So yeah I cleaned it up pretty good. Did a little sanding in the part before the butterfly valve because is had a gritty finish and that couldn't have helped flow. I was amazed at how obstructive the MAF sensor is and I wish there was something to do about that. Everything on the engine side of the butterfly valve was black (I'm pretty sure its from this contraption that lets EXHAUST into the intake. Some BS emissions crap no doubt. Well anyways its in good shape now and should stay clean for a few thousand miles. Here are some after pictures.

That'* your EGR valve you're talking about. It'* a semi-frequent debate on here, but leaving it how it is usually is a smart idea. It actually can help keep your intake temps DOWN.

hmmm, i don't know if I want to know how that works. Exhaust in your intake can make it cooler... Don't get me wrong, I believe you, I'm just pondering how complicated that must really be to be true. :?

It'* true. There are perhaps 3 cars on this forum that MIGHT benefit from deleting it.

It doesn't keep intake temps down. The EGR keeps combustion chamber temps down. While the actual temperature of the exhaust gases is very hot, the gases themselves are inert and do not burn on the ignition cycle of the engine. They take up space in the cylinder, and keep the air/fuel mix from burning hot enough to form oxides of nitrogen (which induces smog formation).

You could run your car without the EGR, but you would need to plug the hole in your rear exhaust manifold and install a "spoof" sensor or have the PCM reprogrammed so as not to set a Check Engine light. My car ran fine without one, but in the course of some troubleshooting we decided to reinstall it. Ultimately, the EGR systems on our cars are electronic and meter the exhaust gas very well. They aren't like the old mechanical EGRs of the 70s and 80s that robbed a motor of horsepower. Plus, if you leave it on, you're being a little more environmentally-conscious

EDIT: Here is a helpful explanation of an EGR valve.

Hey I appreciate the info, give yourself a pat on the back or something because that was cool of you to take the time to write all of that to answer my noob question. thanks again man :P

Did I spark some interest in TB cleaning?

maaaybe

I cleaned mine in March, but all these threads make me want to clean it and polish it right now. It sucks having to park on public streets far away from my actual room :( I've used car wash bays late at night for dinkin around with stuff If all goes well I could have my own garage in January or February... That'* when the fun will really begin

Ben, great summary of the EGR too.

No problem, though most of my info is paraphrased from other sources