I wanted to get an informed opinion regarding the throttle body bypass on my 94 LT1.

Instead of bypassing the throttle body in the conventional manner, I installed a 1/4 turn brass valve that secures the flow. My thinking is that by eliminating the flow, I have eliminated the ability of the coolant system to heat the air entering the TB. As air passes through the TB, it will rapidly dissipate any heat that migrates into the TB. By installing the on/off valve, I can restore flow if I encounter high humidity days that coincide with 40-50 degree mornings/evenings. Living in Jacksonville, we live with humidity like fish live with water. I expect this to give me the gains associated with the TB bypass, without the idle icing on high humidity days. I also have some concerns regarding the vapor lines coming from the heads that return coolant that has vaporized. Do I have my bases covered here, or should I consider just doing the simple bypass. My objective is to maintain driveability in all conditions, without creating problems.

What so you think fellas? Am I making this more complicated that is necessary? :skep:

 

I do not believe you will need the coolant heat to warm the throttle body in FLA. There is a narrow window where icing may occur. It is a product of intake air velocity, temp and yes, humidity.

I ran this past winter (daily driver) in NC with the bypass in place without a problem and have talked with those who live in the snowbound areas of the NE who have made the mod and run all year without issue.

That being said, all carbed aircraft require carb heat application during the landing cycle, just in case. Better save than flat.

 

FLA. :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I drove mine all winter in Jersey weather with the by-pass and never had a problem. I don't think having it for you should even be an issue.

 

I personally don't feel that there would ever be a day, in your area, that could cause icing associated with the TB Bypass. From what I've been reading, extreme cold is the main cause, and extreme cold isn't something associated with Jacksonville Florida.

 

As well you should. You should avoid cutting off the flow of the vapor and/or coolant that is in the steam vent tube, they need flow and make it back to the high side coolant tank. Cutting off the flow may mean the heads could develop potential hot spots and either warp or it might promote spark retard because of an increased tendency to detonate.

Yes. ;)

Just do the standard bypass procedure.

 

Roger that. Fellas, I sincerely appreciate the input. I will do the standard gig and stop trying to recreate the wheel. :hurray:

 

I did not follow the standard practice on the throttle bypass and what I did is very easy. If you want a picture, send me a note!