I think this a rare occasion where you are both right.
On an engine like the m42/m44, where the intake manifold is a massive deliberate restriction in power
(for emissions purposes, to keep it's power away from the "higher" models and as a side effect of the hunt for more torque),
then throttle bodies on their own when combined with proper tuning and fuel/spark supporting mods, will make a massive difference in power and the freeness of the engine.
However, in the case of an engine like the F20c or K20a found in some of the more recent Hondas, throttle bodies become more of a supporting mod for head or cam work, rather than a completely independent mod.
Thats not to say you wont make more power from a change to ITBs on a K20/F20, but the increase in power will be less dramatic compared to an m42/m44.
The main difference is that on an m42/m44, the main restriction is the intake manifold, where as on a K20/F20, the intake is quite evenly matched to the head, and both are quite high performing parts to begin with.
Regarding independent throttle bodies combined with forced induction, they are generally not used other than to compensate for a biased manifold design and/or where fine adjustment of the individual runner flow is necessary.
For the GTI-R and the Skyline GT-R, i think it was equal parts of both.
On GTI-R for example, the intake manifold was at an almost perpendicular angle to the runners due to space restriction in the engine bay,
and also the car was designed with the intention of being homologated for racing, so fine adjustment of the individual runner flow was desirable.
Whether the same principle applies to the m42/m44, i dont know, as i have yet to build my manifold.
However, the evidence seems to suggest that they are a good idea, as with the car linked above, i read somewhere that it is making signifigant hp. (400+bhp)
http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/Bonje_80/318is%20turbo/I think this could be down to the throttle bodies being able to compensate for the reasonably perpendicular manifold design caused by the long intake runners (which are good for torque) almost like having your cake and eating it too : ).
I will state however, that i certain cases like on high powered Skyline GT-R, the independent throttle bodies start to become a restriction when compared to a single throttle body, but this mod is generally combined with a very well designed intake manifold.
This is all based upon my own personal experience, reading engine design books, talking with engineers and through my college work.
It is by no means fact, just my observations on the scenario which i hope are correct, or at least make SOME sort of sense.
Quinn11m20It was unfortunate that you cursed in your post, as you managed to dilute an otherwise valid point.
Cars are made for having fun. Whether it is having fun while building the car, or having fun with the car you've built, it is important to do things in a way that suits you. Forget trends and forum opinion, it is YOUR car at the end of the day.
