More power from my LS1, how to?

[Moabdude]

What is the easiest way to get more power out of my LS1.
Mine is from a 2000 Camaro. I think it has around 320hp now.


What options do I have and what does it cost?
Looking to spent not more than $ 1000

[analyte]

Visit LS1Tech.com and read. Lots of threads about cam, head, and boost choices/installs to help you make the best decision based on your own goals and budget

I've spent many hours myself on that site so it's the real deal for LS engines

Kerry

[68lovebuzz]

ls6 intake can net You 10 horse and is probably the easiest but a Cam and springs really wake these motors up! I would look at that and maybe a set of 243 heads with some minor polish work. If you did it yourself you could for sure keep it under 1k and probably pick up 75-100hp with the right tune. Merry Xmas

[jlcustomz]

That 320 hp is an underrated number they used . Like any upgrade, everything needs to be reasonably matched together,Watever you get needs to be properly tuned to be optimum. If you don't have headers, go for long tube.
Cam& springs with a tune is probably the biggest bump for the money.

[DionM]

A 3600 converter will be the biggest bang for the buck.

[badazz81z28]

A 3600 converter will be the biggest bang for the buck.

$1000 is pocket change when dealing with LS engine upgrades....You need a lot more $$ than that to really wake it up.

A cam swap will yield the most gain for the $$, but to do it right on an old engine you should also buy new lifters, a new timing chain, hardened push-rods and better springs. Than you fall into the viscous cycle...a better cam needs a better intake and exhaust....Have FUN!

I wouldn't do a converter before you decide on a cam. What do you plan to do with the car? Strip? Street?


A stock 2000-2002 LS1 should already have the LS6 intake on it and will produce about 310 to the wheels.

[69cutlassrkt]

the 01 and 02 camaros came with the ls6 intake. People on ls1tech seem to be doing good with 1 7/8th headers even on stock ls1's. I got my ls6 intake for 270 with shipping they normally go for $250-300, just keep searching the classifieds on ls1tech and craigslist. If you do headers and ls6 intake that's like 800 dollars and then you still got to do the rest of the exhaust.

[badazz81z28]

lol...point proven there...$800 and all you got was an intake and headers.

[67rally]

I would do a head/cam upgrade on that LS1. You can always do the LS6 intake later, but it's only good for another 5-10hp.

You can pick up a nice used set of 243 or 799 heads for under $500, and a good cam for under $400. Upgrade to the GM #12499224 LS2/LS6 springs (.570 lift) for around $80 and that should keep you happy for a while.

[newschool72]

Cam swap and exhaust would make big gains. Just remember that unless you are going to stall it (if its an auto) dont fall into the bottom of the page mentality on the cam. Give up 20hp up top for good grunt down low and you will be much happier on the street. Ive seen over 500hp at the fly wheel on a stock long block LS1 with a monster cam and headers, but it would be a pain to drive on the street. Good luck with your build!

[69cutlassrkt]

Also with a cam swap you will need it street tuned using a wideband or maybe frost would be able to get something close. You just send him your pcm http://www.tunedbyfrost.com/.

[zamora7]

Do the obvious things first like exhaust, then if you havent an ls6 intake. Id do a converter, go with a Yank 3200 to 3600. Then decide how crazy you want to go.with your cam set up.

[srh3trinity]

Don't forget gaskets and bolts and a tune if you swap heads.

[avewhtboy]

I saw an ad for Z06 heads and cam for $500 that should put out 400hp at least, of course you would need a tune and gaskets other
odds and ends but may be able to do it for less than a grand