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- LS1 Bolt-On Engine Upgrade
Description:
Gen 4 LS1 Camaros are great sports cars, but they just can't keep up with the newer models without some help. We decided on some bolt-on upgrades for ours so as to kick it up to a new level for both drag racing and road racing. Our fully-documented basic and complete packages are available to you with the expectation of getting similar results. (Complete includes exhaust system)
We took our 2001 Camaro Z28 with 119K miles and documented a multi-step, bolt-on upgrade to its bone-stock, never-been-touched LS1 engine that jumped rear wheel horsepower from 318 to 410. Given a 20% drive train loss through its 4L60 automatic trans, that translates to a final engine dyno result of about 512 fwhp. Look below to see a playlist of videos that documented the process step-by-step and shows the outcomes on both the drag and road tracks.
The engine upgrade centered around the cylinder heads and cam. The LS1's cylinder heads were CNC ported, CNC valve jobbed, milled flat and filled with a new set of Manley valves and PAC springs. We paired these heads with a COMP Cams hydraulic roller selected for a balance of performance and street-ability. The stock intake and 75mm throttle body were replaced with FAST's 92mm throttle body and intake manifold. While rear power power climbed to 357 hp, this half-step of only upgrading the intake side is not recommended. We did it for demonstration purposes only as you'll need headers and a good exhaust system to achieve full effect. Nevertheless, the higher horsepower also necessitated bigger fuel injectors. We selected a set of 42lb DeatschWerks for the second phase of the testing.
A matched set of Hooker mid-length 1 7/8 inch headers and true dual exhaust system (not emissions compliant) was then installed to allow the engine to properly exhale. Being now able to fully inhale and exhale, the Z28 laid down 410 rwhp on the chassis dyno, up 29% from baseline. Because we used the Z28 primarily for road racing, we also installed a COMP vacuum pump to guarantee maximum brake boost no matter what we are doing on the track.
This package, excluding the exhaust system, includes the same parts we needed to push our Gen 4 Z28 over 500 fwhp and into the 12's for the quarter mile.
The basic kit contains the following parts as described previously:
- The fully CNC'd and assembled LS1 heads (yours or ours with a $600 core charge)
- FAST intake manifold and throttle body
- COMP hydraulic roller cam
- DeatschWerks 42 lb injectors
- Gaskets, timing cover, water pump, valley pan, cylinder heads (MLS), valve covers
- ARP head bolt kit
- NGK Racing spark plugs
The complete kit includes the same Hooker headers, exhaust system and COMP vacuum canister that we used.
The cam and exhaust system selection depends upon your intended end use. You should call us at 815-725-2727 to talk through your plans so we can customize a kit for your exact needs. To give you an idea of possible kit customization, we chose to replace certain additional parts for enhanced service life and reliability such as the lifters, timing chain, oil pump and air fuel sensors. Any and all of these items can be added to your package. All parts can also be purchased from us separately, but you'll lose the discount for buying a complete kit.
Like this kit but you have a different LS equipped vehicle? Call us!
NOTES
1. There is $600 core charge deposit for LS1 heads which is billed separately and refunded upon receipt of usable cores.
2. This package is intended for competition and is therefore not covered by any warranty, either expressed or implied.
3. Tuning will be required. We can provide you or your tuner with the base tune we used on our Camaro.
VIDEOS (in reverse order)
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