TBI Bypass

[Vette_Newb]

Got it done, but man what a PITA. Mine has some smog stuff right where I needed to get those hoses through. So I came off the motor woth a new piece of hose, routed beside the A/C line then joined em behind the compressor. Hood clears it and its about 3 inches above the belt.

I ran it for a few minutes to let the coolant heat up and turned on the heat, it works great and no leakes. I did let some antifreeze get loose onto the belt (what a squeal) and I hope that sound goes away tommorow. lol

I couldn't find a K&N airbox at any of the local hotrod shops for this vette, so I opened up the lid to mine. Makes alot more noise now. I did notice that under acceleration the piece that connects the box to the TBI sucks inward, is this normal? I am talking about the piece that looks like an accordian.

Anyways, I will drive it tommorow and see if I notice the difference from doing those 2 things. I know when I get the chip from Jeff I will see a definate difference.

 

[Ken]

I did notice that under acceleration the piece that connects the box to the TBI sucks inward, is this normal?

In a word, no. The accordion pleated tube should not buckle under normal air flow, however, you can crush the pleats with your fingers if you're not careful. You then have to pop them back out from the inside, but they should pop back into place. No way is there enough vacuum to suck the tube in.

 

[Vette_Newb]

It doesn't suck inward so much as backwards toward the TBI. I was thinking maybe since it's 14 years old it could be deteriorated and flexing too much.

 

[GusVette]

Man that is alot of vaccume!!!! lol
Gus

 

[froggy47]

How can you see it "under acceleration"? Did you take the clamshell off?

Or do you mean just revving the engine?

I believe the pleats are there so that it will NOT collapse - they add strength.

 

[Vette_Newb]

No, I had the hood up and was accellerating it by hand and noticed the pleated piece was sucking toward the TBI more than I thought it should.

Guess I will get one from the dealer to be safe.

 

[froggy47]

I would think that means you have a restriction forward of the "accordian" bit. If it moves towards & away from the TB that would not change the Diameter/circumference of it, so it would not restrict the intake at that place. I would try opening up the air filter area & "accelerate/rev" the engine again. If it doesn't move then your restriction is the filter area. Are you using stock air filter or K&N or other? Maybe a cut lid would be appropriate here although I usually don't think there's much if any gain in intake flow with a cut lid..

Also check that the radiator area & between radiator & condensor are free of debris. This is a big problem with the "vacuum cleaner" Vette intake.