One of the fundamental purposes/uses of the intake spacer is to simply increase the size of the intake manifold. Some have other functions like what RC2099 mentioned and heat transfer resistance but those are rare. Tumbling the air can also be risky and this is why things like the Turbonator can actually harm the motor since they operate before the MAF and screw up the readings (same reason why STIs and intakes don't mix). I'm sorry but you're friend is full of BS, there is no way a 1 inch piece of metal is going to show substantial increases in performance. These have been tested over on NASIOC and sure enough, they do jack all. Save your money and put it towards more well-accepted mods rather than something that will probably do nothing.

 

Yeah, its not really a hp increased, but it does give the intake side a more unique sound for sure. Some cars will see small increases, but they wont be very noticable, if at all. They do help with throttle responce, which is one of the things plagueing the Lancer!

 

Even the N/A ones? I thought the 2.5 RS TB spacers showed a small-but-noticeable HP improvement when the dynoed them...

 

I think the NA guys showed some gains but it's debateable whether it's significant (ie. more than just dyno error). In theory it makes sense though. I think there's way better mods out there than some pieces of aluminum that just make the intake mani bigger.
RC2099, the throttle response issue won't be changed by the spacers, that's a result of fly-by-wire system, not a fault in the motor design. The Civic SI and the WRX has the same problem.

 

I know, but the Mazda 3 is also electo TB and it made a difference on that one, just wishful thinking i guess. I just really like the difference in the sound, especialy when you have an intake!

 

So where can we get any of those?