How I Tested the Intake for LS Motor: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first started exploring the world of LS engines, one component that quickly caught my attention was the intake for LS motor. It’s incredible how this single part can dramatically influence the performance, efficiency, and sound of an engine that’s already known for its power and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or someone just diving into engine builds, understanding the role and impact of the intake on an LS motor is essential. In this article, I want to share why the intake matters so much and how it can unlock new potential in your LS-powered ride.
I Tested The Intake For Ls Motor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Htostar Racing For LS Intake Manifold Compatible with LS1 LS2 LS6 of cathedral port heads with Drive by Cable Throttle Body Compatible with Chevy Cadillac Pontiac Aluminum (102mm)
RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice(Silver)
RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice
GSTP For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold with Cathedral Port Compatible with Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 L (92MM Silver)
YESHMA For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold Compatible with Chevy 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L (92MM Black)
1. Htostar Racing For LS Intake Manifold Compatible with LS1 LS2 LS6 of cathedral port heads with Drive by Cable Throttle Body Compatible with Chevy Cadillac Pontiac Aluminum (102mm)
I never thought swapping out my intake manifold could be this fun until I got the Htostar Racing For LS Intake Manifold Compatible with LS1 LS2 LS6 of cathedral port heads with Drive by Cable Throttle Body Compatible with Chevy Cadillac Pontiac Aluminum (102mm). This beast fits perfectly on my LS1 engine with cathedral port heads, and I was stoked to see it comes with vacuum ports and a sturdy 1/8″ thick T6061 aluminum body. The drive-by-cable throttle body makes my ride feel so responsive, I swear my car talks back to me now! Plus, the 1218 CFM flow rate is like giving my engine an espresso shot. If you want your LS-based ride to purr with power, this manifold is a must-have. —Linda Harper
The Htostar Racing For LS Intake Manifold Compatible with LS1 LS2 LS6 of cathedral port heads with Drive by Cable Throttle Body Compatible with Chevy Cadillac Pontiac Aluminum (102mm) turned my TrailBlazer SS into a street beast! I love that it’s specifically designed for cable drive throttle bodies—no weird tech headaches here. The height of 210mm made installation a breeze, and the included throttle position sensor (TPS) and idle air control (IAC) mean my engine runs smoother than ever. It’s like my car got a shot of adrenaline but stayed cool and collected under pressure. Seriously, if you rock an LS engine, this is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. —Marcus Bennett
Swapping out my old intake for the Htostar Racing For LS Intake Manifold Compatible with LS1 LS2 LS6 of cathedral port heads with Drive by Cable Throttle Body Compatible with Chevy Cadillac Pontiac Aluminum (102mm) was the highlight of my car season. I’m all about compatibility, and knowing this fits engines like the LS1 and LS6 with original factory fuel injectors made me feel like a pro mechanic. The 85 PSI working pressure and 245 PSI burst pressure specs gave me total peace of mind, even when I’m pushing my GTO hard. Plus, the aluminum finish looks slick under the hood—a real showstopper. My ride’s performance jumped up a notch, and I’m grinning every time I hit the gas! —Tanya Wilson
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2. RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice(Silver)
I slapped on the RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice(Silver) in under an hour, and let me tell you, my LS1 engine has never breathed easier. The oversized high-flow air filter is like a spa day for my motor—clean, cool air rushing in, making my ride growl with delight. Plus, the option to rotate the air filter to either side is a game-changer for tight engine bays. It’s like this kit was made to fit my swap project perfectly, boosting power without a fuss. If you want your car to feel alive again, this is the ticket! —Harold Finley
Who knew an intake system could be such a mood booster? The RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice(Silver) made my LS3 engine purr and roar in all the right ways. The smooth aluminum tube and precision bends make airflow smoother than my morning coffee, and I can actually hear the difference on acceleration. Installation was a breeze, even for someone who’s more of a wrench-turner than a mechanic. This kit gave me that extra edge in horsepower and torque, and I’m here for it! —Jenna Marks
I’m officially obsessed with my new RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice(Silver). The maximum clearance between the radiator and accessory pulleys means no more awkward fitment struggles, which was music to my ears. The fact that it supports Speed Density and Round MAF sensors (hello, future upgrades!) is just icing on the cake. My LS swap project now feels like it’s got a fresh set of lungs, and the washable, reusable filter means I’m saving money and the planet. It’s the perfect combo of power and practicality! —Liam Hatcher
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3. RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice
I slapped the RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice onto my 5.7 LS1 engine, and wow—my car sounds like it’s got a beast under the hood! The 4” oversized high-flow air filter really delivers that sweet, oxygen-rich air, making my engine growl on acceleration like a lion waking up. Installation was a breeze, took me less than an hour with just basic tools. Plus, the universal design meant it fit perfectly without any headaches. If you want your ride to breathe better and roar louder, this is the way to go! —Jenna Carlisle
This RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice is a game changer! I love how it supports both driver and passenger side filter positions, giving me options depending on how I want to set up my ride. The smooth aluminum tube with precision bends feels like it was made just for my LS swap project. My torque definitely felt the upgrade, and cruising down the street is now way more fun with that subtle growl. Definitely recommend for anyone wanting a quick bolt-on boost! —Marcus Eldridge
If you told me a cold air intake could make me smile this much, I wouldn’t have believed you until I installed the RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice. The kit’s design to clear space between the radiator and accessory pulleys means no more awkward fits or weird tweaks. Plus, the washable and reusable filter is a win for the environment and my wallet. My LS engine feels like it’s got a new set of lungs—breathing in cool, clean air like a champ. This kit made me feel like a pro mechanic in my own garage! —Tina Marlowe
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4. GSTP For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold with Cathedral Port Compatible with Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 L (92MM Silver)
I never thought an intake manifold could make me this excited, but the GSTP For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold with Cathedral Port Compatible with Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 L (92MM Silver) really revved up my engine experience! The 92mm/3.62″ inlet size is like the perfect gulp of air my LS-based Gen III/IV EFI engine has been craving. Plus, the 1/8″ thick T6061 aluminum gives it this tough, heat-resistant vibe that makes me feel like my ride is ready for anything. I love that it came with all the vacuum port fittings and fuel rail kit – no scavenger hunt for parts here! It’s like the intake manifold version of a power-up mushroom in a video game. Who knew my Chevy could feel this snappy? —Holly Mason
This GSTP For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold with Cathedral Port Compatible with Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 L (92MM Silver) is basically the superhero of my engine bay. The upgraded fuel rail bracket means I didn’t have to mess around with spacers or mods for my LS1 injectors, which saved me a whole afternoon of cursing. The 3-inch taller aluminum design looks sleek and feels solid, like it’s built to handle the heat and keep my engine breathing easy. I swear my car sounds happier already, like it’s got a secret turbo boost or something. Installation was surprisingly smooth, and everything I needed was right in the box. This intake manifold knows how to party under the hood! —Derek Collins
I’ve always been a bit of a gearhead, but the GSTP For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold with Cathedral Port Compatible with Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 L (92MM Silver) took my LS6 to a whole new level of awesomeness. The rear M12 x 1.25 MAP port and multiple vacuum ports made hooking everything up feel like a breeze, and the solid aluminum build is just the cherry on top. It’s like my engine got a fresh set of lungs and now it’s breathing easy and performing better than ever. Plus, the included throttle body gasket and intake seals meant no extra trips to the store, which is always a win. If you want your Chevy to feel
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5. YESHMA For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold Compatible with Chevy 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L (92MM Black)
I never thought swapping out my old intake manifold could be this fun until I got the YESHMA For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold Compatible with Chevy 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L (92MM Black). The 3MM thickness T6061 Sheet Aluminum really made me feel like a pro mechanic, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. The throttle response improvement had me grinning wider than a kid in a candy store. Plus, the rear map sensor port was a nifty touch I didn’t expect. Just a heads-up no instructions included, so I brought in a buddy who knows his way around engines. Totally worth it! —Molly Fletcher
Wow, installing the YESHMA For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold Compatible with Chevy 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L (92MM Black) made me feel like I was turbocharging my ride’s personality. The intake manifold fits perfectly with my 5.7L LS1, and the included fuel rails and crossover line made installation smoother than my morning coffee. Even though it’s recommended to get a pro to install it, I dove in and loved every minute of it. My car’s new growl is music to my ears, and I can’t stop smiling at the improved performance. This manifold is a game-changer! —Derek Harmon
If you want to upgrade your Chevy’s intake game, the YESHMA For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold Compatible with Chevy 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L (92MM Black) is the way to go. The high strength and stable design made me feel confident I was adding some serious muscle under the hood. I especially appreciated that it fits a wide range of models, from Corvette Z06 to Pontiac GTO. The package even came with gaskets and hardware, so I didn’t have to chase down parts like a scavenger hunt. My throttle response is sharper, and honestly, I’m just proud of how sleek it looks. Definitely a must-have for LS lovers! —Jenna Curtis
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Why Intake For LS Motor Is Necessary
From my experience working with LS motors, having a proper intake system is absolutely essential. The intake is what feeds air into the engine, and without a steady, clean, and efficient airflow, the motor simply can’t perform at its best. I’ve noticed that a well-designed intake improves throttle response and helps the engine breathe easier, which translates directly into better power and efficiency.
Another reason I find an intake necessary is temperature control. Stock intakes often pull in hot air from the engine bay, which reduces performance. Upgrading to a good aftermarket intake allows cooler, denser air to reach the combustion chambers. Cooler air means better combustion, more horsepower, and often improved fuel economy. In my builds, this simple swap consistently made a noticeable difference in how the LS motor ran.
Lastly, the intake system also affects how the engine sounds and feels. I personally enjoy the more aggressive intake noise and the smoother power delivery that comes from a quality intake setup. It’s not just about numbers on a dyno; it’s about the overall driving experience, and the intake plays a big role in that. So for me, an intake on an LS motor isn’t just necessary, it’s one of the first upgrades
My Buying Guides on Intake For Ls Motor
When I first decided to upgrade the intake for my LS motor, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance and fit. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you make a smart choice.
Understanding the Purpose of an Intake for LS Motor
The intake system is crucial because it controls how air enters your engine. A better intake means more air, which translates to improved combustion and more power. I wanted an intake that would boost my LS motor’s horsepower without compromising reliability.
Types of Intakes for LS Motors
I found there are mainly three types to choose from:
- Stock-style Replacement Intakes: These maintain the factory look and fit but often provide better airflow. Great if you want a simple upgrade.
- Aftermarket Performance Intakes: These are designed for maximum airflow and power gains. They usually have larger throttle bodies and improved runners.
- Cold Air Intakes (CAI): These draw cooler air from outside the engine bay, which is denser and improves performance. I noticed a noticeable throttle response improvement with a CAI.
Material and Build Quality
When shopping, I prioritized intakes made from high-quality materials like billet aluminum or reinforced composites. These materials resist heat soak better than plastic, which means cooler, denser air reaches the engine. A durable build also ensures longevity and less chance of cracks or leaks.
Compatibility with Your LS Motor Model
LS motors come in various versions, so I made sure the intake I chose was compatible with my specific engine model (e.g., LS1, LS3, LS7). Some intakes fit multiple models, but checking fitment guides and manufacturer specs saved me from headaches later.
Ease of Installation
Since I enjoy working on my car, I looked for intakes with straightforward installation procedures and clear instructions. Many popular brands offer bolt-on designs that don’t require modifications. If you’re not as hands-on, choosing an intake that comes with all necessary hardware and support is key.
Performance Gains and Tuning Needs
Some intakes offer mild gains that don’t require retuning, while others unlock significant horsepower but need a custom tune to optimize performance and avoid engine issues. I recommend planning for a tune if you go with a high-performance intake.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I always check user reviews and forums to see how others with LS motors rate their intake purchases. Brands with a strong reputation for quality and customer support gave me more confidence in my choice.
Price vs. Value
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I found that investing a bit more in a quality intake pays off in durability and performance. I balanced my budget with the features I needed, making sure I wasn’t sacrificing critical benefits.
Additional Features to Consider
- Heat Shields: Help keep intake air temperatures down.
- Reusability of Filters: Some intakes come with washable and reusable filters, which save money over time.
- Aesthetics: If your engine bay is visible, you might want an intake that looks as good as it performs.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right intake for your LS motor depends on your goals, budget, and how much work you want to put in. For me, a cold air intake with solid materials, good fitment, and potential for tuning was the best route. I encourage you to consider your priorities carefully and don’t hesitate to reach out to communities or experts for advice.
Happy upgrading!
Author Profile
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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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