Why is a ported throttle body not a good idea for twin turbos or superchargers? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

LBreezie · 03-27-2014, 08:14 AM

Another member here told me I shouldn't get a Ported TB if I plan on going FI, and its really only for the NA crowd.

BigBlock69RS · 03-27-2014, 08:30 AM

Think of a motor like a big air pump. More air in and more air out = more power. This is especially true the higher hp levels or with FI.

Porting heads, intake, or throttle bodies allows for a higher air flow, so it's not going to hurt but help. And the more mods you have, the more it will help.

GretchenGotGrowl · 03-27-2014, 08:51 AM

Probably because what it fixes (more air and better response) are also fixed by forcing air into the intake. I could tell absolutely no difference after installing one on my TT LLT. I didn't bother doing it on the LFX.

It won't hurt if you have one, but if you want to save a few bucks this would be a good place to do it if you are going with the turbos. I have no idea what the SC guys' experiences have been.

*The_Blur* · 03-27-2014, 08:55 AM

I have been advised to get a throttle body when I consider forced induction. It is a good idea.

F-16 Camaro · 03-27-2014, 10:43 AM

A ported TB adds like 20 hp to a LSA motor.

2012-1822 · 03-27-2014, 10:48 AM

Don't know that this is related. But a rumor going around is that when you do intake and headers on a supercharged motor that you lose boost and hp. That's sort of true. If you do nothing else you lose boost but not power. You increase air flow which increases hp.

Might be a similar thought with the TB, maybe some think that you lose boost and that's the same thing as losing hp, but it's not necessarily.

blk13SS · 03-27-2014, 10:59 AM

I dont see why a ported TB would hurt performance on a boosted set up? Like other have stated, the more air you let in, the better the performance.

Unreal · 03-27-2014, 11:40 AM

Probably won't notice a difference so I could see people saying skip it. Put the money towards fuel/drivetrain. With a good TT kit you have everything to make 1000rwhp with no added CAI, headers, TB, intake manifolds, etc. You just need a motor strong enough and fuel to support it. That is why I would suggest putting the money where it matters because if you want 50hp more, just turn the boost up a tad. You could have a TT system making 650rwhp on a bone stock car besides the kit, then drop in a forged 376-427, fuel system to support 1000rwhp and just turn it up to make 1000.

Bo White · 03-27-2014, 11:55 AM

Mine was very noticeable on responce for sure.

GretchenGotGrowl · 03-27-2014, 02:06 PM

Just so there isn't any confusion, the OP has a LFX.

Slowhawk · 03-27-2014, 02:49 PM

We port stock throttle body's all the time. Mostly for throttle response. They don't hurt boosted cars.

stevieturbo · 03-27-2014, 02:59 PM

When blowing through, there is no real need for "upgrades" as they would have only a marginal effect.

If sucking through like a Maggie, Whipple etc. Then all airflow improvements in that area can be worthwhile.

As for it not being a good idea, doubt anyone sensible would actually ever make a comment like that.

There isnt really any downside either though for a simple porting.

Allanski · 03-27-2014, 06:09 PM

The "shouldn't" probably relates to all the problems with the 102mm throttle bodies! I spent 2 grand on a NW102 and a TPIS both sent back once and both still don't work. The NW finally has gone back and the TPIS?
Both failed on high Hp. We put the factory 90mm back on and no problems.

Don't buy unless you get a warranty!

rdblan2 · 03-27-2014, 08:12 PM

I added one before the cam and blower. Didn't notice a thing.

I've never heard anyone say they were bad for forced induction either.

03-27-2014, 08:14 AM	#1
LBreezie Drives: 2012 Camaro 45th anniversary Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: PA Posts: 1,027 View My Garage	Why is a ported throttle body not a good idea for twin turbos or superchargers? Another member here told me I shouldn't get a Ported TB if I plan on going FI, and its really only for the NA crowd.

03-27-2014, 08:30 AM	#2
BigBlock69RS Ed Drives: 2013 AGM Camaro 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 951	Think of a motor like a big air pump. More air in and more air out = more power. This is especially true the higher hp levels or with FI. Porting heads, intake, or throttle bodies allows for a higher air flow, so it's not going to hurt but help. And the more mods you have, the more it will help. __________________

03-27-2014, 08:51 AM	#3
GretchenGotGrowl Drives: 11 F150 EB/13 Sonic RS/15 Z06 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 7,129 View My Garage	Probably because what it fixes (more air and better response) are also fixed by forcing air into the intake. I could tell absolutely no difference after installing one on my TT LLT. I didn't bother doing it on the LFX. It won't hurt if you have one, but if you want to save a few bucks this would be a good place to do it if you are going with the turbos. I have no idea what the SC guys' experiences have been. __________________ New Ride -- 2015 Z06 2LZ (stock) -- Journal Old Ride -- 2012 Camaro 2LT/RS (647 RWHP & 726 RWTQ) -- Build Thread

03-27-2014, 08:55 AM	#4
The_Blur Moderator Drives: 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 14,769	I have been advised to get a throttle body when I consider forced induction. It is a good idea. __________________ RDP Motorsport//GEN5DIY//Cultrag Performance//JPSS//Rodgets Chevrolet// Operation Demon//Buy at Invoice//RACECARWEAR RESPECT ALL CARS. LOVE YOUR OWN. warn 145:159 ban

03-27-2014, 10:48 AM	#6
2012-1822 Drives: Black ZL1 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: City of Champions, Alabama Posts: 3,698	Don't know that this is related. But a rumor going around is that when you do intake and headers on a supercharged motor that you lose boost and hp. That's sort of true. If you do nothing else you lose boost but not power. You increase air flow which increases hp. Might be a similar thought with the TB, maybe some think that you lose boost and that's the same thing as losing hp, but it's not necessarily. __________________ Check out Alabama Camaros, for Camaro enthusiasts all around Alabama https://www.facebook.com/groups/1739...group_activity

03-27-2014, 10:43 AM	#5
F-16 Camaro Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS Black Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Alamogordo, NM Posts: 608 View My Garage	A ported TB adds like 20 hp to a LSA motor.

03-27-2014, 10:59 AM	#7
blk13SS Drives: '13 1SS LS3 '05 Neon SRT-4 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 195 View My Garage	I dont see why a ported TB would hurt performance on a boosted set up? Like other have stated, the more air you let in, the better the performance. __________________ 2013 1SS LS3/Cold Air Inductions/VMAX ported tb/TSP 1 7/8 LTs and xpipe/factory NPP axleback/BTR stg 3 cam kit/ZL1 injectors/3.91 gears/MGW sts/DSS carbon fiber driveshaft/DSS 1000hp axles/BMR LCAs & adj. toe rods/DSMLIGHTS E85 dyno tune 454/427 running out fuel. ZL1 fuel pump, McLeod twin disk, and retune coming soon!

03-27-2014, 11:40 AM	#8
Unreal Drives: 2006 Z06 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 5,712	Probably won't notice a difference so I could see people saying skip it. Put the money towards fuel/drivetrain. With a good TT kit you have everything to make 1000rwhp with no added CAI, headers, TB, intake manifolds, etc. You just need a motor strong enough and fuel to support it. That is why I would suggest putting the money where it matters because if you want 50hp more, just turn the boost up a tad. You could have a TT system making 650rwhp on a bone stock car besides the kit, then drop in a forged 376-427, fuel system to support 1000rwhp and just turn it up to make 1000. __________________ Nick Corvette Z06 -1200ish rwhp

03-27-2014, 11:55 AM	#9
Bo White Drives: 2015 Summit White 2SS 1LE Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Vance Alabama Posts: 8,019	Mine was very noticeable on responce for sure. __________________ Retired wanna be cylinder head porter 2015 2SS 1LE Clutch reservoir, Vararam DRX, ported TB, TSP 2" headers, MGW shifter Totalled: 2010 1SS Wilkes Performance/Eagle 416 shortblock, TSP custom valvetrain, PRC 260 heads, Edelbrock Pro Flo 102, th400 swap, 8" PTC 5500 stall= 535/435 at the wheels tuned Gen 3 Performance and Dyno 10.97 @ 124 full weight in 3100 DA CamaroFest X

03-27-2014, 02:06 PM	#10
GretchenGotGrowl Drives: 11 F150 EB/13 Sonic RS/15 Z06 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 7,129 View My Garage	Just so there isn't any confusion, the OP has a LFX. __________________ New Ride -- 2015 Z06 2LZ (stock) -- Journal Old Ride -- 2012 Camaro 2LT/RS (647 RWHP & 726 RWTQ) -- Build Thread

03-27-2014, 02:49 PM	#11
Slowhawk Drives: 1999 Trans Am Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bridgewater,Ma Posts: 2,017	We port stock throttle body's all the time. Mostly for throttle response. They don't hurt boosted cars.

03-27-2014, 02:59 PM	#12
stevieturbo Drives: it changes Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Norn Iron Posts: 1,126	When blowing through, there is no real need for "upgrades" as they would have only a marginal effect. If sucking through like a Maggie, Whipple etc. Then all airflow improvements in that area can be worthwhile. As for it not being a good idea, doubt anyone sensible would actually ever make a comment like that. There isnt really any downside either though for a simple porting.

03-27-2014, 06:09 PM	#13
Allanski Drives: Car Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Burlington Ontario Canada Posts: 750 View My Garage	The "shouldn't" probably relates to all the problems with the 102mm throttle bodies! I spent 2 grand on a NW102 and a TPIS both sent back once and both still don't work. The NW finally has gone back and the TPIS? Both failed on high Hp. We put the factory 90mm back on and no problems. Don't buy unless you get a warranty!

03-27-2014, 08:12 PM	#14
rdblan2 Drives: 2SS RS Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: MD Posts: 1,272	I added one before the cam and blower. Didn't notice a thing. I've never heard anyone say they were bad for forced induction either. __________________ Livernois 2C cam and tune, LS3 conversion, Roto-Fab intake, Kooks headers, DSS driveshaft and axles, BMR suspension parts, VMax ported throttle body, Whipple blower. (623hp).