Throttle body spacer? Is it worth it?
- Thread starter DC2LA
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Vortec4800
New member
I got one for my Silverado a while back when I had it. Got the cheapo one off ebay, didn't really notice a difference.
Good Times
New member
don't bother wasting your $ on it. not worth it.
I've got a '04 Limited V8 4Runner and have done more research than I care to remind myself of. Regarding your question about the AIRRAID throttle body spacer, I just recently put one on. I am constantly monitoring my driving habits to get more of a real assessment regarding gas mileage- true HP gains should be DYNO'd. With 20 inch rims and a grandmas approach to driving (K&N drop-in only) I was averaging 18 miles to the gallon at best. As soon as I dropped in the throttle body spacer and some time for the ECU to adjust, I now get a solid 21-22 MPG.
From a launch, there is a noticeable sound difference as well as throtle response. Also, once the vehicle is traveling down the freeway, the passing ability is quite noticeable. The key is to realize how these vehicles are tuned. They are geared to pull hard around the 3-3.5 K rpm range. So if you allow the truck to downshift and don't barry the peddle all the way to redline, you'll see what I mean...
From a launch, there is a noticeable sound difference as well as throtle response. Also, once the vehicle is traveling down the freeway, the passing ability is quite noticeable. The key is to realize how these vehicles are tuned. They are geared to pull hard around the 3-3.5 K rpm range. So if you allow the truck to downshift and don't barry the peddle all the way to redline, you'll see what I mean...
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RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
They've been proven on the dyno again and again to do nothing significant and why would these car manufacturers incorporate it into the design from the factory in the first place if it increased MPGs since the more MPGs and manufacturer puts out stock then it scores points with the EPA.
Multi point injection motors don't benefit from the "swirl" effect of the incoming air anyway and is just a holdover from people thinking from carbed motors.
I agree that the throttle response will be slightly increased but you have to decide if it's worth the $80 or so for an argueably questionable performance gain. IMO there's better places to spend your $$$.
I've been working on cars for over 20 years and spent 15 drag racing a modern fuel injected car and if a TBS did what it promised it would have been on my car but I've been present at too many dyno runs using them (including two 3rd gen Runners and one 4th gen) to see why people continue to believe the HP myths. Yes,you might see a few HP gain but it will be at a high RPM range you rarely see with normal driving.
If people have real solid evidence of a TBS improving performance then I welcome it since they're pretty hard to find.
Multi point injection motors don't benefit from the "swirl" effect of the incoming air anyway and is just a holdover from people thinking from carbed motors.
I agree that the throttle response will be slightly increased but you have to decide if it's worth the $80 or so for an argueably questionable performance gain. IMO there's better places to spend your $$$.
I've been working on cars for over 20 years and spent 15 drag racing a modern fuel injected car and if a TBS did what it promised it would have been on my car but I've been present at too many dyno runs using them (including two 3rd gen Runners and one 4th gen) to see why people continue to believe the HP myths. Yes,you might see a few HP gain but it will be at a high RPM range you rarely see with normal driving.
If people have real solid evidence of a TBS improving performance then I welcome it since they're pretty hard to find.
Here we go again...
Ron, I thought I'd beat you to this one, but I guess not...
DC2LA, as a counterpoint to Ron concerning throttle body spacers (TBS), I have had positive experinces with them on my previous truck ('99 Chevy Blazer, do a search if you want the whole story). Increase in low-end torque and fuel economy. They wouldn't still be on the market if they didn't work...
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My advice: Buy one from a store that you can return for all your money back. Slap that bitch on and see if you notice a difference in power and/or economy, if not, rip that bitch off and send it back...
My worn out $.02 on TBS.
Ron, I thought I'd beat you to this one, but I guess not...
DC2LA, as a counterpoint to Ron concerning throttle body spacers (TBS), I have had positive experinces with them on my previous truck ('99 Chevy Blazer, do a search if you want the whole story). Increase in low-end torque and fuel economy. They wouldn't still be on the market if they didn't work...
:My advice: Buy one from a store that you can return for all your money back. Slap that bitch on and see if you notice a difference in power and/or economy, if not, rip that bitch off and send it back...
My worn out $.02 on TBS.
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Well, I see there seems to be a battle regarding this issue. I certainly don't disregard your vast experience, but at the same time, you can't disregard numbers.
You are right in saying there may be no HP when dyno'd. My question is how the test was conducted. All most all dyno's I have heard of are done with the peddle buried. I wonder if there's a difference when normal driving habits are considered. Are dyno runs measured in this same capacity?
Anyway, all I know is that I spent the last year and a half using the average miles per gallon reading on my 4runner. Even if it is highly inaccurate, I can say that it is likely consistent. The reading I was receiving before the TBS was considerably lower than after. Where there is a rational explanation for that, I don't know, I am not an automotive engineer. What I do know is that I am using a consistent measure tool.
You are right in saying there may be no HP when dyno'd. My question is how the test was conducted. All most all dyno's I have heard of are done with the peddle buried. I wonder if there's a difference when normal driving habits are considered. Are dyno runs measured in this same capacity?
Anyway, all I know is that I spent the last year and a half using the average miles per gallon reading on my 4runner. Even if it is highly inaccurate, I can say that it is likely consistent. The reading I was receiving before the TBS was considerably lower than after. Where there is a rational explanation for that, I don't know, I am not an automotive engineer. What I do know is that I am using a consistent measure tool.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
You gotta ask yourself is $80 worth questionable HP;if it is then blow your money if you believe but in my vast experience arounnd performance cars and racing I've seen no real world or track gains and it's been disproven more than proven in independent tests and on the dyno. I think spending money on some "performance" parts makes one want to believe they didn't waste their money and they imagine HP through their butt dynos.
To each his own and it's your money. I'm just giving my knowledgeable point of view since I know how multi point injection works and "swirling" the air doesn't improve anything on a modern engine.
I wish I invented it since there's people eating 'em up which is pretty good for a $5 piece of aluminum.
'nuff said from me.
To each his own and it's your money. I'm just giving my knowledgeable point of view since I know how multi point injection works and "swirling" the air doesn't improve anything on a modern engine.
I wish I invented it since there's people eating 'em up which is pretty good for a $5 piece of aluminum.
'nuff said from me.
I will let yo have one for a 04 v8 for free. all you have to do is get on the phone with me while Im at the fedex office and pay for the shipping over the phone with the guy who works there and it is yours. It has never been used because it wouldnt fit my 05 and it aint doin nothin but collecting dust here. if anyone wants it pm me and let me know.
Lee
Lee
