Abstract: A combustion engine throttle valve includes a multipiece clamshell throttle body which is divided along an axis of rotation of a throttling member subassembly, which may be placed within the throttle body as one component. The throttle body further includes a face sealing ledge within the throttle body's air conduit, with the ledge being positioned so that the throttle plate will be in contact with the ledge when the plate is in the closed position, and such that the plate pivots perpendicularly off the ledge when opening. The clamshell design permits greater use of lighter plastics in place of metallic components and minimizes the number of parts through incorporation of plastic injection molding techniques.