Intake differences Carburetor spacer?

[40desoto]

The intake on the left is from a 48 Plymouth (so I was told) the Intake on the rights is from a 251 long block engine.  I noticed that plymouth intake that I plan on using the carburetor base sits  a little lower and used a carburetor spacer.  My question is what is the purpose of this spacer and is it necessary if when I mount the carb without it all of the throtlle assembly lines up and nothing abstructs it?

 

Where can I find this spacer?  for the life of me I cannot find one.  A buddy of mine told me that its should be the same as a Chevy one barrell carb spacer that are readily available.

 

 

[TodFitch]

The space on my car is some non-metallic material and I believe if it were missing I'd have a lot more problems with fuel percolation when I stop the engine. Without it you may have a hot restart problem.

 

I would not be surprised if one for Chevrolet would fit. However be careful: There may be a vacuum port hole in it (I don't have mine off and don't remember for sure).

 

I've heard of people creating those spacers from hard wood.

[40desoto]

Thank you Tod,  years back I did have a car that I didnt use the spacer and did have tons of issues including a hot restart problem. 

Im hoping someone might have a reference or a part number.

[Don Coatney]

Give George Asche a call. He may have one.

[Fernando Mendes]

My WWII GMC 2 1/2 ton 1944 uses a same under the governor.I have a pic if you need.

[greg g]

The phenolic spacers can be bought from Stovebolt.  I got two there some years back for about 10 bucks each.  If you look at the intakes from early cars there is a big casting under the carb almost 5 inches tall.  As the years went on and hood lines came down the tall casting disappeared, and the carb got closer to the exhaust manifold. In the 50's carbs sat on a spacer with a sheet metal heat baffle extending forward under the float bowl.

 

The spacer also raises up the carb a bit tp facilitate the cross head linkage arm staying level.