TB coolant bypass effects?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 7
From: Iowa
TB coolant bypass effects?
I was thinking about doing this mod because its inexpensive and some report a hp or two from it and every little bit helps.
I live in an area where its almost never below freezing, so I'm not too worried about it. but if I drove somewhere or moved somewhere that actually has a winter would this be a good mod to undo for the winter months? I know its designed to prevent the throttle plate from freezing, but how much of a risk is there of that happening really? I have a vararam, so maybe increased than stock in that case? just wondering if others that have done this that live in colder climates are concerned about it, or remove it for the cooler weather.
I live in an area where its almost never below freezing, so I'm not too worried about it. but if I drove somewhere or moved somewhere that actually has a winter would this be a good mod to undo for the winter months? I know its designed to prevent the throttle plate from freezing, but how much of a risk is there of that happening really? I have a vararam, so maybe increased than stock in that case? just wondering if others that have done this that live in colder climates are concerned about it, or remove it for the cooler weather.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,398
Likes: 1,139
From: Dyer, IN
I was thinking about doing this mod because its inexpensive and some report a hp or two from it and every little bit helps.
I live in an area where its almost never below freezing, so I'm not too worried about it. but if I drove somewhere or moved somewhere that actually has a winter would this be a good mod to undo for the winter months? I know its designed to prevent the throttle plate from freezing, but how much of a risk is there of that happening really? I have a vararam, so maybe increased than stock in that case? just wondering if others that have done this that live in colder climates are concerned about it, or remove it for the cooler weather.
I live in an area where its almost never below freezing, so I'm not too worried about it. but if I drove somewhere or moved somewhere that actually has a winter would this be a good mod to undo for the winter months? I know its designed to prevent the throttle plate from freezing, but how much of a risk is there of that happening really? I have a vararam, so maybe increased than stock in that case? just wondering if others that have done this that live in colder climates are concerned about it, or remove it for the cooler weather.
Better off going with the performance hood seal....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,939
Likes: 7
From: Simpsonville SC
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
From what I know, the water goes through the TB, to WARM to air! This helps it to combust better to help emissions. This is counter to what we do. we do COLD air intakes! I did my TB bypass a few months ago.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,398
Likes: 1,139
From: Dyer, IN
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 619
Likes: 1
From: ATLANTA GA
If the coolant prevented throttle body from opening like the link above states, then why does the LS2 have no coolant running through it?
its worth doing the bypass just incase you ever have to remove the intake it makes it much easier.
its worth doing the bypass just incase you ever have to remove the intake it makes it much easier.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
I just did mine. I had the TB off and it sucked to disconnect that short little hose. So, I bypassed it. Not really expecting any performance gains but then I don't drive the car when it's freezing so not really worried about it acting up.
Peter
Peter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,386
Likes: 689
From: Boise ID
It's one of those "feel good" mods we do because…..it feels good. The benefits are miniscule under normal circumstances. C4 guys were doing it and I did it also on my C4. I also remember hearing from C4 folks who did the mod in fairly cold climates stating no ill effects.
I do agree that it makes future TB removals easier.
I do agree that it makes future TB removals easier.
Last edited by 87SAM; Dec 20, 2008 at 08:49 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
Likes: 26
From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
I doubt the mod has any benefit other then eliminating the PITA procedure of reconnecting the LH side hose to the TB...so just do it, and never fuss with that task again. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
Don't waste your time messing with it. If you had to remove it for other reasons, it might not be worth reconnecting, but I would not spend any extra time just to be modifying something.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
Likes: 9
From: Flagstaff Az.
Spend the time doing something constructive for your car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
Maybe a TURBONATOR 
Or better yet a HOOD SEAL 
Where do you guys come up with this silly stuff anyway? Zip ties/hood seals/TB bypass-SILLY STUFF. You'd probably get better results just keeping your tires inflated correctly and changing plugs every 3 years.
Think I need to invent a pet rock that makes Corvettes faster, just Velcro it to the engine and you'll gain 5HP.
Or better yet a HOOD SEAL Where do you guys come up with this silly stuff anyway? Zip ties/hood seals/TB bypass-SILLY STUFF. You'd probably get better results just keeping your tires inflated correctly and changing plugs every 3 years.Think I need to invent a pet rock that makes Corvettes faster, just Velcro it to the engine and you'll gain 5HP.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: Arden NC
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 5
From: Stark County Ohio
Below is a link to some other high performance items akin to the throttle body coolant bypass discussed in this thread.
http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...fd4a74435015a0
http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...fd4a74435015a0
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I bypassed the TB coolant on my 85 Corvette and it made a significant difference in plenum temperature! The big aluminum heat sink stayed a LOT cooler with the elimination of the coolant.
Then I did the mod on my 98 and 02 Z. I too live in the FROZEN TRUNDRA (New England) and have NOT expierenced any issues. I do drive my car in very cold weather.
The Coolant was there to prevent Throttle Body Iceing in cars that operate in cold damp areas. Removing it wont hurt anything and like it was previously stated, may only make an insignificant difference in HP. The LS2 TB eliminated the coolant in that TB.
BC
The big aluminum heat sink stayed a LOT cooler with the elimination of the coolant. Then I did the mod on my 98 and 02 Z. I too live in the FROZEN TRUNDRA (New England)
and have NOT expierenced any issues. I do drive my car in very cold weather. The Coolant was there to prevent Throttle Body Iceing in cars that operate in cold damp areas. Removing it wont hurt anything and like it was previously stated, may only make an insignificant difference in HP. The LS2 TB eliminated the coolant in that TB.
BC
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 417
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I wasn't going to reply because there are too many scientists on the forum now. Most of these guys have never built a performance engine. Or raced one. Here goes. This is the idea, you do everything you can do to extract the last bit of power from the motor. Every little bit works together. 2 here 3 here it all begins to add up. That's why guys spend up to 1800= for a 90mm ported fast to get 11-25 horse out of it. Why because it is a great buy for the money? No because every little bit helps when you look at the over all total result. Simple in concept but most people just don't get it. Colder air is more dense than warmer air. The more air in, and the more air out = more power. Now just the by pass and the hood seal will not put you in the 11s at the track, but if you combine these with what ever else you can do, then the final out come will put a smile on your face
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 25
$1800 for TB-when a little shot of Nitrous can do the trick for 1/4 the price. You want cold air, shoot some Nitrous in the intake. Save the "Voodoo" tricks for the snake oil salesmen-still like the "Performance Pet Rock" though.