For increased hp and throttle response, is a ported TB worth the money on an 08 C6 Base A6? How much, if any, HP does it add?

 

Save your $$
same with most cold air intakes

 

Do you mean a ported TB makes no difference in HP gains or throttle response? I already have a CAI, and think it definitely made a difference.
Thanks for your response!

 

No "bang for the buck" in a ported throttle body ... In fact, a ported TB can cause tuning problems that can get pricey to fix (by way of re-tuning)

Your stock TB is capable of supplying more air than your basically stock LS3 will ever need.

Consider a larger TB when your LS3 is making 650+ RWHP.

 

I was having some difficulties with proper idle. I have an A & A S/C with Air to Air intercooler, on an LS7 short block and ported and polished cathedral heads. It had been some time since I specifically checked the TB, and after a reduced power mode (and a P2138 code) came up after a "spirited" acceleration on to the freeway, I had to stop and remove the battery ground and reset the computer. No longer in the low power mode, got the car home. Looked up the code and knew I needed to replace the accelerator pedal. Ordered the accelerator pedal assembly from Car Parts Inc. (the best price....$85+ shipping). Once I received the assembly and installed it (easy peasy.......20 minute job) I THEN removed the air intake tube, MAF sensor and the TB. The TB was VERY dirty around the butterfly on both sides. It was not moving smoothly when opening and closing manually. I cleaned the TB with carb cleaner (using a clean rag and Q tips), and cleaned the MAF sensor "wires" with MAF sensor spray cleaner, cleaned and then lightly re-oiled the the air filter. While I was at it, I decided to polished the inside of the TB. It now has a mirror finish. Reassembled everything, started the car and no more P2138 code. Car is a beast and a ball to drive again! By the way 90mm TB and 605 rwhp.

 

About a year ago, upon bringing home my (new to me) 2011 base A6 car with 3000 miles I immediately added an Airaid CAI and while I was at it added a 95MM BBK throttle body. I figured that if a ported TB was good a larger TB would be better. The BBK was approximately $400 and advertised as being plug and play. After installation, and after applying a Diablosport canned tune, I received repeated PO121 CEL codes. Since joining this forum over a year ago I have been and continue to be impressed by the tremendous knowledge, experience and expertise of many of the forum members. It has been repeatedly stated on the forum that CAI and TBs do nothing for a stock motor. That said, I unquestionably experienced a noticeable off idle tip in (throttle response) improvement with the BBK TB. After removing the tune and continuing to get the PO121, I replaced the throttle pedal assembly with no change. I then removed the BBK TB and reinstalled the stock TB. Once complete, I received no more error codes. BBK admitted that nothing could be done to remedy the error code and provided me with a full refund. I recently completed the Diablosport custom tune process and am very pleased with those results. The Diablosport tune and custom tune process (and handheld tuner) cost approximately $750. If you are looking for a relatively mild performance enhancement on a stock car I highly recommend avoiding a modified or aftermarket TB and going for a Diablosport tune instead. I hope this is helpful to you.

 

I've done back to back passes within minutes at the drags, between the OEM TB and a "professionally" ported TB. I found no measurable difference in either ET or MPH at any timed point that would indicate a power differential. Whenever it's practical, I like to do 2 passes to set the standard, then 2 passes to see the difference and one or two more to confirm the findings and eliminate variables.
Research indicates that a minor disruption caused by differences in laminar airflow between a smooth surface and one with directional or marbled surfaces, can have an affect on the speed of airflow, but there is not enough surface area on a TB to affect the speed and subsequently the power.
However, the opposite is true when dealing with a CAI, since the shape, size, and inlet location, can make large differences of how airflow is directed to the TB. On one day, I offered to show my racing buddy how airflow direction would make a difference on his somewhat modded '07 A6 Vette. I simply created a quick way to prop open the shroud and did it between passes. He then made another pass that was .15 seconds quicker than any before.