SO as the title states, I'm having a very hard time removing the throttle body. It's almost as if it has seized, or just maybe I'm missing a screw/nut some where in there. I'm attempting to chrome it/ while I'm at it change my plugs and wires. I recently purchased the car in November, and I can't say what was done to it prior. Any help or even tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

Should come off pretty easy once all fasteners are removed. Might need to tap it with rubber mallet to loosen it, but it should come right off. Double (or triple) check to make sure all nuts are removed. There's no secret to getting it off.

 

its pretty easy, you pull off the elbow, i assume you have already.

unplug the TPS, its on the rear side, over the oil filter. then there is a water hose on the bottom, usually you can loosen the clamp, don't worry about taking the hose off yet. and the water hose on top.

remove the throttle cable, either unbolt its little bracket, or pull it out, up to you. if you have cruise control, its cable needs to be removed too.

then there are 2 nuts and 2 bolts that hold the throttle body on the intake. i'd suggest removing the bolts first, and then the nuts, as the nuts are very easy to get to. notice any brackets on these nuts, so you can put them back.

the throttle should then be free to move, you will now have to gently get the water hose to come off.

and then it should be off.

when you go to put it back on, the gasket fits both ways, but only one is correct.

 

no one has mentioned the coolant hoses yet??

the one on the underside can be a bitch --- I had to cut mine and replace it..
and it is hard to see, but if theres something holding it in place it could very well be that

 

I've ran all these methods, I'll get a picture of it tomorrow, I don't know why this has become such a pain...

 

Take care that there is a short coolant hose underneath. That can be a bit stubborn but a shot of WD-40 / PB Blaster / Kroil on the hose end plus gentle working of the hose with a pliers will loosen them.

Also there is a rubber-coated metal gasket between the throttle body and UIM. If it hasn't been removed in a long time and is breaking down, it can stick pretty solidly.

David

 

That has got to be what it is, the metal has simply seized... I may have to destroy the throttle body to get it off.. but it's an excuse to buy a RW throttle body!

 

I really doubt that's necessary.

 

^Agree.

 

If the only reason to remove it is to chrome it, and you cant remove it, I suggest you leave it as is.

 

Even still I would remove the UIM and TB together and break the seized gasket on the bench, using appropriate non-marking tools.

 

If you're sure all the bolts and hoses are disconnected I would suggest using a heat gun and making your way around it, then slowly pry it apart. make sure not to damage anything (No need making it ugly roughen it up)

 

The gasket has several small ports/sections/interior 'walls'. My bet is that's what's making it stick and it's not likely you'll get it off in one piece and be able to re-use it. Looks like N3A1-13-655 is the part number. It might have been updated, but should cross-reference.
If the car is for the street and/or you don't anticipate turning up the boost a lot, the Rotary Works TB is pretty, but isn't a good choice.

 

Oh yeah, the metal/rubber version of the gasket is newer. The original paper gaskets can be really tough and will need replaced.

 

This is a stock motor with 130k miles that needs a rebuild, I'm beyond positive the previous owner didn't upkeep the car what so ever judging by the color of the oil. I'll remove the UIM and attempt to pry the TB from there. While it's all off, I may as well begin chroming and knock two things out.

 

Don't pry on anything for the love of god. It should just slide off, trust me. I've done it a million times and there's no way it can seize to the point of needing a pry bar, if you do you will brake something. You have a few small nuts at the bottom.

 

Sounds really crazy how that throttle body is seized there..