Here are some pictures
of how I modified an aftermarket 58 mm throttle body. This first picture shows
what the throttle body looks like. Looking downward
at the IAC transfer port there is no bleed hole. In
this design all idle air must be metered by the IAC valve and the throttle
blades. As you can see in the rear view, the IAC valve
port is opened up to the main throttle blade area. Consequently all idle air
is transferred into the intake plenum.
This idle air design conflicts with GM's engineering. The stock
throttle body seals the IAC air from the main throttle blade area. The
stock throttle body also has a "bleed hole",
or a calibrated orifice. This hole decreases the dependency of the IAC valve
by allowing a certain amount of air thru the IAC passage. Most performance
throttle bodies are missing this orifice. Honed 52 mm throttle bodies retain
their stock design.
My theory is this promotes better idle air distribution and therefore
better idle quality. The front of the LT1 intake has three holes, two for
the main air inlets and one small one for the idle air.
This idle air goes to a common area, which in turn distributes
to each port an equal amount of
air. This eliminates the front cylinders from "getting" most of
the air at idle and can also help atomization. The calibrated bleed
hole allows the throttle blades to be nearly closed while not expecting
the IAC valve to flow all idle air. With this in mind take note of the various
size orifices in different engine displacements. The Caprice with the 4.3
L99 has a very small orifice compared to the manual 5.7 LT1. A high performance
engine with a raised desired idle will need the calibrated hole enlarged to
keep the IAC valve working as designed. Different idle RPM needs will necessitate
attention to the orifice.
On aftermarket throttle bodies I have modified them for better
idle quality. All I have seen are missing the air bleed. Some throttle bodies
have the IAC passage sealed from the throttle blade area. This one in particular
needed both issues resolved.
To see my modifications, CLICK HERE.