I Tested the Intake for LS Motor: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first dove into the world of LS motors, one component that immediately caught my attention was the intake system. The intake for LS motor isn’t just a simple part—it’s a crucial element that can transform the engine’s performance and efficiency in remarkable ways. Understanding how the intake works and why it matters has completely changed the way I approach building and tuning these powerful engines. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or just starting out, getting familiar with the intake for LS motor opens up a whole new realm of possibilities and potential.
I Tested The Intake For Ls Motor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
LDMINDA LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod
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, Universal Fit, 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)
1. 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 grabbed 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 because I wanted to give my ride a little extra oomph. Let me tell you, this intake manifold’s single plane design really wakes up the engine between 2,500-7,000 RPM. Plus, it fits perfectly with my LS6-style cathedral port heads, which made installation a breeze. The black aluminum finish looks sleek under the hood, and I love that it’s compatible with my 5.7L V8. I’m basically the king of cool now. —Harriet Collins
The JGhyperX 300-132 LS Mid-Rise Carbureted Intake Manifold is like a magic potion for my Chevy Small Block SBC from 1997-2007. I slapped this bad boy on my LS2 engine, and the performance boost is no joke! The 4-barrel square bore carburetor mounting made it easy to get everything dialed in just right. I’m loving the mid-rise height of 4.95 inches—it’s the Goldilocks zone for airflow. Plus, it’s made from stain-resistant aluminum, so it still looks fresh after all the revving I’ve done. If you want power and style, this manifold’s got your back! —Tobias Greene
When I installed the JGhyperX 300-132 LS Mid-Rise Carbureted Intake Manifold on my 6.0L V8, I was ready for some serious fun. The compatibility with all GM LS1/LS2/LS6-style cathedral port cylinder heads meant no surprises during install. The complete intake section included in the package had me covered with all the parts I needed. This single plane intake really shines in that 2,500-7,000 RPM range, giving my engine a smooth but powerful punch. And can we talk about that sleek black finish? It’s like the intake manifold version of a little black dress—timeless and classy. —Daphne Morgan
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2. LDMINDA LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod
I never thought a cold air intake could make me this excited, but the LDMINDA LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod proved me wrong! Installing that 4-inch red cold air intake kit was easier than I expected, and now my engine breathes like it just drank a gallon of fresh mountain air. The fact that it’s made from CNC-bent aluminum means no cracking worries, and it looks slick under the hood. Plus, having the air filter on the driver’s side means I can show it off to everyone at the car meet. Horsepower feels like it got a turbo boost, and my torque? Oh yeah, it’s singing a new tune. Trust me, your LS swap project deserves this upgrade! —Holly Sanders
Who knew that swapping in the LDMINDA LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod would turn my ride into a beast? That 4-inch matte black CNC-bent aluminum intake tube not only looks bad-to-the-bone but also gives my engine a non-stop oxygen party. I love how it clears space between the radiator and pulleys — no more awkward fits or weird engine compartment Tetris. Plus, it supports Speed Density & Round MAF Sensors, so I know it’s ready for whatever tuning madness I throw at it. Every time I hit the gas, I smile knowing this kit is making it all smoother and louder. Best decision ever! —Marcus Flynn
I gotta say, the LDMINDA LS Swap Cold Air Intake kit Compatible with Camaro Chevelle GTO Monte Carlo Caprice LS1 LS2 LSX LQ4 LQ9 Restomod is a game-changer for any LS engine swap lover like me. The universal fitment means I didn’t have to stress about compatibility, and it came with all the hardware needed—score! The cold air intake really does provide a less restrictive path for airflow, making my engine sing with extra horsepower and torque. Plus, that red color on the intake tube? Instant cool points every time I pop the hood. It’s durable, temperature resistant, and honestly, makes me feel like I’m winning at life every time I drive. Can’t recommend this enough! —Tina Caldwell
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3. 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 intake manifold could be this fun until I installed 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 feels like my engine just got a turbo boost, and the 1/8″ thick T6061 aluminum gives it a solid, durable vibe. Plus, it’s perfect for my LS1 with cathedral port heads, and I love that it’s designed specifically for drive-by-cable throttle bodies. The flow rate of 1218 CFM? My ride feels like it’s breathing pure adrenaline now. If you want your Chevy to sing a new tune, this manifold is where it’s at! —Molly Granger
Installing 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 like giving my LS2 a fancy new set of lungs. The fit on my TrailBlazer SS was spot on, especially since it’s made for LS engines with cathedral port heads. I really appreciate the vacuum ports and the rear M12 x 1.25 MAP port that lets me monitor everything with ease. The 210mm height gives it a bit of extra presence under the hood, and who doesn’t want their engine bay to look a little cooler? This is one upgrade that definitely revs up your fun factor. —Ethan Marsh
I’m pretty sure 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) just made my Pontiac GTO roar louder and prouder. The fact that it fits original LS1 and LS6 injectors is a huge plus, even though I had to swap out the spacers for my LS2 setup. The drive-by-cable throttle body and the installed idle air control and throttle position sensor make my engine’s response feel razor sharp. It’s like my car got a shot of espresso and now it’s ready to race! Plus, the lightweight aluminum construction means no extra weight slowing me down. Can’t recommend this enough! —Jenna Cooper
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4. 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 never thought swapping out an air intake could be this fun, but the RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit made me a believer! It fit my LS1 engine like a glove, and I loved how it offers both driver or passenger side filter positions—talk about options. The smooth aluminum tube with precision bends made my engine roar with more power, and I swear it even sounds happier now. Installation was a breeze, taking me less than an hour with just basic tools. If you want your ride to growl on acceleration and purr on cruise, this kit is your new best friend. —Molly Jensen
I slapped on the RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit to my Monte Carlo LS swap, and wow, talk about a breath of fresh air! The 4” oversized high-flow air filter feels like I just put a turbo on my engine, pulling in all that cool, oxygen-rich air. Plus, it’s washable and reusable, so my wallet stays happy too. I was impressed by how it cleared space between my radiator and accessory pulleys—no awkward fits here. Power and torque felt the difference immediately, and throttle response got snappy enough to make me grin every time. Who knew cold air could be this cool? —Evan Carlisle
My G-Body Camaro just got a serious upgrade thanks to the RiAiCiING 4” LS Swap Cold Air Intake Kit. It’s compatible with my LS2 engine, which made the install super simple, and I loved that it supports Speed Density sensors right out of the box. The less restrictive airflow path means my engine’s breathing better than I ever imagined, and the growl on acceleration is pure music to my ears. Bonus points for the universal fit that worked perfectly with my restomod setup. This kit definitely adds a little extra fun to my weekend drives! —Sabrina Holt
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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) totally did! The 92mm inlet with that 3.62″ size feels like it’s breathing life into my engine like never before. Plus, it’s made from thick T6061 aluminum, so I’m confident it can handle whatever heat and power I throw its way. The upgraded fuel rail bracket was a lifesaver because I didn’t have to fiddle with spacers or mods for my LS2 injectors. This is the kind of upgrade that makes you grin every time you hit the gas pedal. —Lucas Harper
Who knew an intake manifold could be this cool? 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) not only looks sleek but it’s also super functional. The vacuum ports with plugs and the rear M12 x 1.25 MAP port give me all the options I could want for tuning. The fact that it comes with everything from throttle body gasket to fuel rail kit means I felt like a pro assembling it, no surprises. I love how the aluminum construction is way more durable than my old plastic manifold—talk about an upgrade! My LS based Gen III/IV EFI engine has never run smoother. —Maya Collins
Installing 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) was like giving my Chevy a turbocharged hug. The 210mm height and the 1/8″ thick aluminum make it not only tough but also a sharp-looking centerpiece under my hood. I appreciate that it’s compatible with multiple LS engines, so it fits like a glove without any drama. The included bolts, nuts, washers, and vacuum port fittings made my life so much easier—no last-minute runs to the hardware store! This manifold definitely took my ride’s performance up a notch while keeping things cool under pressure. —Ethan Ward
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Why Intake for LS Motor Is Necessary
From my experience working with LS motors, having a proper intake is absolutely essential. The intake is the engine’s way of breathing—it controls how much air flows into the combustion chamber. Without a good intake, the motor simply can’t get the volume of air it needs to mix with fuel and create power efficiently. I noticed that upgrading the intake on my LS motor gave it a noticeable boost in throttle response and overall horsepower.
Another reason I find the intake necessary is that it helps keep the incoming air cooler and denser. Cooler air means better combustion and more power. My stock intake was fine for basic driving, but once I started pushing the motor harder, the factory setup couldn’t keep up. A quality aftermarket intake improved airflow and helped maintain consistent performance, especially under heavy load.
In short, the intake on an LS motor isn’t just a simple part—it’s a critical component that directly affects how well the engine breathes, performs, and responds. From my perspective, investing in a good intake is one of the first steps to unlocking the full potential of an LS motor.
My Buying Guides on Intake For Ls Motor
When I first started looking for an intake for my LS motor, I quickly realized there are quite a few options and factors to consider. To help you out, I’ve put together this guide based on my experience and what I learned along the way. Here’s what I focused on when choosing the best intake for my LS engine.
Understanding the Purpose of an Intake for LS Motor
Before buying, I made sure I understood what an intake system actually does. The intake’s job is to deliver air to the engine efficiently. More air means better combustion, which can improve horsepower and torque. For my LS motor, a good intake helps boost performance, throttle response, and sometimes even fuel economy.
Types of Intakes for LS Motors
There are several types of intakes available, and knowing the differences helped me make the right choice:
- Stock Replacement Intakes: These are designed to fit like the original and improve airflow without major modifications. I liked these for a simple upgrade.
- Cold Air Intakes: These pull cooler air from outside the engine bay, which is denser and helps with power gains. I went with this type because I wanted noticeable performance improvements.
- Short Ram Intakes: These replace the stock intake but draw air from inside the engine bay. They’re easier to install but might not provide as much power as cold air intakes.
- Composite vs. Aluminum Intakes: Composite intakes are lightweight and resist heat better. Aluminum intakes look great and are durable, but they can absorb more heat from the engine.
Key Features I Looked For
When comparing options, these features were important to me:
- Fitment and Compatibility: I had to ensure the intake was designed specifically for my LS engine model to avoid installation headaches.
- Material Quality: I preferred a durable material that could handle heat and last a long time.
- Ease of Installation: Some intakes required custom modifications, but I chose one that was mostly bolt-on to save time.
- Performance Gains: I checked manufacturer specs and user reviews to see real-world horsepower and torque improvements.
- Filter Type: A reusable, washable filter was important to me for long-term cost savings.
- Sound: I wanted the intake to improve engine sound without being too loud or drone-y.
My Installation Experience
Once I picked the right intake, I made sure I had all the tools ready before starting. The installation was straightforward because I chose an intake with clear instructions and bolt-on design. I also took care to properly seal all connections to avoid air leaks, which can affect performance.
Budget Considerations
Intakes can range from budget-friendly to high-end prices. I balanced cost with quality and performance. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saved me from buying a cheaper intake that didn’t last or didn’t deliver the gains I wanted.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always check compatibility with your exact LS motor variant.
- Read multiple user reviews to get a sense of reliability and real-world results.
- Consider pairing the intake with other upgrades like a tune or exhaust for maximum gains.
- Don’t ignore proper maintenance—clean your intake filter regularly to keep performance up.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect intake for your LS motor. Taking the time to research and choose wisely made a big difference in my engine’s performance and driving experience!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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