To Throttle Body or not to Throttle Body?

[YLW DRM2]

Hey, guys, I know this topic been raised here couple of times, I researched previous posts. However, knowing that tuners upgrade their items, I decided to raise this question again.
First of all, I understand that TB will give me at most between 5-10HP and I am fine with it as it is easy bolt on and I am willing to squize as much as possible with bolts on.

Real question is what TB to purchase? It seems that there are currently three types of TB being offered - BBK, XMetal and Roe.

I know that biggest problem is the idle hand on these modified TB. I've been in contact with BBK and they are working on releasing new TB, but they've been telling me that for at least 2.5 months now.

What about XMetal, does it hang too? I saw some older posts that complain XMetal hang. Was this problem ever addressed by XMetal? If so where to order it?

TB from Roe looks very much like XMetal is this the same TB? If not anybody got first hand info running it on your car? Does it hang at all?

 

[Canyon707]

Let me chime in on this because I have used both the BBK and the X-Metal. The BBK is a poorly constructed unit. Lots of problems idle issues and just not machined well with the butterflies rubbing the sides. The XMetal which is currently on my 04 works great. I have not had any throttle hang with it but, I dynoed it and it showed less power than the stock TB. It's just the dynos were done a couple months apart so it probably won't even apply. The Roe I have no idea. I did not feel any difference in the seat so it must have been minimal either way. The xMetal is a very nice billet unit and well polished. The BBK not as nice of a finish. Theres my 2 cents.

 

[YLW DRM2]

Thanks Canyon,

Wow less HP than with the stock unit. That would be a disappointing to me.

 

[Twister]

Thats the thing...X metal seems to be of higher quality..But never gave good results..The BBK seems to give good results but the quality is poor...

Btter off just to leave it alone...Vipers as we all know are no joke..last thing I want is my throttle doing things on it's own in the viper of all cars...

Im sure if you purchase a BBK and have a shop do a lil work on it...Probally the best bet...Just a lot of time/money for 5-7 rwhp

 

[Canyon707]

Thats the thing...X metal seems to be of higher quality..But never gave good results..The BBK seems to give good results but the quality is poor...

Btter off just to leave it alone...Vipers as we all know are no joke..last thing I want is my throttle doing things on it's own in the viper of all cars...

Im sure if you purchase a BBK and have a shop do a lil work on it...Probally the best bet...Just a lot of time/money for 5-7 rwhp

Twister that pretty much says it all. Like I said in order to really know you should have all three run on a dyno on the same day. It only takes about 15 minutes to change them. I never did it like that but, that is the only way to know for sure. (almost for sure anyway)

 

[Nader]

While I only have experience with the XMetal throttle body, I can tell you that it improved throttle response considerably. It was noticable the second on drove the car after the install.

I will add that I am one of those individuals who have idle hang issues, but the improvement in throttle response outweights the idle issue. There are some tweaks I need to try to see if I can fix it but just havent had the time.

 

[Shandon]

I believe I answerd the question in another post along this same line (long ago). Anyway I have both and have used both. If you are looking for power gain it's too hard to say. When your talking about an engine that produces this much power I couldnt believe anyone who says a dyno result gave more or less power. Just the tires heating up on the rollers and increasing PSI can give a dyno a small change, temps change in shop when the ac unit come on etc can make a small change like that........

Here is what I like about the TB's.
1. You feel cool that you have an aftermarket TB
2. The BBK for my car made absolutly no driveable difference from stock maybe even felt a bit more sluggish when I would drop the hammer.
3. The X-Metal makes the car jump off the line and seems to make the car just feel like it wants to run.

I thought both seemed well built but after having the x-metal on then putting the BBK I took the BBK off. I think the single blade just gives a real seat in the pants feel and response to the car that the bbk doesnt.

I would be happy to sell you my BBK.

Ohh and I had no problems with hanging idle on either?

 

[YLW DRM2]

Shandon, thanks for the write up, who did you purchase your XMetal TB?

 

[Shandon]

Shandon, thanks for the write up, who did you purchase your XMetal TB?

From X-Metal

 

[Canyon707]

While I only have experience with the XMetal throttle body, I can tell you that it improved throttle response considerably. It was noticable the second on drove the car after the install.

I will add that I am one of those individuals who have idle hang issues, but the improvement in throttle response outweights the idle issue. There are some tweaks I need to try to see if I can fix it but just havent had the time.

Hey Nadar, Like I said earlier my dyno showed less power but, with all said I am not sure the dyno run was accurate in comparrision to the time I ran the stock TB. I like the XMetal and that is what I have been running and it seems fine. As for idle hang it hangs just a bit but, not any big deal as well. Mostly when the motor is cold. There seems currently to be more power on the top now in conjunction with the ported manifold. I also found the XMetal instructions to be very accurate and had no issues with the installation. There is a sensor that can be adjusted, it needs to turn a tad clockwise to deliver the correct voltage. I have to go back and find that info I have it somewhere if your interested.

 

[Nader]

I would tend to think you didnt lose power. the change was either a simple variation from dyno run to dyno run or simply a factor of heat. I ran my car on the dyno and lost 10hp on the last run due to heat. That happens easily especially on a warm day and no air movement through the radiator or engine.

I would love to hear about the adjustment if you can find it.

Hey Nadar, Like I said earlier my dyno showed less power but, with all said I am not sure the dyno run was accurate in comparrision to the time I ran the stock TB. I like the XMetal and that is what I have been running and it seems fine. As for idle hang it hangs just a bit but, not any big deal as well. Mostly when the motor is cold. There seems currently to be more power on the top now in conjunction with the ported manifold. I also found the XMetal instructions to be very accurate and had no issues with the installation. There is a sensor that can be adjusted, it needs to turn a tad clockwise to deliver the correct voltage. I have to go back and find that info I have it somewhere if your interested.

 

[YLW DRM2]

Hey Nadar, Like I said earlier my dyno showed less power but, with all said I am not sure the dyno run was accurate in comparrision to the time I ran the stock TB. I like the XMetal and that is what I have been running and it seems fine. As for idle hang it hangs just a bit but, not any big deal as well. Mostly when the motor is cold. There seems currently to be more power on the top now in conjunction with the ported manifold. I also found the XMetal instructions to be very accurate and had no issues with the installation. There is a sensor that can be adjusted, it needs to turn a tad clockwise to deliver the correct voltage. I have to go back and find that info I have it somewhere if your interested.

How long did it take you to follow the instructions to install XMetal TB? Also, I noticed you have a ported Intake, who did you get it from, this is another piece of bolt on that I am very interested in. How much did you pay for it? Did you install it yourself?

 

[Canyon707]

Nader I will look around for that info. I think your right on with the dyno thoughts.
YLW Probably the easiest of installs I can do a TB change in about 15 minutes. Actually the hardest part was disconnecting the battery. Seriously its pretty easy. I cannot post the name of the guy who did the port until he becomes a vendor on this site. I can say he is from Sacramento. It also was pretty easy to change out and I went back with some very cool ARP 12 point stainless 1/4-bolts x1. Make sure you use washers with these The orginal bolts are about a 1/16th shorter. They look really nice. All the bolts are the same length also. If you need any help I can help you.