Given our tendency to accord editorial priority to the latest, most eye-popping performance gear, it's sometimes easy to forget just how effective a few basic, well-coordinated horsepower modifications can be. And while simple bolt-parts such as air filters and exhaust systems will never match the "wow" factor of a supercharger kit or a big-cube stroker engine, they're equally certain to be less injurious to your wallet.
In our March issue, we followed the techs at BBK Performance as they installed a set of the company's long-tube headers on a C6 Corvette. Based on the success of that project-13 additional horses and 17 extra lb-ft of torque-we decided this month to take a closer look at a few of the items BBK offers for the induction side of an LS engine. These included an SSI (Single Stage Induction) aluminum intake manifold, an 80mm throttle body, and a cold-air intake for C5 Vettes.
Our test subject was an '00 six-speed coupe equipped with a lightly modified LS1 engine. The car's owner, Andrew McCulley, is a graphics-company owner and avid drag racer whose on-track accomplishments include a 2009 appearance on SPEED's hit show Pinks. As our lead photo attests, McCulley is also heavily involved in a charitable organization called "Fueled by the Fallen" (www.fueledbythefallen.com), which supports the families of service personnel injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. Follow along now as BBK breathes new life into this inspirational dragstrip warrior.
The centerpiece of the upgrade...
The centerpiece of the upgrade is BBK's SSI intake manifold (PN 5004), an aluminum unit that fits all LS-family engines from 1997 to 2004. It's available in standard (shown) and polished finishes, as well in package form, paired with an 80mm throttle body.
Here's the underside of the...
Here's the underside of the SSI with the cover plate installed. The intake comes with all necessary installation hardware, and you can even reuse the factory gaskets.
With the plate removed, we...
With the plate removed, we can get a good look at the size and shape of the intake runners. Unlike composite manifolds, the SSI is amenable to serious runner porting, making it an excellent match for air-hungry stroker mills.
BBK offers high-performance...
BBK offers high-performance throttle bodies for most LS engine applications. Our test car received an electronically operated 80mm unit designed specifically for Corvettes (PN 1708), but cable-operated versions are also offered in 80- and 85mm sizes.
Completing the induction equation...
Completing the induction equation is one of BBK's cold-air intake kits (PN 1726). Along with its enhanced airflow characteristics, this piece uses a satin-aluminum air bridge that won't come apart under heavy boost like some flimsy plastic and faux-carbon-fiber units. (Trust us, it happens.)
We don't have space to cover...
We don't have space to cover the entire intake installation here, but BBK estimates that the average mechanic should be able to execute the job in around two hours. Perhaps the most onerous portion of the job involves removing the factory fuel rails and injectors.
Once the old intake is off,...
Once the old intake is off, you'll need to remove the stock throttle body, unbolt the servo-motor housing...
...and slide off the idler...
...and slide off the idler gear.
Next, install the idler gear...
Next, install the idler gear on the BBK throttle body, ensuring that the teeth of the gear mesh with those on the BBK unit's throttle-blade shaft.