[whitesaab]

My 2.3 LPT CS is about to receive a stage one upgrade and, as it is one of the models fitted with a heat plate on the intake manifold, I was wondering - If I was to remove the heat plate , which should make the engine 'breath' a little easier, should I do it:

a. Before fitting the new ECU
b. After fitting the new ECU
c. Not at all.

and, having read some previous topics on heat plates , is it likely to make much difference in my particular circumstances?

One last question - Any possible detrimental effects , apart from to the atmosphere?

 

[mark e]

The difference that removing the plate will make is small compared to the ECU upgrade. However it will, as you say, lower the resistance for incoming air, especially at higher revs, which is good. Lower resistance also means that the turbo won't have to work as hard, another benefit.

As for when to do it, unless you want to measure a before and after on a rolling road, it doesn't make much odds. Personally I'd do it before, so that the new ECU can adapt to it straight away.

I can't think of any downsides...

 

[ylee coyote]

starting the car @-20 c and below might be compromised a bit if you take the heat plate out

 

[whitesaab]

Even though I live in the Highlands it doesn't often get down to -20c, it just feels like it.