You can pick up a Helix(aka airaid) style Throttle body spacer on Ebay for $38 shipped. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NISSAN-Titan-Helix-Throttle-Body-Spacer-04-06-5-6L-V-8_W0QQitemZ330043632814QQihZ014QQcategoryZ33558QQs sPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem There is also a smooth bore for $25 or so.

Well I jumped on this hoping to get back some of the bottom end I lost after my cat back and larger tires were installed. 1 or 2 mpg increase would be nice too. The TBS Does Not come with a gasket or a gasket seat on the TB side, so you need to reuse the original O-ring on the engine side, and RTV on the TB side. While your in there, it is the perfect time to do the throttle body coolant bypass, and remove the screen that smooths the air, thus defeating a TBS.

What you need:

Throttle body spacer=$24 to $100
2 feet of 5/16 hose(fuel is fine)=$3
Hose clamps(if not reusing factory's)=$2
RTV(I used black)=$3.50

Your truck should be cool since you will be exposed to engine coolant!

Start by disconnecting the NEG battery cable. If your truck is cool enough, you want to release the pressure in the coolant system. To do this remove the coolant over flow cap, and twist the radiator cap so it's loose(red arrows), but you do not have to remove this. Remove your engine cover by unbolting the 2 gray bolts in the front of cover, then pull straight up on each back corner(green arrows). Pic 1.

Next remove front -gold- engine cover bolt bracket by unbolting the 2 bolts(orange arrows - mine already removed in pic) and remove your air intake tube. Next remove the wire harness(red arrow), and the 4 bolts holding the throttle body on(green arrows). Next remove the 2 coolant lines by squeezing the factory spring clamps and sliding them towards the middle of the hoses, then pull the hoses off (yellow arrows). Have a rag ready, there will only be a couple of drops of coolant. If you are doing the coolant bypass, you will not need to reuse the factory coolant lines. Pic 2.

For the Coolant bypass only - get out your 5/16 tubing and cut the 2 lengths you'll need. Route them as shown in. Pic 4 (highlighted in yellow). The alternative is to buy 2-5/16 caps and cap the 2 coolant lines coming off the TB.

With the TB removed you will see an O-ring with a screen. Gently pull on the tab(red arrow) and work it out. You need to trim the the screen in 4 places(purple arrows). You want to do this off the truck so nothing falls in your intake. You will need something pretty heavy duty to cut the screen, I think it is brass, so I used sheet metal snips. When finished reinstall O-ring. Pic 3.


When this is done get out your RTV silicone, puncture cap, and follow the directions on the package. You won't need alot. With the RTV on put the TBS on the TB and press down gently to spread the RTV. LARGE BORE TOWARD TB!! Wipe any excess from the inside of the TB and spacer.

Next place the TB assembly back on the intake and hand tighten your bolts. Get your torque wrench set for 89 in/lbs and begin tightening in a criss cross pattern. Your first pass should be all 4 bolts to snug, then all 4 to torque. Now check to see if your butterfly valve can move freely buy pushing on it with your fingers till all the open. If it's ok then replace the wire harness to the TB assembly. You can now retighten your radiator cap, and put the coolant overflow res. lid back on.

Get your air intake tube and loosely dry fit it to see if you'll need to trim the end of the tube or silicon boot(depending on what you have). The $38 TBS in almost twice as thick(one full inch) as an airaid. I was lucky and didn't have to trim. Pic 5. Once it fits replace your air tube.

Next you need to check if your engine cover bolt assembly will fit. I placed 2 washers behind the bracket to space it out. It does touch, but fits. Pic 6. You can trim the mount (red arrow) with a grinder if yours is too tight. Once done reinstall engine cover, check for tools in the engine bay and enjoy!


Driving impressions:

I got alot of responsiveness back. the truck feels stronger at the very low end. I used to have to give it about 1/8 throttle to get up the hill in my driveway, now I can almost do it at idle. I haven't done any MPG checks yet. So if you lost some low end with a big exhaust, and larger/heavier tires, I would say this is a good cheap way to get it back.

The whine/whistle at 1/8 to 1/4 throttle is LOUD. I haven't decided if it's annoying yet, or at least annoying enough to take it off and do some "home machining" to get it quieter. From what I've read the noise level may differ depending on what intake you have. (I have AEM)

Happy Modding!

Good writeup and pictures. I've got the Airaid TBS, and the whitling is definitely louder with my AEM. With the stock air box, I could barely hear it.

Good review Rob !! The AEM definately helps that whistle get louder but with the Volant it is much harder to hear due to the noisier Volant CAI. Your results are pretty much similar to the AirRaid TBS so it seems you have definately come out ahead with the $ value on this mod-----I guess good things come to those who wait LOL !!!

Thanks!

I wrapped my AEM tube in insulation(seperate thread) and its still loud as hell!

Wow...thanks for all the info. It will be incredibly helpful to me soon. Thanks! :)

Don't forget to tighten the radiator cap!

good catch Red! I'll edit. Thanks.

Can those Ebay TBSs be trusted?

I dont see why not, it's cnc machined from solid alum. just like any TBS. This one looks to be an exact copy of the airaid(according to an airaid owner) except for the thickness. There are no moving parts to fail either.

Nice job Rob. That's a good deal on the TBS. This is something I have been contemplating for some time. Just haven't done it yet. I did a coolant TB in-line shutoff valve a while back. I would love to do headers, but I know I would have to pay closer attention to fuel trims and temps, but there is proven gains in HP & torque. The TBS I'm not too sure about. I would need to clock some dyno time prior to both mods, and then do one at a time with a pull between each. Thanks for the writeup and pics. Takes time to put this stuff together, I've got plenty of experience there LOL

Great write-up and pics!

Nice job on the write and pics. Glad you are happy with the results of the lesser expensive TBS.

dang it...i keep posting in the wrong threads. Sorry

Chicks is drunk again!!



:p

LOL She just needs more coffee!

I dont see why not, it's cnc machined from solid alum. just like any TBS. This one looks to be an exact copy of the airaid(according to an airaid owner) except for the thickness. There are no moving parts to fail either.

Hmmm...I guess I'm confused as to why they all look different, and if there's any dis/advantages to it?

BTW, great write up. :)

ok...I think I'm in the right thread now commenting on the right subject.

Nice write up Rob...let us know if you continue to see the gains as your truck re-learns what you did....

Low end....i really need that back!

Hmmm...I guess I'm confused as to why they all look different, and if there's any dis/advantages to it?

BTW, great write up. :)

Thanks! The only disadvantages are: The whistle between 1/4 and half throttle(which I'm starting to actually like), and the install, which was to me easy, but if your not comfortable in the engine bay, and be scary. The worst part of any mod I've done is actually making the decision to tear apart a perfectly great $45,000(ish) truck. Turning the wrenches is easy, and fun. BTW, there is NO whistle from idle to about 1/4 throttle(starts soft, then increases fast), then again from 1/2 to full. You will not (or shouldn't anyway) hear anything from the smooth bore TBS, but the whistling means the air is being spun, and I don't see why or how a smooth bore would really do much if at all.

I don't know about alot of TBS's, just some. The helix type has a design cut into them to spin the air. This spinning air flows faster, especially around corners and obstacles. Your intake valves only open for a short amount of time, and the more air you can stuff in your combustion chamber, the more powerful the explosion is that forces the piston down, turning the crank. The end result is you feel more power. And you need less gas to make the same amount of power, thus the increase in MPG.

There are also smooth TBS's that act more like carb stacks, which I think are supposed to increase velocity. I know on carb engines you would put a stack on so the air fuel mix would have 3 or 4 inches straight drop to mix and build velocity before slamming into the intake manifold casting, as opposed to the stock 1/2 inch to and inch.

Both will increase the volume of air in your intake tube, which also does something beneficial, but can't think of what it is right now, sorry. I'm sure someone will chime in on this and help me while I'm having a brain fart.

And hey, for $38 bucks, plus the RTV and hose for the Coolant bypass, $42-$45 bucks for this much gain? How can you lose? That's less than one tank of gas, and regular at that!!!

Chicks, the trucks seems to be pulling harder by the mile. I guess the ECM is getting acquainted to the TBS. I am Very surprised by the power increase I'm feeling. And the whistle is becoming cool sounding, not so much annoying anymore. I'm REALLY glad I did this mod!

I wonder if the smooth tbs will have the same whistle?

Rob what is your fuel economy looking like, I am suspecting this throttle body spacer might be better than the Airraid judging from your writeup and initial reactions !!!

I will be more than shocked if there is any improvement if fuel efficiency. Sounds like it is doing the job that it is supposed to though and that is improving the low end.

I've never done any really MPG tests or anything. I'm probably not the right guy to ask. Since I've had this ALL my starts are jack rabbit starts, and it seemed to wake up my Banks abit, so I'm on it hard to hear(or let others hear, I should say) that. I wanna say my MPG has improved, that would make this the ultimate mod, but even with the MPG screen on the nav system, I'm just not that into it.

I am still shocked though how this truck wants to pull so hard now.

It goes against what a lot of car magazines say. Many say that a TBS cannot help at all. I was one of those until I actually timed it. I was shocked that it actually lowered my 0-60 considerably. It is a good mod for low end performance, I don't care what the car mags say. LOL

Well I am glad you were able to give step by step installations,test these mods and give an unbiased writeup so that the newbie's and oldies LOL can benefit from the bang for the buck mods---Thanks for sharing and keep us updated !

Why Do You Do A Coolant Bypass?

Why Do You Do A Coolant Bypass?

I'm sure someone can say this better than me, but cooler air is denser air and denser air makes for a stronger combustion/explosion which gives you more power. Your TB has 2 coolant lines tht run to it, which lets hot coolant heat up the TB, and when the air passes through the TB it can heat up. The coolant bypass, prevents this coolant to heat up the TB thus the air has a less chance of being heated. Which is also why I wrapped my CAI with insulation(seperate how to).

The are other posts that go into good detail on this subject. If you go to search at the top of your CT page and type in coolant bypass, you will get all the info, and it will be explained better than I can do it. One of the threads even show the temp. difference with and without.

You said it well enough. Point comes across as needed.

I chose to install a valve rather than just by-pass the hoses. This way I can choose when to, or when not to run coolant through the TB. In winter or specifically in very cold temps, I turn the valve on.

That is a great idea Blue especially since you are in an area that can get quite cold during the winter.

I dont see why not, it's cnc machined from solid alum. just like any TBS. This one looks to be an exact copy of the airaid(according to an airaid owner) except for the thickness. There are no moving parts to fail either.Hey Rob, very well done on your review and install instructions. I ordered the same TBS on e-bay this morning so ill hopefully have it by wed and ill be doing the coolant bypass as well with the Volant exhaust install next weekend. Thanks again! :thumbsup-big:

I just installed my $38 TBS from ebay and was wondering if you realy need the RTV on one side of the spacer? That part wasnt in the installation instructions that came with mine.
I guess in the end it couldnt hurt?
Guess I'll pull it back apart when it gets back from the body shop??

Since this does not come with a gasket to seal, you really need to get something to seal between the throttle body and the spacer. Otherwise it can start a leak between the two and your SES light could come on.

Shailey

Thats what I was thinking after I read that thread. I was pretty stoked at the way it ran right after I put it on and it went right to the paint shop the next day so I havent really put many miles on it.

Guess it really is good that the wife went out tonight? If she knew I didnt get anal about something I did to my truck I would never hear the end of it...

I'll get it done by this time tomorrow.

Also, Thanks Shailey for all you do for all of us here.

I got my $40.00 TBS and going to install tomorrow or rather this am now. Ill keep ya posted. WOW two mods in one weekend, you guys are killin me.....lol
Big bore faceing intake manafold or TB? Just want to confirm.
Thanks guys and gals.

ok float......wheres the info....lol

Guess ill have to wait till next weekend, got called in today. I sure was lookin forward to this mod too. LOL...this TBS will be stalkin me for the next 7 days.

man i hate when that happens......but hey, it's more money for mods....LOL

LOL the money will run out before the mods! Please ban me from mods i need help!!!!!!!!!

Wow, I did the install a few days ago and I have truly noticed a difference. I would guess a 3-4 horsepower gain. Although that may seem high, thats how it feels. $10 per horsepower not too bad.

My only problem is the whistle. This isnt a descreet whistle, it screams! I guess with the volant intake and ram air there is alot of air being pulled into the engine but man it is annoying. I towed my 5400 lb boat today and it was like someone was blowing a whistle in my ear. Getting to press the brakes was a treat just so I could quit listening to the screaming spacer. I might be exaggerating, but it drives me nuts.

Probably more than that in the low rpm range. It makes a significant difference in time. How I don't know with the engines being fuel injected, but it works. Glad you are happy.

Hey, I can drive around with the stereo cranked way up and just enjoy the power. Forget the aggrivating noise.

My question now is; whats next? I wont do headers because I know it will make me run rich. Supercharger cost too much....maybe nitrous...

Stillen headers won't run rich. They run a touch lean if anything. I will be posting my dyno on the headers next week so you will be able to see the a/f ratio on them.

Those are the short tube, right? I look forward to seeing your numbers....

I finally got to install my $40 TBS yesterday and i definately got back some low end grunt. I even did a G-Tech test and gained very well in the 0-60 like Stephen said, i cant believe how this truck responds now from a dead start. I dont have that whistle everyone is talking about, i however can hear it just a little with the hood open but thats it, just more swoosh, i lucked out there. Ive owned this truck for almost 15 months now and cant believe i waited this long for this mod. Like some others have said i thought it was hocus pokus until i timed it and felt it for myself. This is a definate must do mod. Thanks for that $40 find Rob.

Hey our 14 year anniversary is the 29th....must lead her to Ebay!!..

Oh...I've done the screen removal mod (2months after I bought it)..
I just got the 2 Deg. advance done 2 weekends ago, If I do the TB bypass mod and disconect the Battery..do I loose my timing advance??

I was wondering the same thing, so i did not disconnect my battery in fear of loosing my TA. Dont get me wrong im not suggesting to leave battery connected as you can get hurt or hurt your truck. Dont bash me too hard here guys......lol

Those are the short tube, right? I look forward to seeing your numbers....

No, they are long tube.

I always suggest to people to unhook their battery, but I don't do it myself. I just remove my wedding band and watch when sticking my hands down in the engine. Now if I am messing with electrical or the charging system, then YES I always unhook the battery AND remove jewelry. Has anyone seen a ring burn into a finger? It is nasty.

I worked as marine tech years ago and have seen it all. I even seen guys fired on the spot for wearing jewlery.

you will not lose your timing advance by disconnecting the battery, just your radio presets.

No, they are long tube.

I always suggest to people to unhook their battery, but I don't do it myself. I just remove my wedding band and watch when sticking my hands down in the engine. Now if I am messing with electrical or the charging system, then YES I always unhook the battery AND remove jewelry. Has anyone seen a ring burn into a finger? It is nasty.
Then I guess I should take off my 30 gold chains before changing my battery.

I chose to install a valve rather than just by-pass the hoses. This way I can choose when to, or when not to run coolant through the TB. In winter or specifically in very cold temps, I turn the valve on.WHERE DID U GET THE BYPASS VALVE?AND WHAT SIZE IST OR DO U HAVE THE PART NUYMBER?THANKS

WHERE DID U GET THE BYPASS VALVE?AND WHAT SIZE IST OR DO U HAVE THE PART NUYMBER?THANKS
Lowes.... just a 1/4 turn air compressor ball valve, 2 male 1/4" ntp barbed fittings, about 1 ft. of 5/16" heater hose, some teflon tape and some clamps. This is like a less than $10 mod.

Then I guess I should take off my 30 gold chains before changing my battery.

true-Dat Pimp lol

Hey Blue,...How's the "whine / whistle" thing? I did the TBS mod in a Ford and I took it off after 15 minutes it was so loud,......what's your verdict? pm me if you want, Thanks, Steve

true-Dat Pimp lol

Hey Blue,...How's the "whine / whistle" thing? I did the TBS mod in a Ford and I took it off after 15 minutes it was so loud,......what's your verdict? pm me if you want, Thanks, Steve
Dude, I don't have a TBS..... yet! But the TB coolant by-pass/shutoff valve doesn't affect anything involving noise, just re-routes or shuts off coolant flow throught the TB. I do however, have a feint (not annoying) whistling that comes from the K&N air intake around 1800-2000 rpm. I just imagine it is a supercharger LOL

I just got done installing my $38 dollar TBS. So far, I love it! I have the Banks exhaust and this mod definately helps the low end.. I like the whistle sound alot, although my wife does not. Great cheap mod. I went ahead and did the Coolant Bypass too. I just felt like getting under the hood a little. Anyway, highly recommended. If anyone has trouble doing this mod or has a question about one of the pictures, pm me. I went ahead and took pictures of every little detail when I did mine. Let me know!

Also, my battery completely died on me right after I got my 2 degree timing advance. Will I lose it if I totally lost my battery? Thanks!