Question about a mod

[Madmunky]

While surfing e-bay like I do frequently for car parts and such I came accross an auction for a mod to 3.1L and 3.4L engines that I find...questionable.
This is the description the auction gives. (I am not sure if posting actual e-bay auctions here is permited, it hasn't been on forums I've been on in the past)

This simple, yet effective modification will allow you to boost the power output of your vehicle's engine, without sacrificing reliability or comfort. Included with this kit is the needed fitting(s), hose(s), cap(s) and instructions needed to complete the install.

How this mod works is that GM ran a coolant line to and from your factory throttle body. After driving for awhile, your coolant will reach temperatures of up to 210F... This hot coolant running throught the throttle body heats up the air entering the engine and hinders performance.

By directing this hot coolant around the throttle body instead of through it, you will see gains of 6-8 HP at the wheels and a decrease of up to .3 sec in 1/4 mile times.

The auction has pictured a peice of hose and a couple fittings for $13 plus s+h, correct me if I'm wrong but could I not go to Canadian tire, pick up a hose and everything for a fraction of the cost? I'm just wondering if this mod serves any purpose at all. It seems to me that if GM put a coolant line through the throttle body then they probably did it for a reason, and that changing this wouldn't have such a profound effect in performance. That being true installing a CAI and this mod could get you an additional 16-23hp...seems fishy to me. You would think it would be a more popular and talked about mod if it were true.
I haven't run outside to pop the hood of my car yet, I'm at work, might look fishy to the boss...

Thanks for any advice

Jamie

[Ripn12s]

Im not sure about the 3.4 motor, but on the 3.8's some people use a throttle body spacer that blocks off the coolant passage in the throttlebody.

No way its going to 6-8 hp from it.

[richtazz]

cold weather driveability will suffer if you block off the coolant passages thru the throttle body. Something to think about if you live in a cold weather state, as the slight gains will be more than offset by crappy driveability while the engine is cold on slippery roads in winter time.

[Madmunky]

I live in Canada...
I don't think I'm going to go ahead with it, for such little gains the possible problems that could result are too much.
Thanx for the advice

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by Madmunky

The auction has pictured a peice of hose and a couple fittings for $13 plus s+h, correct me if I'm wrong but could I not go to Canadian tire, pick up a hose and everything for a fraction of the cost? I'm just wondering if this mod serves any purpose at all....

Yes you can buy a hose and clamps for much less. I hav bypassed my TB on my GA and did notice a little differance in throtle response during this summer, better. I liv in N. Indiana and it gets freeze ur ass off cold in the winter, I havnt had troubles with cold temps yet, but its still what I'd call 'under testing' being this is my first winter with it. Hav read where people who liv in Northern Canada have the TB by passed and they didnt freeze their TBs up.