Ported and Polished Throttle Body and Intake manifolds worth it?

[AllForGT]

I have a 2002 GT and was wondering what everyones opinion is on ported and polished intake manifolds and a throttle body. Is it worth it or does it not make a difference? Where is the bes tplace to buy them?

Thanks!

[Vegeta]

Just get the TB, and don't worry about the intake manifolds. I like the FDP TB because its not a stock bore out piece.

[AllForGT]

Where can i order the FDP?

[Vegeta]

www.fdpperformance.com

[PontiacGT2K]

Our intake manifolds are one of the more restictive things in our engine when it comes to air flow. I'd get intake manifolds, as well as TB, as well as CAI. Heads flow nearly same CFM as the LT1...so don't worry about that.

[Vegeta]

No way in hell are the intake manifolds the most restrictive aspect. Exhaust manifolds, yes. Intakes...woah. Have you looked at them? The runners are MASSIVE! If you want to see a crappy intake, look at a gen 2 3.1 intake manifold.

The TB is a restriction, but thats about it for intake.

[Welcum]

I got the Intake manifold (upper and lower) done w/ a larger throttle body, from Street Arsenol and I'm happy as hell w/ it. Powder coated red, matchs the car exactly. Plus a CAI from APOC. Let's just says, it's smooth flowing air for me.

[Vegeta]

what size TB is it from SA? Last I checked, they didnt even use a larger throttle plate, which means it isn't doing anything for you. Maybe they changed that though.

[Houston99]

I've been thinking of a TB and the upper and lower from street arsenal..For about $450 for the 3 isn't a bad deal.

[PontiacGT2K]

I was thinking exhaust manifolds aside, because I have headers :-P . But our heads are less restrictive than the intake manifolds and tb. I'm just saying first thing one should do is intake manifolds and tb, heads are sorta a "ok i've got extra money this might help".

[Vegeta]

Got any flow numbers on the intakes? Oh wait, flow numbers on intake manifolds are just about pointless. Equal length design medium runner large port manifolds mean mid and high RPM powerband. Porting these out does what for you? Damn little.

Headers should be the first mod, then TB. After that, cam, pistons for higher compression (if NA), and head work. After that, computer is a must to really get the gains you paid for.

[AaronGTR]

Aside from the exhaust manifolds, the throttle body is next biggest flow restriction, and then the heads (especially the exhaust ports). Since the runners in the intake manifold are already so large you won't gain much by porting them. In fact, you might actually decrease the air speed in them and if you don't port them equally you could change their balance. I didn't port mine at all, but I polished the surface to decrease turbulance and increase air speed. Since I already have the headers, throttle body, and intake manifolds, the next step is heads (which I have a set from RSM sitting in my room right now;) ). I plan on doing before and after dyno for them and will post results. Hopefully my SC won't throw the results to far off and I'll see some improvement.

[aleroboy]

Head work doesnt seem to do much from the dyno figures I've seen. That may just mean the shops arent going as far as they can but our itnake does make lots of turns before reaching the head.
IMO the best bet would be custom sheet metal intakes.
but the shorter runners would cost ya some torque.
not exactly somthing you want to do when torque is what really moves the 3400.
So its a trade off if you ask me. for most people, no its not worth it especially since the 3400 doesnt turn the real high RPMs.
Get a larger tb and match the upper for it. Thats about all I'd do besides a CAI for the intake side of things

[SikMindz]

I'd say...not to brown nose, but the APoC TB/UIM combo is probably my favorite engine mod I've done. Nice growl, better throttle response and definitely more pull in midrange oddly enough..

[jaketuff]

THE ONLY reasons to port/polish the intake manifolds are to (I have had the manifolds done) :

1. To gasket match (=little gain)
2. To install larger bore TB (about 6HP gain)

Anything more is a waste... except for extrude hone perhaps. The manifolds are very thin from the factory and there is very little to remove/smooth. Heads and Exhaust manifolds on the car are restrictive. You will gain most HP by porting/polishing the heads than any other mod on the motor. This can be complimented with headers. Headers enhance flow for more HP, and decrease weight relative to the manifolds. They will also reduce engine bay temps.

OUT

[Houston99]

Has anyone had a local shop port and polish their TB and manifolds instead of buying one? I saw someone had posted it once before, but it never went any where..

[SPAZ]

Originally posted by Vegeta
what size TB is it from SA? Last I checked, they didnt even use a larger throttle plate, which means it isn't doing anything for you. Maybe they changed that though.

Ya they did change and now offer a 62mm throttlebody.

[ohpspe]

I have the SA upper plenum and TB along with my own CAI and a cat-back and it pulls like mad on the lower end and just keeps on pullng through the power band. I can't wait to get the lower done and heads to complete it. To answer the question posted, yes they make a difference, just remember to tighten the bolts down to torque, else you run lean big time!

[jaketuff]

Originally posted by aleroboy
Head work doesnt seem to do much from the dyno figures I've seen. That may just mean the shops arent going as far as they can but our itnake does make lots of turns before reaching the head.

Sorry_Officer's head job really must be a great job then. His car really romped on the street... I mean I was impressed, looking BACK.;) His car sounds very mean as well. I have never heard a Borla sound as mean as his. It could fool you for a v8, even at the topend of the rpms. S_O ran a 14.8 at the track day.

TB - FDP/APOC UIM is the best combo for all the reasons mentioned. I have both, the TB is an excellent piece.

Pat

[doug96z26]

Originally posted by SPAZ
Ya they did change and now offer a 62mm throttlebody.

I'm looking at their webpage right now - the only TB they list still uses the stock blade, which means it's almost useless as an upgrade.

[jaketuff]

Originally posted by Houston99
Has anyone had a local shop port and polish their TB and manifolds instead of buying one? I saw someone had posted it once before, but it never went any where..

My manifolds were done locally, then I bought APOCs along with his TB. Learn from our mistakes... Just get the TB and PNPed UIM from APOC. It is cheap and gives excellent gains. The UIM is all that needs porting, to allow the larger bore TB's larger cfm inside.

OUT