Custom engraved throttle body plates
 

Well, I'm tossing around the idea of replacing my 23 year old tarnished-looking throttle body plate with a new black anodized one, with "LT1" milled into it. I plan to fill the grooved section with some RED hi-temp paint to make it stand out, as seen in this mocked up photo.
Here's the issue....our local machine shop wants about $30 to do just one, and the cost of a new TB plate with gasket is $15. So we're looking at $45 total. But....if I go with a larger quantity, say 25 pcs, I can get the cost of the new TB plates down to $10 ea. and the milling done for around $5 ea. That's $15 total. Yes, I know there are people selling laser-engraved TB plates ..I even talked with a local guy that does lasering and he said it would just take the top layer of the anodizing off...no depth to hold paint.
So...what are the chances of finding at least 10 people here to commit to purchasing one of these custom TB plates? Any input regarding this endeavor would be most welcome.
Cheers!
Jon

plate
 

Count me in Jon I'd take 1

Thank you pnewt! Glad to see some response to this. I am really anxious to get these made ASAP....only need 8 more people to commit! Perhaps as we get closer to spring things will pick up.
Cheers!
Jon

Unpainted plates will also be available....or can paint in any one of 6 colors.

There is a guy up in Canada that sells very nice machined throttle body plates on Ebay.
Cost is $24.99 delivered. Here is the Link:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/c4-corvette...VX3c26&vxp=mtr

I bought one for my car and it is VERY nice. Several styles are available.

Yes, I had seen his work for sale online and it does look very nice! I do believe he uses a laser to do the engraving though, whereas my method was actual milling of the aluminum giving it a little depth for holding paint which is what I want for my application. Also, you don't get a new gasket for the TB plate, which on a 20+ year car it may be time to replace...I know mine is looking worn out. My TB plates will come with a new gasket for the TB at no extra charge.

I would be interested in getting one. Thanks.

Great, I'll keep you in the loop. So far, not enough takers to get the quantity discount on the machine work but we've still got several months before summer hits so maybe things will pick up by then!

You can count me in for 1. Figure about 5 to ship, $20 ain’t bad at all! Keep us posted!

Thanks! They don't weigh much so I can ship these for $2.66.
Hey, we're getting closer to the goal of 10...:thumbs:

Plate
 

Not at all....haven't reached the minimum quota of 10 to get a quantity discount for the work, so it has been at a standstill for now. If ytou can wait till mid-April or May we might have the quota filled by then.

Cheers!
Jon

I sure will.....thanks for the interest!

Heck, I'd buy one. Especially if it helps out some other Vette brothers and sisters. Nice, I even have torch red duplicolor to match.

Thanks Palanon, I'll keep you in the loop. Hope to get these made in the next few weeks!

Please count me in for one, as well, if not too late. Just let me know when you need money, etc. Thanks!

Not too late wiz.......hope to have these done in the next few weeks. I'll let the forum know when they are completed!

*UPDATE*

Ordered and just received the 25 black anodized throttle plates. Now to get over to the machine shop next week and have them set up the program on their CNC milling machine for the engraving. Will report back with results.
Cheers!
Jon

Bump for an update...show season is starting. These would add some bling!