Itb Honda: JDM Tuner's Guide to Individual Throttle Bodies

The Thrill of a Throttle Body Honda

For JDM enthusiasts and Honda fans, there's nothing quite like the pure adrenaline rush of an ITB (individual throttle body) equipped manual Honda engine revving up. And that signature Honda high-rev scream as the variable valve timing kicks in? Spine-tingling!

The Allure of ITBs

Individual throttle bodies have an almost mythical allure amongst the JDM community. Replacing the standard single throttle body with multiple ITB throttles allows much more immediate and direct airflow into each cylinder. The result? Lightning quick throttle response and intoxicating induction noise as that high compression Honda motor gulps down air.

The Perfect Platform: Honda's Legendary B-Series

While technically advanced modern Hondas like the Civic Type R and NSX deliver incredible performance, for many enthusiasts it's the legendary B-Series engines that really capture the soul of the brand. From the screamer B16A to the torquey B18C, Honda's 1.6 to 1.8 liter 4-cylinder motors take beautifully to performance modifications.

And that includes installation of individual throttle bodies. Mated to a peaky, free-revving B-Series equipped with high lift cams, aggressive valve timing and freed breathing intake and exhaust, few things fulfill the senses better than blipping the throttle and hearing those throttles snap open in a Dopler-effect symphony.

The Perfect Manual Transmission Compliment

Of course, to fully exploit the engine performance unlocked by ITBs, a buttery smooth short throw manual transmission is a must. The satisfying snick-snick of swapping cogs, perfectly rev-matched downshifts eliciting burbles and pops from the exhaust - the manual gearbox completes the package.

Forget soulless flappy paddle gearboxes; when chasing driving nirvana in an ITB-equipped Honda, it has to be a 3-pedal manual. Preferably with a lightweight flywheel and mechanical limited slip diff to efficiently put all that rampant B-Series power to the tarmac.

Choosing the Right ITBs

Not all individual throttle bodies are created equal. For a high performance street or track build, Jubu Performance and Jenvey are leading ITB contenders to consider.

Jubu Performance ITBs

Jubu is a Japanese ITB manufacturer that produces both bell-mouth and radius inlet options for B-Series motors. Known for their quality construction and name-brand TPS sensors and injectors, Jubu ITBs strike an ideal balance of airflow, throttle response, power delivery anddurability.

Jenvey ITBs

For all out race duty, Jenvey ITBs represent the pinnacle. Their billet aluminum construction is silky smooth yet extremely durable under punishing conditions. Generous bore sizes like 45mm or 48mm combined with ultra-precise mapping deliver incredible top end horsepower.

Expect scintillating performance - but also an equally scintillating price tag! Of course, for the ultimate ITB street or track weapon, Jenvey individual throttle bodies are the choice amongst hardcore enthusiasts.

Unleashing the Symphony

Ultimately, one of the greatest joys of an ITB-equipped Honda is the auditory experience. The mechanical symphony composed by those velocity stacks feeding air towards the cam gears and valves is unlike anything else.

The sound is primal, visceral and spine-tingling. It connects the driver to the inner workings of the engine in a way few other modifications can match. An ear to ear grin becomes permanently affixed to one's face whenever blasting towards redline - and likely remains long after the drive is over too!

FAQs

What are the benefits of ITBs over a standard throttle body?

ITBs allow for more immediate and precise airflow into each cylinder, resulting in better throttle response. They also create the iconic high-rpm induction sound that Honda engines are known for.

Which Honda engines respond best to ITB upgrades?

The high revving B-Series motors like the B16, B17, and B18 are the most popular choices. Their design takes extremely well to breathing and cam upgrades like ITBs.

What transmission works best with an ITB Honda?

To fully exploit the increased power and response, a smooth-shifting short-throw manual transmission is ideal. This allows you to properly control the powerband and engine rpm.

How difficult is installing ITBs?

ITB installation requires custom mounting brackets, new fuel rail and injectors, and a full engine tune. So it's best left to experienced mechanics and tuners. The effort is well worth it though!

What maintenance is required with ITBs?

ITBs require periodic adjustment of throttle position sensors and synchronization to ensure smooth power delivery. Occasional rebuild or replacement of throttles may also be needed after years of hard driving.