hi, i've seen a lot of talk about block off plates but i haven't really found any thread that explains the reasoning and benefits of using block off plates

the one i'm referring to is this: http://www.banzai-racing.com/store/F...ff_plates.html

i have a 1993 FD, 5 speed, all stock, it's a california car but i'm not worried about emissions components (off road use car, won't need smog), my main goal is to remove as many messy engine bay components while maintaining driveability.

any obvious reasoning behind removing these components and adding block off plates?
any down sides, other than emissions?
any benefits?

 

the block off plates blocks off the emissions components.

it simplifies the engine bay quite a bit. theres really no other benefit than having more room to work in as well as less things to go wrong, so less headaches.

you can look into the excessive LIM if you're willing to spend a bit of money

 

so they're basically an emissions component removal/engine dress up part? do i need to tune the ecu since i no longer have these components? i'm running stock seq twin turbos, downpipe, and catback exhaust

 

Yup.
Since the ECU is not flashable, you'll need to get a PFC at the least. They go for about $300-600.
If you're lucky you can get a Pettit chipped ECU in the classifies and they are virtually dirt cheap and are decently effective.


Once you install the block off plates, you'll need to find some resistors for the connectors that once attached to the emissions components so the stock ECU doesnt go into limp mode. Search for a thread about it as the resistors are specific.

 

You don't necessarily need an aftermarket ecu to remove emissions and run block off plates. The ecu will throw codes if you don't put resistors in place.

Having an aftermarket ecu makes it less of a headache, but then if you don't simplify your engine harness you'll have half a dozen loose connectors.

There's not a lot of advantage to diving into this right off the bat, especially if it's all functioning correctly.

 

As an owner, the best thing you can do is look at each blockoff plate individually, research that particular system, and find out if you want to remove it.

Not everyone always wants to keep the OEM systems, but some can be useful for daily driving.

 

Agree with Barban....if its not broken don't fix it. It would also be a pita to do it RIGHT with the engine in the car.
For track be sure of cooling and keeping boost controlled with bolt-ons and stock ECU.

 

I'm sorry to revive this post, but I have a simple question. I ordered the kit from Banzai with the intent of only getting rid of the AWS because the original owner disconnected the hose form the intake pipe but that is all he did. He did not block off the AWS.

Can someone tell me if doing this will cause any issues or check engine lights or anything else I should do besides just using the AWS block off.

I plan on using the other block offs if I ever replace the engine with a ported engine and get the PFC.

Thanks for any input.

 

Cam at Pettit racing told me not to remove the AWS because it will throw a code. He set up my car the same as yours with the disconnected intake pipe and I have never thrown a code using the OEM ECU, a Pettit flashed ECU and now my PFC.

 

I was thinking of just blocking off the pipe with a block off plate but leaving the AWS connected. They just have the pipe disconnected.

 

If that's all you want to do, you should be fine.

The only thing I'd add is maybe a new OEM gasket that goes between the hardpipe (which connects to the soft pipe) and the UIM. Put it between the block off plate and the UIM to ensure no leak.

I will be doing this soon myself

 

Had to get rid of my AWS when I put in a Greddy Elbow. The car seems to run smoother for some reason, but my last intake might have been leaking.