2.3T Throttle body optimization

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RoninWolf
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2.3T Throttle body optimization

Post by RoninWolf »

These throttle bodies are said to be good for 400hp...wish I had access to a flow bench to confirm :?
Going to go over basic mods, to make it work more effective.

-philips screwdriver [#1 and #2]
-rotary tool [dremel] with a bullet shape grinding stone
-blade edge deburring tool
-basic sanding roll, or just sand paper
-spark plug gapped to 0.040-0.050"
-new seals [butterfly shaft seals] from Merkur Midwest
20260412_111648.jpg
-The inside edge needs to be rolled, like a velocity stack.
[Deburr and sand paper]
20260503_100255.jpg
-set screws are ground flush to the shaft. May want to blue thread lock these on assembly, and try to dent the threads after install, to keep from backing out.
[Dremel]
-There's an "offset" of the butterfly. Most likely a machining tolerance. You could very easily cut a new brass disc a mm or two bigger, bore straight through...but this is to optimize whats already here.
[Dremel the edges, to blend smoothly as possible into each other] BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO GRIND BUTTERFLY SEATING SURFACES. Best to sharpie both sides of the butterfly, in the closed position, before removing...again =P
Set the edge of dremel on the inside, manifold edge, and have the curved edge of the grinding stone blend the offset edges.
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RoninWolf
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Re: 2.3T Throttle body optimization

Post by RoninWolf »

20260503_100209.jpg
-knife edge the plate [spark plug and debur tool]
The edges NOT in contact with the bore surfaces (yes, one edge per side], can be shaved back, to about 0.040 [~1mm]. I only went to 0.050", stock thickness is ~0.065". You want make the taper as gradual as possible, and you dont want to rush...unless you want to risk making a new one.
-replace the seals, most likely this is the only time in 40+ years these things have been given attention, might actually help with idling issues.

Wish I had access to a flow bench to get comparisons to my other stock one, but these mods will help flow better.
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my8950
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Re: 2.3T Throttle body optimization

Post by my8950 »

If you enlarge the bolt, throttle body, but keep the same size throttle body blade, how to you cover the difference?
Seem like it will be hard to keep it idling really high with that much air being able to bypass the blade.

spelling error... :(
Last edited by my8950 on Mon May 04, 2026 10:07 am, edited 1 time in total.
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RoninWolf
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Re: 2.3T Throttle body optimization

Post by RoninWolf »

my8950 wrote: Sun May 03, 2026 3:54 pm If you enlarge the holt, throttle body, but keep the same size throttle body blade, how to you cover the difference?
Seem like it will be hard to keep it idling really high with that much air being able to bypass the blade.
Screenshot_20260504_093753_Gallery.jpg
The 'B' is the bottom, and swings out. Not modifying any stock sealing surfaces, you can actually see a faint line in the modified bore pic, where it rest in the close position...unless you want to bore it out, and make a new butterfly valve.
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my8950
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Re: 2.3T Throttle body optimization

Post by my8950 »

Ok, I guess that is what I thought you did, open up the bore of the TB a touch larger.
I guess I'm not following what all is going on here beside disassemble and reassemble.