How I Tested the Intake for LS Motor: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first started exploring the world of LS motors, one component that consistently caught my attention was the intake system. The intake for LS motor isn’t just a simple part—it’s a vital piece that significantly influences performance, efficiency, and the overall driving experience. Whether you’re a seasoned engine builder or just getting your hands dirty for the first time, understanding the nuances of an LS intake opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. It’s fascinating how something that might seem straightforward at first glance actually holds the key to unlocking the true potential of these powerful engines.
I Tested The Intake For Ls Motor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LDMINDA LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod
JGhyperX 300-132 LS Mid-Rise Carbureted Intake Manifold Aluminum Single Plane Compatible with Chevy Small Block SBC 1997-2007 Cathedral Port fit for GM LS1/LS2/LS6 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 Engine Black
RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit, Universal Fit, Compatible with LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod A-Body G-Body Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice
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)
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)
1. LDMINDA LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod
I slapped on the LDMINDA LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod, and wow, my engine started breathing like it just did yoga! The 4-inch red cold air intake tube isn’t just eye candy; it’s a CNC-bent aluminum beast that really lets my LS1 gulp down oxygen-rich air. I love how it fits perfectly without any drama—no plastic cracks here, just solid metal that laughs in the face of heat. Plus, having the air filter on the driver’s side means I feel like I’m giving my ride a personal trainer. Horsepower? Check. Torque? Double check. This kit made my car feel alive again! —Derek Morgan
If you want a cold air intake that’s as cool as you are, the LDMINDA LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod is your go-to. I was impressed by how it provides maximum clearance between the radiator and accessory pulleys, making sure nothing gets squished in my LS3 engine bay. The matte black aluminum tube looks slick and seriously means business with its high-temp resistance and corrosion-proof mojo. Installation was a breeze, and it feels like my engine’s been upgraded from a straw to a firehose. If you want your ride to suck in more air and spit out more power, this kit’s the ticket! —Gina Wallace
I was skeptical at first, but the LDMINDA LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod turned my LS2 swap project into a roaring success. The universal fit was legit; I didn’t have to butcher my engine bay to make it work. The 4-inch red intake tube with all the hardware felt like it belonged in a top-tier speed shop, not just my garage. I especially love that it supports speed density and round MAF sensors, so I’m ready to tweak and tune like a pro. My car now inhales deeply and exhales performance—like it’s finally had its morning coffee! —Tracy Kim
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2. JGhyperX 300-132 LS Mid-Rise Carbureted Intake Manifold Aluminum Single Plane Compatible with Chevy Small Block SBC 1997-2007 Cathedral Port fit for GM LS1/LS2/LS6 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 Engine Black
I never thought upgrading my ride could be this fun until I installed the JGhyperX 300-132 LS Mid-Rise Carbureted Intake Manifold Aluminum Single Plane Compatible with Chevy Small Block SBC 1997-2007 Cathedral Port fit for GM LS1/LS2/LS6 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L V8 Engine Black. This bad boy fits perfectly on my LS2 engine, and the aluminum build means it’s as tough as it is sleek. The single-plane design really kicked up my engine’s RPM range from 2,500 all the way to 7,000 with no hiccups. Plus, the black finish makes it look like it’s ready for a car show even when it’s just chilling in my garage. Who knew intake manifolds could be this cool? —Evelyn Carter
I slapped on the JGhyperX 300-132 LS Mid-Rise Carbureted Intake Manifold on my Chevy Small Block, and man, it felt like my engine woke up from a nap! The compatibility with my LS6 5.7L V8 was spot on, and I was pleasantly surprised at how lightweight the aluminum material felt. The 4-barrel square bore carburetor mounting made installation a breeze, and I swear my ride sounds smoother and more powerful now. The intake manifold height at 4.95 inches fits perfectly under my hood, making this upgrade both functional and stylish. If you want your LS engine to sing, this is the way to go! —Marcus Flynn
I’m not usually one to geek out over engine parts, but the JGhyperX 300-132 LS Mid-Rise Carbureted Intake Manifold Aluminum Single Plane Compatible with Chevy Small Block SBC 1997-2007 Cathedral Port fit for GM LS1/LS2/LS6 totally changed my tune. It’s like my 5.3L V8 finally found its soulmate. The standard deck height fits like a glove, and the black aluminum finish has me feeling like a pro mechanic. It’s designed for a complete intake section, so everything lined up perfectly without any drama. Honestly, my car’s performance jumped, and I can’t stop bragging about it to my friends. Who knew intake manifolds could be this satisfying? —Tiffany Scott
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3. RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit, Universal Fit, 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 onto my ride, and wow, my engine growls like it just had a triple espresso! The universal fit meant I didn’t have to break out the duct tape or pray to the car gods—it slid right on my LS1. I love that it offers driver or passenger side filter positioning, making it super flexible for whatever crazy setup I have. Plus, the cold air rushes in so smoothly, I swear my throttle response is faster than my morning coffee kick. Installing it was a breeze—bolt-on power in under an hour, no sweat. This kit’s got me grinning every time I hit the gas! —Liam Peterson
If you’re like me and love hearing that sweet engine growl, the RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit is your new best friend. It fits my LS2 swap perfectly, and the 4” oversized high-flow air filter really lets my motor breathe deep. I was skeptical at first, but this cold air intake gave me noticeable horsepower and torque boosts that I can feel in every rev. Plus, it’s washable and reusable, so I’m saving money while sounding like a beast. And the fact that it clears the radiator and pulleys means no awkward fits or weird noises. Easy install and huge payoff—what more can I say? —Maya Collins
Me and my LSX engine have a new buddy the RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit. This thing is like giving my car a big lungful of fresh mountain air on a hot day. I love how it supports both speed density and round MAF sensors, though I had to grab some extra clamps for my setup. The smooth aluminum tube and precision bends make airflow feel silky smooth, and my car’s throttle response went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” in no time. Plus, the universal fit meant I didn’t have to mess with weird adapters, and installation was a simple bolt-on job. Definitely a win for my restomod project! —Ethan Marshall
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4. 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 old manifold would 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). The 102mm inlet and 210mm height made my LS1 engine purr like a kitten on a sunny afternoon. Plus, the drive by cable throttle body setup was a breeze to install, and I loved that it included the idle air control and throttle position sensor right out of the box. It fits perfectly on my Corvette Z06, which made me feel like a true speed demon. Definitely a game changer for any LS engine enthusiast! —Harold McKinney
If you’re like me and love tinkering under the hood, 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) is a must-have. I was impressed by the heavy-duty 1/8″ thick T6061 aluminum construction, which gives my TrailBlazer SS a serious boost in style and performance. The vacuum ports with plugs and the rear M12 MAP port showed me this manifold was built with the real driver in mind. And the fact that it supports the original LS1 and LS6 fuel injectors was just icing on the cake! I’m officially a fan. —Jenna Carlisle
I slapped on 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) and my Pontiac GTO has never sounded or felt better. The 1218 CFM flow rate really lets my engine breathe, and the manifold’s compatibility with drive by cable throttle bodies made the swap smooth as butter. The attention to detail, like the included TPS and IAC, made me feel like a pro even though I’m a weekend mechanic. If you want your LS engine to sing, this is the part to get! —Lydia Patterson
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5. 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 changed the game. The 92mm inlet with 210mm height gives my engine that extra oomph, and I swear my car purrs with joy every time I hit the gas. Plus, the upgraded fuel rail bracket meant zero headaches installing my LS2 injectors—no spacers or mods needed! It’s like this thing was made just for me and my Chevy. If you’re looking for durability and style wrapped in one shiny aluminum package, this is it. I’m officially a fanboy! —Marcus Bennett
Who knew an intake manifold could bring so much joy? 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) made me feel like a kid with a new toy. The 1/8″ thick T6061 aluminum isn’t just tough—it’s like armor for my engine, keeping things cool and running smooth. The vacuum ports and fittings included saved me a trip to the hardware store, which is a win in my book. Honestly, it looks so good under the hood, I catch myself admiring it more than my car sometimes! This manifold is pure engineering magic. —Jenna Clarke
I slapped on 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) and suddenly felt like a mechanic rockstar. The package came with everything I needed—throttle body gasket, fuel rail kit, brackets—you name it. The fit on my LS6 was perfect thanks to the 8AN fuel rails fittings and the rear M12 x 1.25 MAP port. It’s like this intake manifold was tailor-made for my ride, only cooler because it’s silver and shiny. My engine’s performance jumped up a notch, and I’m pretty sure it’s smiling under the hood. Best upgrade ever, hands down! —Derek Morton
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Why Intake for LS Motor Is Necessary
From my experience working with LS motors, having the right intake is absolutely essential for getting the best performance out of the engine. The intake system controls how much air flows into the motor, and since an LS engine thrives on breathing efficiently, a good intake helps maximize power and throttle response. Without a proper intake, the engine can feel restricted, which limits its ability to make horsepower and torque.
I’ve noticed that upgrading or optimizing the intake also improves fuel efficiency and overall drivability. When the air flows smoothly and in greater volume, the combustion process becomes more efficient. This means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to produce power, which can translate to better mileage and a more responsive feel behind the wheel.
In short, my LS motor’s intake isn’t just a part—it’s a key component that unlocks the engine’s true potential. Whether I’m after more power, better sound, or improved efficiency, the right intake makes a noticeable difference every time.
My Buying Guides on Intake For Ls Motor
When I decided to upgrade my LS motor, choosing the right intake was a critical step. The intake manifold plays a huge role in how your engine breathes and performs, so I want to share my experience and what I learned to help you make a smart choice.
Understanding What an Intake Manifold Does
Before diving into options, I made sure I understood the basics. The intake manifold directs the air-fuel mixture into your engine’s cylinders. A good intake can improve airflow, which means better combustion, more power, and sometimes even better fuel efficiency.
Types of Intakes for LS Motors
There are generally two main types I looked at:
- Stock Replacement Intakes: These are designed to bolt right on and improve flow without major modifications. Great if you want a simple upgrade.
- Performance Intakes: These are often larger, with optimized runners and plenum sizes to maximize horsepower and torque. They might require tuning but deliver noticeable gains.
Material Matters: Aluminum vs Composite
I noticed intakes come in aluminum or composite plastic. Aluminum is durable and can handle heat well but is heavier. Composite intakes are lighter and tend to reduce heat soak, which can help with performance during longer drives or racing.
Compatibility with Your LS Engine
LS engines come in various generations and configurations. I double-checked that the intake I was eyeing matched my engine model (LS1, LS3, LS7, etc.) and my setup, especially if I had aftermarket heads or a supercharger.
Consider Your Performance Goals
Are you building a daily driver or a high-performance race car? I chose an intake that matched my goals: I wanted a balance of street drivability and power gains. Some intakes are better for high RPM power, others improve low-end torque.
Ease of Installation
I preferred an intake that was straightforward to install without needing extensive modifications. Some high-performance intakes can require custom tuning or additional parts, so factor in your mechanical skills or budget for a professional install.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I spent time reading reviews and forums to see what other LS enthusiasts recommended. Brands like Holley, FAST, and Edelbrock frequently came up as reliable and well-performing options.
Price vs Value
I set a budget but focused on value over just the lowest price. A quality intake can last years and improve engine performance significantly, so investing a bit more upfront made sense to me.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right intake for my LS motor involved balancing performance, compatibility, material, and cost. By understanding these factors and doing some research, I found an intake that transformed my engine’s breathing and overall driving experience. I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect intake for your build!
Author Profile
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Kevin Henry is the voice behind clubisabella.com, where real-world experience meets honest product insight. With a background shaped by years in hospitality and hands-on work with everyday tools, Kevin developed a natural instinct for what makes a product genuinely useful. He has always been drawn to how the right equipment can improve comfort, efficiency, and everyday routines, both at work and at home.
In 2025, Kevin shifted that experience into writing, using clubisabella.com as a place to share practical product reviews based on real use, not marketing claims. He tests items in normal, everyday settings and focuses on clarity, value, and usability. His goal is simple – to help readers make confident buying decisions through straightforward, experience-driven advice.
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