Bartman Posted March 11, 2006 Share Posted March 11, 2006 I bought a polished top late for my LT1 throttle body (what can I say...I like a little bling). I was going to install it last night, but it really accentuates how bad my throttle body looks. So I removed the throttle body and I'm trying to figure out what I want to do with it. I could just clean it up and reinstall it (maybe powder coat it as well)...or I could take the opportunity to upgrade to a better one. Does it make sense to upgrade to an aftermarket throttle body? I also found one on eBay that started as stock and was bored out to 52 mm. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/52mm-94-97-LT1-Z28-Trans-Am-Impala-SS-Throttle-Body_W0QQitemZ8045619936QQcategoryZ33558QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Do you think this is a good deal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strotter Posted March 11, 2006 Share Posted March 11, 2006 I'm in the same position as you, with a StealthRam and a ugly old tpi throttle body. Didn't clean up well, I'm thinking of black engine paint and be done. With regards to flow: you might want to do some research over at http://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/index.php?s=. My impression is that the stocker (42mm? 48mm?) is capable of good flow up to about 450 hp. The larger TB provides a higher "buttometer" thrill because it opens to more airflow over fewer degrees, but the max airflow, and therefore hp, is still limited by the heads and the rest of the induction system. Won't hurt anything, but won't help, either. Note: I was going to do some detailed searches for you to make my point, but apparently the "search" function is dead right now because of a system crash of some kind. Maybe in a couple of days... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted March 11, 2006 Author Share Posted March 11, 2006 I searched around and didn't find too much support for larger aftermarket throttle bodies (and they are very expensive). I'm really thinking of getting this one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/52mm-94-97-LT1-Z28-Trans-Am-Impala-SS-Throttle-Body_W0QQitemZ8044682366QQcategoryZ33558QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem I could use my current one as a core, and it wouldn't be that expensive. Don't know if 52mm will make much difference over the stock 48mm, but the other upgrades sound good. "This unit has been bored on a CNC mill from 48mm to 52mm. The casting has also been machined to receive Sealed Roller Bearings to support each end of the throttle shaft for a precision fit. This modification eliminates the extra clearance between the casting and the throttle shaft that can be present in the stock casting. This allows precision fitment of the new throttle body blades that have been CNC machined from .063 2024-T3 aircraft aluminum. The throttle blades open and close freely, smoothly, and seal tightly. You will not experience high idle or a sticky throttle shaft. All the new grade 8 fasteners have been lock-tited and peened in place. The roller bearings have been pressed and lock-tited also. Mounting holes for the top and bottom plates have been chased with a tap to ensure quick and easy instillation. There are no other modifications needed to install this throttle body. The stock LT1 intake manifold already has 52mm bores also for a streamline fit. You also retain the stock appearance with this bored unit. All work has been done by myself including machining and assembly to ensure great craftsmanship and quality." My engine has around 90K miles and it idles a little high sometimes, I'm thinking a new throttle body couldn't hurt. I don't know how it looked when it was new, but if I hold my throttle body up to the light and look through it; the blades don't look like they fit too great. Some areas have a gap while other areas don't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted March 12, 2006 Author Share Posted March 12, 2006 The seller has 100% positive feedback, and it seems like a pretty good deal...so I just went ahead and bought it. I'll post up how it works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bartman Posted March 23, 2006 Author Share Posted March 23, 2006 I received my new throttle body today: It definitely looks like it would flow more air and I added the bore matched airfoil as well. Here's a shot of it installed: Some parts look like they could use a little cleaning, but overall I like the look. I purchased a special flexible filler that I will use to fill in the Corvette lettering on the fuel rail covers and then I'll paint them either black or blue (I haven't decided which color would look better). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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