Throttle Body Screen Removal

Ok, well I finally got around to removing the TB Screen on my 04 Intimidator SS and also my dads 00 Bonneville SSEI (both supercharged). It was an easy process. Remove the tubing from the airbox to the TB. Once that is done use two screws with pointy tips to remove the c-clip. The next part I improvised. Most people suggest using a flat head screwdriver to pry the screen out BUT I took on of the screws I used to remove the c-clip and actually screwed it into the hineycomb screen about 1" deep. I then used that as a handle and pulled the screen right out, much easier than trying to pry it out with a flat head. So anyway, over all time per vehicle was about 3-4 minutes and well worth it for the increased airflow. If any of you guys have questions let me know. I didnt see a thread on it so I figured I would start one. (I used the search feature and didnt pull anything up).

When you say it's well worht the increased airflow, exactly what does that mean? (i.e. feel a difference in throttle response, better sound, etc)

Seems to idle a little better and on WOT at around 40mph, there used to be like a little lag but it seems to be gone. Also you are supposed to get about 4hp by doing this but I am not going to dyno over 4hp to find out. I am buying the stage 2 kit from 3800performance (supposed to gain almost 50hp for $600 shipped), once I do that upgrade I will do the dyno.

Havent noticed a difference in sound, forgot to say that.

Next I will adjust the boost valve(another free mod) and see if that makes a difference.

What is the purpose of the screen? Are there any possible negatives to removing it?

It is supposed to straighten airflow but while doing so it reduces airflow. On every msg board I have been to, I have not had anyone mention any negatives on removing the screen. I even did the same thing to my 4.3L in my S10 Blazer I had before trading it in on my Monte, on the 4.3 it helped acceleration and also helped with a smoother idle.

Well, I think I may have to give that a try.

Yea, I dont see the point of the screen, but when I took that out, and put in ram air, my motor likes to die. But the increased throttel response, a small increas in power and stuff is worth it. Not bad, but I hate it when it dies on me while it warms up in zero degree weather.

Your engine dies because of too much turbulence in the air passing by the MAF. There is no real world advantage to this modification, it's more of a seat of the pants thing similar to the old trick of turning the air cleaner lid upside down on an old carbureted vehicle and hearing the engine roar.

I would have to disagree. I have done this to three vehicles now and neither had problems after doing the mod. In fact mine seems to idle more smoothly now. Worst comes to worst, remove the screen using a flat head screwdriver so it isnt damaged (the screw method ruins it) and if you notice any negatives, just pop it back in. Just remember to keep track of the c-clip and screen. I am sureyou can buy a new screen cheap from the dealer though, not much involved with it. Wouldnt hurt to take it out, see how your car reacts and if yuo dont like, just pop it back in. Would take a total of ten minutes of work to do that.

Your engine dies because of too much turbulence in the air passing by the MAF. There is no real world advantage to this modification, it's more of a seat of the pants thing similar to the old trick of turning the air cleaner lid upside down on an old carbureted vehicle and hearing the engine roar.
Seconded, all the dyno tests I have seen show no gains.

Your engine dies because of too much turbulence in the air passing by the MAF. There is no real world advantage to this modification, it's more of a seat of the pants thing similar to the old trick of turning the air cleaner lid upside down on an old carbureted vehicle and hearing the engine roar.Yea, Ive thought about that too. I have also heard that because its so cold out side, and I just put on a cold air filter right on the throttle body, that the cold air is to dense and that I'm getting to much of it. I have noticed since I put that filter on, that my car takes longer to warm up.

i agree waste of money and waste time..but good luck..

i agree waste of money and waste time..but good luck..


How is a FREE mod a waste of money? And so far I have hear 100x more positive review on this than negative. And also a waste of time? it takes no more than 5 minutes to do and if you dont like it, 5 minutes to reverse.

Makes no sense to say it is a waste of time or money.

A waste of money, of course not as it is a free mod (unless your car responds badly to it and you end up having to buy a new one). Waste of time, yes, as I have never seen an actual time slip/dyno sheet stating any performance gains. GM doesn't waste their time putting an unnecessary screen in the air intake, so it's there for a reason. There is no reason to debate this, as it's partly a matter of opinion and not a matter of fact. If you feel it's an advantage by all means remove it, but I maintain my position that it's a waste of time and effort.

I agree, but so far more people have gotten positive results from this than negative, and all three vehicles I have done it on seem to have positive results as well so I am sticking with it.