Throttle Body screen removal

Is removing the screen on the Throttle Body an OK modification? I did so, and it did make a difference, but isn't the screen there for a reason other than consistent airflow? Is there a chance that something (debris) could get in the air hose coming from the air box? Or is that the air filter's job-to keep crap from going in there?

I'm not sure. I think that it might be there to keep dirt out if you take the air filter assembly off to work on the engine. If you have a quality folter in, I don't see any harm in it.

The screen is used to direct airflow properly into the intake so you get the right fuel air mixture! You wanna remove it go ahead but I dont see any possible benifit in doing so! It is not an back up air filter look at the size of the holes if it gets thru the airfilter than it was meant to be sucked into the engine.

Yeah, you said it-it directs the airflow into the MAF sensor. From what I hear, the screen itself cuts the flow down about 15-20%. I know I'm not dillusional, and it has been damn hot out, so I know lower temps have nothing to do with it; but that car has more "ups" than it did with the screen in place...!

Everyone in my club has thiers removed the only people that have had any sort of problems were people with 1997 GTP's. I would say that if 50+ people are not having problems after having thiers removed for a couple years there is no harm.

That screen is there for a reason. It is there to help fuel mixture and as well as keep debris from going through your engine. I don't think that is a ok mod. because of the chance of dirt or debris getting into the engine. Just my..:2cents:

I have a 2000 GTP. I removed mine, and it was clear, no dirt, or debris on the screen. I figure, if there is no dirt on it after 3 years and 47,000 mi. I don' figure that there will ever be dirt on it. (noticeable gain):2cents: :2cents:

Right on! Although, I did finally notice an adverse effect... Yesterday, I started my GP, and after about 4-5 seconds (the engine was still pretty warm) the car started shaking pretty good. I looked right away at the RPM's, and they were swinging up towards about 1000-1100, so I assume, it was a lot lower, and the car was maybe close to turning off. If that's not a rough idle, I don't know what is. But it has only happened once, so I won't think it's anything to worry about unless it keeps occuring.

that is the only adverse effect to taking the screen off. the screen redirects the air, and without it at low idle rpm's it will be rough

Check out www.zzperformance.com . They've got some useful info about this mod. The following is from their site.

The stock Throttle Body can be restrictive even on a stock engine. The factory installs a screen in the inlet of the Throttle Body to straighten the air as it travels into the MAF sensor. This provides a smoother idle and more consistent fuel delivery. For Maximum performance this screen is disruption in the airflow that can be removed with little or *no adverse effects. On the flow bench we have realized a 10-15% increase in airflow by removing the screen.

Begin by using two sharp objects like screws to pinch the retaining C clip together. Pull towards you for removal. Insert a small object like a screw or flat head screw driver into the edge of the screen and pry it out being careful not to damage it.

* In 97 and 98 GM incorporated the MAF channel into the TB itself. On these cars we have noticed that some of them will idle rough without the screen in the throttle body. If you experience this, simply replace your screen.

Yeah; that's where I got the idea... It makes a difference, I swear by it. At least it made a diff in mine. I might be crazy now, but I can almost say that my shifting is more crisp too. Could be the car finally breaking in though too, I suppose.

Took mine out today. It was a tough booger to get out.

A guy at the Grandprix.net forums told me that Delco Alphi said its better to leave the screen in. It could possibly throw a code and/or lower HP numbers. So far i had no codes and seems to drive perfect. I have gone about 100 miles with no problems.

I'm gonna pull my screen tomorrow. Anyone have a pic of the location on a N/A 3800? It would be nice to have a little guidance before I start poking around.

Right at the inlet to the throttle body from the airbox, right?

I can understand how both cases are important... the screen restricts airflow, but at the same time smooths it (which is important b/t/w )... so how about someone figures a way to accomplish the same goal (smooth flow) without the reduction in flow. dosen't seem like a complex problem - I'll see what I can find and get back.

I'm still a bit hesitant to start taking stuff apart. I disassemble my computer without a moments thought but I need my car running well on a daily basis. The plan is to either wait until I can get a step-by-step description of the process or get out the shop lights Tuesday night after I've been at the bar for a few hours. :)

you can find a easy description of the process on www.zzperformance.com (http://www.zzperformance.com) - but I doubt it's going to be a scary job.

I have not done it yet for reasons stated in my last post, and my description is just what I remember from the ^^ website

the way I understand it - you just disconnect the "tube" going from the airbox to the engine's throttle body, and the screen is right there covering the hole on the throttle body. You need two screwdrivers to squeeze the clips which hold it in place, but that's it...re-connect the "tube" and you're off!

Removing the throttle body screen is a good idea if it does not throw a code. If you find after removal it has thrown a code, you should replace your f-duct (the rubbery accordian piece) with either a straight shot fenderwell intake or a piece of pvc pipe with clamps (ghetto style). This will insure that the air being sucked into the throttle body will remain straight. The stock f-duct piece tumbles the hell out of the air, mainly to reduce the supercharger\intake sucking sound noise.

The two manufacturers that build or built worked throttle bodies for the L36 and L67 both remove this screen to increase flow. Just be extra careful never to have the engine running with that throttle body entrance exposed. If a leaf or some kind of wrapper gets sucked in there say goodbye to your engine. If you have a proper filter assembly in place you should never have a problem with it and it will probably offer you an extra horsey or two if your running a smaller pulley.

If anyone is considering the zzp stage 2 throttle body and has a few mods on now that would make use of it, I'd go for it. I have one and they just rule. Increased performance throughout the rpms everywhere :grinyes:

When I removed the screen from my TB it was totally clean. The car is a '99 with 47K miles. With my 9" K&N and 3.4" pulley the car is noticeably faster. I guess I couldn't really feel a difference in power when I first removed the screen, before the pulley upgrade. I just want maximum flow so I'm gonna leave screen out. :naughty:

I pulled the screen out of mine today. A 2001 GTP, 29000 miles. The screen was clean as clean could be. Boy what a difference! Nice clean shift's, and more power. Now the guys who said it's a little rough on the idle are right. It's a little rougher idle at a stand still in park or "D", but once you hit the gas she's smooth out. I used two of my wifes sewing pins to get the screen out, it worked very well and didn't damage the C ring or screen.

I have been told that the screen is there to reduce the turbulence of the air entering the PLenum. Turbulence is friction but applied to low density fluids. So if you take it out more turbulence thus less air speeding thru the TB, but, if you check http://www.zzperformance.com/zzp/free_mods/TB_Screen_Removal.htm they say they made bench tests that showed at least 15% increase in flow so you be the judge. The only downside they mention is roghness on the idle, but, besides that nothing else.
I have not done it but reading the 2001GT testimonial what the heck would give it a try.