I was just reading the install instructions for the Iso Thermal Spacer kit and came across the part of installing the Coolant Control Valve and this involves cutting a hose and installing this thing. Do you think that this is necessessary or could I just skip this part of the install and leave that piece out? Also if I decide not to to this part should I just forget about the Iso Thermal in general and just get the spacer itself? I really don't like cutting anything especially in the engine. And to be honest I don't know if I'm comfortable with removing the lower plenum and installing the Aramid gasket. I don't really want to put out the extra money so I'm not going to do the copper upgrade to make the throttle body heating issue easier. Do any of you find is a PITA to have to remember to open/close the valve when it is cold. Thanks for any help.

 

I live in Cali (SF Bay Area, where it never really gets that cold) and I still put the copper throttle body piece on just in case...

 

Installing the 2 ISO Thermal components ( Aramid gasket and CCV ) are quite simple and can be quickly accomplished, if you review Motordyne's instructings a few times prior to the actual installation of the said.

To avoid cutting the existing coolant line for the installation of the CCV, your other option would be the Copper heating plate, which you have opted not to use. With all of that having been said . . . You will be fine in simply installing the spacer unit by itself.

 

I just did this install myself two weeks ago. Not too bad, although an extra set of hands would be nice when lifting the lower plenum to replace the gasket. You don't have to lift it far, just enough to pull old gasket out and drop in new one.

As for the CCV, I recommend just pulling that hose clear off and then installing the valve, was much easier and it just a small hose anyway with spring clamps. Just make sure you get the valve screw pointing in the right direction so you can get to it after reinstalling the hose.

As for doing all that... yeah, I considered just doing the spacer, but heck, I paid extra for the ISO Thermal and if it's 1-2hp... I'll do it.