5 Worst Mods for the LS1
Sometimes, it's better to leave your car alone than installing the following mods!
1. SLP Smooth Bellows
The LS1 is a great engine that responds well to most bolt-ons. Modifications like headers, an SLP Lid, and LS6 intake are all easy to install and provide reliable, as well as substantial, gains in performance. However, there are a few modifications that were developed that either provided no gains at all or even reduced performance. Let's explore some of the worst mods for your LS1.
For 4th Gen Camaro and Firebirds, one of the most notorious worst mods are the SLP Smooth Bellows. Pictured above is the stock intake connector from the lid to your Mass Air Flow sensor. SLP developed a smooth silicone connector that eliminates the accordion-like stock connector. By common sense, this smooth design sounds like an improvement; however, tests have shown no improvements from this modifications. All that it does it lighten your wallet!
>>Join the conversation on the Best and Worst Mods You Have Done here in the LS1Tech forum.
2. Granatelli MAF Sensor
A Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is responsible for providing the ECM (car's computer) with information about how much air is flowing into the engine at that particular time. This information is used to adjust air fuel ratio and other engine parameter like idle characteristics. Therefore, this is not something that can be changed without returning unless the MAF sensor is designed specifically to work with stock tuning. However, the stock LS1 MAF is not a restriction at stock or bolt-on power levels so it is best to leave it alone.
The Granatelli MAF is well known to cause your LS1 to run lean. This means that the engine is not adding enough fuel to the combustion chamber, which can lead to detonation and engine failure. Even though the Granatelli MAF is supposed to be a bolt-on modification, many users claim to notice detonation after installing it. Therefore, most Granatelli MAFs are uninstalled!
>>Join the conversation on the Best and Worst Mods You Have Done here in the LS1Tech forum.
3. Big Cam (Without Supporting Mods)
An aftermarket camshaft is one of the most common upgrades for the LS1 engine. However, you have to be very careful when deciding the cam profile for your build. In many cases, bigger is not better! Yes, a big cam can sound cool, but if you do not have the supporting mods like ported heads, gears, and stall, then you are in for a terrible driving experience and could even have reduced performance. In fact, most people who choose a large cam like a T-Rex Cam or MS3 for a LS1 with stock heads and gears end up installing a smaller cam or buying more supporting mods. If you are after a choppy idle, a small or mid-sized cam can still sound extremely lopey given a tighter lobe separation angle like 110 or 112. Also, tuning can smoothen or make an idle more choppy depending on your taste. In the end, it is best to leave a camshaft decision to a professional if you are not technically inclined because the wrong choice could ruin your driving experience.
>>Join the conversation on the Best and Worst Mods You Have Done here in the LS1Tech forum.
4. Strut Tower Brace
A strut tower brace is one of the most controversial mods you can buy for your LS1 powered vehicles. Some people swear by them and claim they noticed better steering response, while others claim that they are just added weight. The brace connects both shock towers with metal tubing so that in principle, the shock towers cannot flex during cornering and braking.
Regardless of your opinion on these braces, aftermarket manufacturers tend to sell a ton of them since they look cool and do not cost that much. However, be aware of some aftermarket companies that charge over $150 for a strut tower brace because they all basically work equally as well, so you are paying for branding and the finish.
>>Join the conversation on the Best and Worst Mods You Have Done here in the LS1Tech forum.
5. Aftermarket Coil Packs
Your ignition coils are used to create the ignition power that is used to create spark in your combustion chambers. Some factory cars are equipped with weak coils that are only sufficient for stock power levels. However, the stock LS1 coils are an excellent design and extremely powerful. Twin turbo builds with over 1,000hp use the stock ignition system so there is no need to upgrade your coils.
Companies like MSD and Accel Ignition sell aftermarket coil packs for the LS1 that they claim creates more ignition power. However, the stock LS1 coils are more than sufficient and you are wasting money by going with an aftermarket option. Aftermarket coils also draw unnecessary attention to the unattractive coil brackets so it is hard to justify this mod.
>>Join the conversation on the Best and Worst Mods You Have Done here in the LS1Tech forum.
When you do find great mods for your LS powered car, our How-To section can ease in the process of installing, so for information on maintenance and repairs, click here.