TB bypass, Who is right?
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 76
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From: Stockton Ca
TB bypass, Who is right?
We have a 94, new to us. I was going to do the TB bypass. My one son works for the local Chevy dealer and told the local tech that his dad was going to do a TB bypass. He said, tell him ;not to do it, your car could freeze up and it will run terrible. It is their for a reason and you wont see any difference. All technical crap to him. Need your guys advice. :confused: :confused:
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,264
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From: O'Fallon Missouri
Re: TB bypass, Who is right? (TVS VETTE)
Touch the throttle body on your car when the engine is hot. Then touch the throttle body on a hot engine that has the TB bypass, and you will understand why the mod is worth doing.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
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Cruise-In VII Veteran
Re: TB bypass, Who is right? (TVS VETTE)
Does it get cold enough for air to freeze in Stockton Ca.???????????
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 958
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From: SF Bay area, CA USA
Re: TB bypass, Who is right? (TVS VETTE)
In California you have nothing to worry about. How often does it freeze in Stockton, not too often. The basic idea is that you may reduce the temp of the air going through the throttle body and possibly increase performance because of the cooler air. I have done it and can't say I have noticed and improvement other than being able to touch the throttle body without burning my hands. I think the benefit will outway the possible risk of freezing the throttle body.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 812
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From: Sherman Texas
Re: TB bypass, Who is right? (Lexdog)
You can do it on an L-98. Just tie the two water hoses going in and out of the throttle body together, or find a hose that will bypass it. I did my '89 TA, using a hose from Autozone. Seemed to help idle quality on a hot day. You can also get some rubber caps at Autozone for the two ports left open on the throttle body. Doesn't really matter, but it looks much better :cheers: :cool: :flag
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
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Re: TB bypass, Who is right? (BAdAzZV8)
The coolant through the TB is kindof like carb heat in an airplane. Unless it's really humid where you live and you think that the air entering the TB is going to be traveling SO fast as to condense and freeze the moisture from the air and ice your TB butterflys, then you'll probably be alright :D
So in short, go for it :yesnod:
So in short, go for it :yesnod:
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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Re: TB bypass, Who is right? (BAdAzZV8)
works on both an L98 and LT1, most GM mechanics (or that type) will tell you not to do it, but ive never heard of anybody having their motor freeze on them
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Airport Cruise-in 1 Veteran Airport Cruise-in 2 Veteran
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Re: TB bypass, Who is right? (TVS VETTE)
It won't freeze up. The radiant heat from the engine will keep the TB warm w/o running coolant through there. I've been running my 87 in some cool 20* air and when I pop the hood and feel the TB it's nice and warm. I bought a plastic hose connector, 2 clamps and 2 end caps for just over $2.00 from the local auto parts store.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,064
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From: N. Alabama
Re: TB bypass, Who is right? (TVS VETTE)
The freezing (intake icing) takes place most easily in temperature ranges of 50 to 60 degress F. when humidity is just right. Has nothing to do with freezing ambient temperatures. The acceleration of the intake flow causes the intake drop in temperature (sorta). Airplanes experience this very seldom. But....when it happens, it will shut you down until you pull over on the side of the road and wait until the engine compartment heat melts the frozen throttle body. The possibility exists. If it didn't, the engineering group would have bypassed the bypass option. :) Your call.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Framingham MA
Re: TB bypass, Who is right? (southern_son)
The freezing (intake icing) takes place most easily in temperature ranges of 50 to 60 degress F. when humidity is just right. Has nothing to do with freezing ambient temperatures.
[Modified by dgoodhue, 12:09 PM 2/21/2002]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: traveling nowhere fast, FL
Re: TB bypass, Who is right? (dgoodhue)
If you drive in heavy fog in freezing weather you could ice the butterfly's. Or a trip up the mountains in freezing cloudy weather could do it too. Your call, I say slim possibility, but both situations could apply to you.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Framingham MA
Re: TB bypass, Who is right? (HiRiser)
If you drive in heavy fog in freezing weather you could ice the butterfly's. Or a trip up the mountains in freezing cloudy weather could do it too. Your call, I say slim possibility, but both situations could apply to you.