why use a spacer plate

[LT ROOKIE]

I just purchased an 18mm cheetah Dm and it has a spaced plate and 3 base gaskets. Why is this? Could it be a 14 mm cylinder on a 18mm crank? Will it hurt performance? Motor was originally built by a&s racing. Also I know Dan uses flat top pistons, this one does not. Any info would be appreciated, thanks.

[LT ROOKIE]

I think the spaced plate with all three baskets measured 4.62mm if I measured correctly. Is 060 squish too loose on that size motor for 1/8 mile asphalt

[locogato11283]

I mean, this could be a totally ridiculous thing to ask, but have you talked with A&S?

 

I would imagine Dan would know the reason behind it.

[LT ROOKIE]

I tried calling but no answer

[registered user]

most likely it was a backyard butcher would installed the spacer. not that it wont work but normally it isnt the prefered method. cylinders were probly intended for a different crank and a spacer was the only way to get port timings in the ballpark

[registered user]

not sure how many different length of rods there are but if someone used longer rods that could be a reason for the spacer

[RadarRacing]

Every DM is a custom build. Its not a bolt on and ride motor. It could be someone upgraded a cheetah to a DM cylinder or who knows used a 14 mil on an 18 mil cases and crank. They may have got the lower end for a different motor with a rod length different than what worked with that cylinder. I think too many people worry about spacer plates. You didnt say whether it is stock cases or billet. Spacer plates are sometimes used on stock case big DMs because it provides a good flat base for the cyls due to all the case work. I know of two just like that on stock cases.

 

.060 is not too loose for squish on a DM. I dont know what exactly you have a cheetah or a DM , you said "cheetah DM".

 

I would neither worry about the spacer nor the .060 squish which is fine. I would definately do a leak down test before you ride it and then do one again after a ride because air leaks are at times common on welded/epoxied cases.

[LT ROOKIE]

It's on Billet cases. I will continue to call Dan and figure it out.