particularly under acceleration. The spacer operates passively and requires no user interaction after installation.

6. Maintenance

The aFe Power Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer is designed for long-term durability and generally requires minimal maintenance. It is recommended to periodically inspect the spacer and surrounding components during routine vehicle maintenance (e.g., air filter changes) to ensure:

• All mounting bolts remain securely tightened.
• Gaskets are intact and not showing signs of wear or leakage.
• There are no obstructions in the air intake path.

No cleaning or lubrication of the spacer itself is typically required.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues after installation, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Check Engine Light: If a Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminates, ensure all electrical connectors and vacuum lines were properly reconnected to the throttle body and surrounding components. A loose connection can trigger a fault code.
• Air Leaks: Listen for any hissing sounds around the throttle body spacer, which may indicate an air leak. Re-check the tightness of the mounting bolts and ensure the gaskets are properly seated and undamaged.
• Poor Performance: Double-check all installation steps, especially the orientation of the spacer and the secure connection of all air intake components.

If problems persist, it is recommended to consult a qualified automotive technician or contact aFe Power customer support.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information regarding your aFe Power Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer Kit, please refer to the official aFe Power website or the documentation included with your purchase. For technical support or assistance with installation, please contact aFe Power customer service directly through their official channels.

Note: This product is 50-State legal with CARB EO#D-550-42.