The aFe Silver Bullet Throttle Body Spacer is a machined aluminum spacer that is installed between the engine's throttle body and intake manifold. The body is precision-machined from T-6061 billet aluminum, and its serrated/helix entry is designed to create turbulence so that the air/fuel charge is thoroughly mixed for a complete burn. Owners on user forums describe a sharper throttle response and a quieter intake note after installation, but the horsepower and torque gains aFe publishes have not been independently verified here, so treat them as the manufacturer's claim. For a 3.5L EcoBoost F-150 owner who already runs an aFe cold-air intake, this spacer is a low-cost way to add airflow volume and improve drivability on a truck that is otherwise stock.
Fitment is listed for the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost in the 2011 through 2016 Ford F-150, and it uses all factory mounting locations, making for a hassle-free installation. The manufacturer recommends pairing it with OE or aFe cold-air intake systems. It will NOT work with aFe's BladeRunner cold-side intercooler tube for 2005-2016 model years. Search terms this part typically matches include 3.5 EcoBoost throttle body spacer, F150 EcoBoost intake airflow mod, aFe Silver Bullet 46-33017 install, and EcoBoost throttle response upgrade. Because the spacer is an intake-side modification, check emissions rules where you live: it is CARB-compliant only on some applications.
Listings disagree on model years. The manufacturer has only confirmed fitment and function through the 2016 model year 3.5L EcoBoost, so verify with the manufacturer before buying for a newer truck.
Yes. The manufacturer's feature list includes installation hardware, and the kit ships with a gasket and the bolts and washers needed to mount the spacer.
This is a manageable weekend job rated easy, with the manufacturer's install time commonly cited at around 30 minutes once you reach the throttle body. You will need an 8mm socket or nut driver for the intake tube, charge tube clamp, and throttle body bolts. Remove the intake tube and disconnect its vent line, loosen the charge tube clamp and pull it off the throttle body, then remove the four throttle body bolts and lift the body off. Set the new gasket and spacer in place with the "AIR IN" side facing the throttle body, reinstall the throttle body with the longer bolts, lock washers, and flat washers, slide the charge tube back on and tighten its clamp, then reinstall the intake tube and reconnect the vent hose. Common gotchas are forgetting to reconnect the vent line and under-tightening the clamps, so recheck every clamp before starting the engine. Torque the throttle body bolts to the value in the manufacturer's install sheet rather than guessing.
