Can I Put an LS2 Intake Manifold on My LS1? Need Tips!

Performance and Tuning
1

I’ve been considering swapping an LS2 intake manifold onto my LS1 engine and wanted to get some insights from fellow car enthusiasts.

Feasibility of the Swap

Can anyone share their experience with this modification? Is it a straightforward swap, or are there potential challenges I should be aware of?

Additional Parts Needed

I’ve read that I might need to upgrade injectors or other components. What specific parts should I look into, and do I need to change anything else to make this work?

Potential Gains

What kind of power gains can I realistically expect from this swap? Any dyno results or personal anecdotes would be great to hear!

Closing Thoughts

I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and any advice you can offer. Thanks in advance for your help!

8 Likes
2

The LS2 intake manifold can be put on an LS1, but you need to ensure compatibility with the rest of your setup. You’ll likely need to modify some wiring and may require an LS2 throttle body as well. Just don’t expect a huge power gain without further mods!

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3

Thanks for the info! I’m also worried about the tuning aspect. Has anyone had to do a custom tune after making this swap?

4

Yes, tuning is crucial when making the swap! I did it on my setup and had fantastic results. Just be prepared for it to take some time to get everything dialed in properly.

5

What kind of performance gains can I realistically expect from this swap?

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The gains can vary, but I’ve read people seeing around 15-20 hp increase. This really depends on other modifications you have done to the engine.

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I agree! It largely depends on your setup. If you have headers and a free-flowing exhaust, the swap can be worth it. Just don’t expect it to be a miracle worker if your engine is stock.

4 Likes
8

You mentioned needing an LS2 throttle body. Would using an aftermarket throttle body work too, or do I need to stick with OEM?

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An aftermarket throttle body should work fine! Just make sure it’s compatible with the LS2 manifold. Sometimes they can offer even better performance than stock options.

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10

Awesome, I’ll look into that! Are there any downsides to this kind of swap that I should be aware of?

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A potential downside is that the LS2 manifold is bulkier, which can restrict hood clearance in some vehicles. Plus, it might not work as well if you are still using a stock cam setup.

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Thanks for the heads up! Do you think the swap is worth the hassle?

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I think it can be worth it if you’re looking to upgrade with future plans in mind. Just don’t rush the process—take your time to do it right and get tuned properly!

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All great pointers! For the tuning, should I be looking for someone with LS experience specifically?

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Absolutely! Finding a tuner who knows LS engines can make a huge difference. They’ll understand how to optimize your specific setup and make it run great.

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I love the idea of upgrading but man, swaps can be like dating—lots of effort for varying results! Have you all been surprised by any swaps?

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Haha, true! Every swap has a learning curve. I learned the hard way not to skip the tuning step!

1 Like
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Hey! Yes, you can definitely put an LS2 intake manifold on your LS1. It’ll give you a nice boost in airflow and potentially help with throttle response! Expect gains around 10-15 horsepower depending on the rest of your setup.

19

That sounds promising! How does it affect the torque curve? Is the gain noticeable in everyday driving?

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The torque curve remains pretty similar, but you’ll notice better pull at high RPMs! Users report a smoother acceleration post-swap. Just be sure to adjust your tune afterward!