New car buyers paid 12% more in January 2022 compared to 2021. Used car prices are up more than 40%.
Do you want to get more from your current vehicle? Would you like to boost power and acceleration?
A performance throttle body could be the answer. Learn more about what a throttle body upgrade can do and how to get a good performance throttle body.
What Does a Throttle Body Do?
A throttle body controls how much air gets into your car’s engine. It’s a butterfly valve between the air intake filter and the intake manifold. A wire connects the throttle body electronically to the gas pedal.
Most cars have one throttle body. Some vehicles with larger engines have one for each bank of cylinders. Vehicles with a throttle body for each cylinder are rare.
When you step on the gas, your vehicle’s ECU sends a signal to the airflow sensors on the throttle body. The moveable plate in the throttle body pivots open. When more air enters the manifold, the fuel injectors inject more fuel.
In older cars, a cable pulls open the moveable plate of the throttle body when you press the gas pedal.
For both styles of throttle body, you get more power from the engine with the throttle body open. It makes the vehicle accelerate.
Benefits of a Performance Throttle Body
Upgrading your throttle body can improve your vehicle’s performance. It can help you optimize control over the air-fuel ratio.
A lean mixture has more air and less fuel. A rich mixture has more fuel and less air. Better control over the air-fuel mixture can help you get more power, improve fuel economy, and warm up faster.
More Power
A performance throttle body increases the power from your engine. More air in the engine means the engine burns more fuel. This creates more power.
You’ll get the most power gains from a throttle body in combination with fuel delivery and power mods. Otherwise, a performance throttle body may add more air than the fuel system can keep up with. This can actually reduce power.
Better Throttle Response
A throttle body for the engine will give you a sharper throttle response.
Most vehicle manufacturers design stock throttle bodies to produce a gradual response. This makes for smooth driveability. It doesn’t give great performance.
A performance throttle body opens wider at lower RPMs. You have less lag time for the air to start moving when you press the accelerator. The vehicle feels more responsive.
Faster Acceleration
More power and better throttle response give you faster acceleration.
You’ll notice the difference most when you push the gas pedal quickly, like when you’re passing.
Better Fuel Economy
Optimizing the air-fuel ratio can help you save fuel. When the engine runs leaner, you use less gas. A more efficient engine provides more power without using extra fuel.
When to Upgrade to a Performance Throttle Body
Upgrading your throttle body is a supporting modification. You’ll get the best results in combination with other mods.
The throttle body supports horsepower. When it’s the right size, it provides enough airflow and velocity for optimal engine power and throttle response.
You Have a High-Horsepower Build
If you have a high-horsepower build, a performance throttle body will make a difference. When your car makes more power, it needs more air to burn the extra fuel. A larger throttle body provides that air.
Your engine breathes better and makes more power.
You’re Planning Power-Building Mods
If you’re planning power-building mods in the future, you can upgrade the throttle body now. Mods like a positive displacement supercharger need a larger throttle body for the best performance.
Buying a Performance Throttle Body
Buying the best throttle body for your vehicle depends on several factors. You need to consider the type of vehicle you have and what performance boost you’re looking for. Of course, you also want quality parts from a reputable dealer.
Compatibility
Any performance throttle body you choose needs to be compatible with your vehicle. You can search for a suitable replacement using information about your vehicle including:
- Make
- Model
- Engine type
- Year of manufacture
Checking to be sure the throttle body you want is emissions-legal where you live is also a good idea.
Finding the Right Size
Choosing the right size throttle body is the key to getting the best performance. The internal bore is available in different sizes, measured in millimeters. You can measure across the inlet of your current throttle body to see what size you have now.
The size determines at what RPM your vehicle will get the most horsepower. A bigger throttle body means you’ll have to rev the engine higher to notice more power. If the throttle body is too big, you’ll have sluggish acceleration at low RPMs.
If your vehicle is close to stock, choose a performance throttle body in a size that’s only slightly larger. Plan ahead, though. If you’re planning more performance mods in the future, get a size that will give you the airflow you’ll need later.
Where to Buy a Throttle Body
You can buy a throttle body from many online parts dealers. Be sure the site has good reviews before you buy. You want a dealer that stands behind their parts with a warranty.
You can buy a complete throttle body as well as throttle body parts and kits.
Performance Throttle Body Cost
The price of a throttle body varies widely. You can pay anywhere from $200 to more than $1,500. The cost depends on factors including:
- Type of vehicle
- Application
- Options
If you have a professional install the throttle body, you’ll pay labor costs as well. The job is relatively straightforward, though. Labor usually won’t add more than $100 or so.
Before you buy a performance throttle body, compare prices from several sites. You can often find discounts off the list price.
Find Your Performance Throttle Body Upgrade
A performance throttle body can boost your vehicle’s performance. More airflow will give you more power, better throttle response, and faster acceleration. You can get better fuel economy too.
Finding the right throttle body upgrade depends on your vehicle, other mods you may have, and the performance gains you want. Comparing several online parts dealers will help you find the best throttle body for your car at the best price.
Check out the rest of our auto section for more useful articles like this.