BIGGEST LS3 INTAKE TEST EVER! STOCK LS3 vs WORLD! (18 INTAKES TESTED)

FULL RESULTS. LS3 EFI INTAKE SHOOTOUT, WHAT WORKS? What happens when you compare 18 other intake combinations to the factory LS3 manifold on a cammed LS3 crate motor? Which combo makes the most power? Which makes the most Torque? Which offers the best Average Power? It's all here with full recap of all power numbers! THIS IS PART 1 OF THE LS3 INTAKE TEST WITH ALL THE EFI INTAKES TESTED-PART 2 COVERS CARBURETED LS3 INTAKES. LONG RUNNER, SHORT RUNNER AND EVERY RUNNER IN BETWEEN, INCLUDING X-RAM!

[@Mayamax3]

The take away. The Chevy engineers put together an excellent stock manifold. Save your money & run a stock ls3 manifold.

[@knowbull5hit590]

S Paul pretty much the take away from all these tests is “Chevy knew what they were doing, just add boost and GO!” Ahaha

[@sepg5084]

if you got money to burn, buy the edelbrock.

[@knowbull5hit590]

Sep G i love the look of that dual throttle body masterpiece, glad it actually performs and does something none of the others could. Hard to justify that price though

[@leepederson5254]

Know Bull5hit same thing I was thinking lol I actually thought it was going to suck..

[@trixnhoez2964]

Better yet send the stock ls3 intake into Rick Crawford racing for his rod mod. 🏁

[@lungsup]

Remember back in the day when anything was better than stock?

[@Owens_Racing]

245 hp was “fast”

[@kaaugs16]

Owens Racing 400hp was super car level lol

[@kirkmartin2223]

And 1000hp was impossible unless you were sponsored

[@michaelwintz1896]

I membeee

[@Matt_Holcomb]

Right. I remember when 12s were the shit for a street car.

[@invertedpolarity6890]

Stock LS3 intake manifold is impressive.

[@jamieK111]

Richard you are a diabolical genius! All of your videos are so helpful, educational and fun. Wish I could subscribe twice. Thank you!!

[@richardholdener1727]

Glad you like them!

[@phantomwalker8251]

@@richardholdener1727 just for tits & pickles,,i think ive asked before,,theres a diesel,down in brazil,better than any you produce in u.s.,depending what you want..its a german MWM,4.2tdi.fitted to super duty & silverado,s..i have one here in aus.2002.s/d.,comes with no computer,no glow plugs,3 valvas,3" system,ohc,5sp.zf..std puts out 510 nm,140 kw..not much,but,reliable as a rock & tows 4.5t..turbo is mitsubishi,td04..i fitted a bearing,td06 ish,now with no other mods,has 700nm,170 kw..they twin turbo these in brazil,& do 200 ks hr.4500 revs.in a 4t truck..will fit any ford chev dodge truck.all mechanical timing.most people here that have one wont sell it..i still get about 12.5 lt 100..

[@manitoublack]

Always liked the loom of the Edelbrock X-Ram.

[@michaelblacktree]

It is pretty sexy.

[@BoostedPastime]

It reminds me of the engine bay of a Ferrari

[@projectinlinesix]

Looks like the answer is "Stock LS3"!

[@Turbo_Todd]

For street motors yes. Drag racers launching at 5000 will go with the shiny stuff

[@C6Z_Bob]

GPI has shown they can pick up 12 hp by porting/rod modding them.

[@InFiD3ViL1]

@@C6Z_Bob I am pretty sure that is also throughout the entire curve, with larger gains midrange. I am hoping to order mine in the next couple of months. Ryan at GPI did an incredible job on my tune.

[@patrickmontgomery6353]

Richard, it's amazing how much you're helping the average driveway hot rodder make power, save money, andmake educated decisions. This video is awesome. I had a knot in my stomach watching the mid ram dual quad intake run hoping nothing went horribly wrong with the fuel dripping out of the rail... Keep up the awesome videos, and thank you.

[@kwik440]

Holy cow Richard, you're a BEAST !! Thank you for educating us !

[@BoostedPastime]

It is amazing just how well designed the LS3 intake manifold is. GM really did their R&D homework.

[@richardholdener1727]

agreed

[@shanescrimshire8395]

I'm a dyed in the wool ford guy but still very much appreciate your LS videos. Physics don't give a crap about brands...

[@lexustech48]

I own a GT500... and after years of struggling on what performance direction to take it, the cheapest and easiest way is to buy a used C6 Corvette and build the LS3. lol

[@TheRyanBattle]

Seriously surprised with these results

[@boostnhoe]

Hands down the most informative videos. Thank you for doing all these test to shut people up. The dyno don't lie!! Great stuff, thanks again. Ahmad

[@jamescaban7710]

As usual you impress with the ultimate shootout of intakes(LS3), my hats off to you, keep up the Good work...

[@rstrick0352]

Absolutely awesome video with real empirical data that will save folks tons of money. This page is easily one of my favorite. Keep it up.

[@zenithskull]

Thank you Richard for these videos, I know it takes time to go back and overlay them etc. they are filled with lots of knowledge for beginners and experts. They have always been great content, but even better during a quarantine lol.

[@camaro1j]

Don't let this go to your head but, your channel is my new favorite. Keep it up.

[@bigal878]

GREAT VIDEO Richard, hats off to you and the awesome effort you put into these videos for us LS nuts 👍🏻

[@tedtrotz8145]

What a tremendous amount of work. Thank you so much for sharing this!!!

[@656hookemhorns]

For the price, for all street applications, just run the factory intake, it makes power where you can and will use it most

[@knowbull5hit590]

Touch of Gray ikr, some of my friends look at me like im crazy when i say the stock intake makes more power than a Fast or sheetmetal one(expensive shiny part has to make more power right). And just like with cams, every intake is a turbo intake

[@crw3673]

You are 100% correct!

[@papacapra1908]

But... but.... but....

[@c5natie1]

But when does power matter below 5000rpm IF you're racing?

[@knowbull5hit590]

Skunk Workz Garage hence why this guy said streetcars, and the stock intake made power all the way to 6,500. Also boost can help carry the curve out to over 7,500 if desired

[@Shane-Singleton]

this is the kind of testing I love to see. Apples to Apples, everything the same with minimal, if not only a single data point changed as the main crux of the test. I'm impressed at how good the stock LS3 manifold is.

[@Bozemanjustin]

Who in the hell would want to lose power from an entire torque curve all the way to 6 grand, just to get a couple more ponies at 6700 RPMs

[@georgem.6136]

What a great video, you must be a master @ swapping intakes now!

[@ssoffshore5111]

Good stuff Richard/Hot Rod! I'd love to see head and intake testing with the LS7!

[@richardholdener1727]

i've run a few

[@TheRdub82]

Badass video!! It puts things in perspective for the LS3 manifold. A shut door case!!! Thanks for that - look forward to the 416 ci LS3 with carburetor.

[@steverooker1313]

Love your videos! Thanks for all your testing 👍

[@hotflashfoto]

This video and the others I've watched all make perfect sense. Thank you for all the hard work and straight-up factual numbers! I subscribed several videos ago and I still have more to watch. To me, with long-tube headers, it makes more sense to run longer intake runners to balance the airflow. Is there a cross-ram where the TBs are hanging out over the valve covers, making them very long intake runners? It could possibly raise the torque numbers white a bit, and for a truck that's used like a truck, that's what is needed more than high-RPM HP numbers.

[@USARAY1947]

Wow, exhaustive and thorough. Thanks

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

Wow amazing test, Richard! I am shocked and amazed by the stock LS3 intake. Personally I will choose the Kegalodon!

[@richardholdener1727]

Go Keggie!

[@k.bellingham8335]

Sick intake! I want one! lol. Can you see that sticking out the hood of '50 chevy sheet metal tears and all. SWEEEET!!

[@adamr9215]

The reason they make the ls3 to cathedral port adapters is so that you can throw a LSA blower on a 5.3 or older 6.0. For a while, you could get used LSA blowers for cheap just needing the coupler replaced/upgraded. I was buying the blowers from a local dealer for $300 each, fixing them for $100 or less.

[@cam3002]

Great video and surprised by some of the results. If schedule allows, would be real interested in your testing results on the LFX engine, the 60 degree V6 duel overhead cam engine. I'm now subscribed.

[@B-Nazty]

Love your videos Richard no BS and just results! Thanks

[@GIGABACHI]

Richard, you're a Beast, Sir. 👍🤘 Always delivering the goods no matter what. 👌😎👍 Keep up the fight.✊

[@marcocasillas5023]

Thanks for all the hard work you do it's a lot of good information looks like the across is a good all-purpose

[@bombermountainbobbers9952]

I love these videos man. I would love to see you guys get your own show on motor trend.

[@Neukom720]

Hey Richard, on the Holley Mid Rise Manifold the fuel rail seems to be leaking pretty good? just an observation but your videos and tests are fricken awesome keep it up

[@LunarOutlawsGarage]

Sick man this is awesome I can’t wait to have my engine Edelbrock cross Ram engine running

[@abdullaalameri90]

Killed it. Best vid ever

[@davidt3321]

I'm new to the ls engines here in the uk for my race car. Awesome video very informative for my build

[@frtaylor29]

Can’t like this video enough. Looking forward to more.

[@ryancivil]

Awesome video, thank you for the information! Would you expect the Holly 300-132 mid-rise manifold to perform similarly to the other two? I'm kind of disappointed I'll be giving up so much usable power/torque but I already have a TBI system on the car...

[@leestevens9214]

I know this is a little late but I was thinking about other intakes to try and then remembered the ALIEN intake from Tom Nelson. A DUEL FUEL Intake. Wilson, Hogan, Other sheet metal intakes. Perferrably LS3 type rec port. keep up the good work.

[@socleanmx6]

What an unexpected suprise

[@mikeshannon327]

THANKS RICH !! BEEN TRYING TO DECIDE ON WHAT INTAKE FOR MY LQ9 BUILD THIS REALLY HELPED ME DECIDE HAVE TO GET THE SPACERS TO CONVERT IT TO CATHEDERAL PORT HEADS I HAVE !!

[@masoncampos7043]

Most of these intakes come in a cathedral port design

[@mymodestgarage9211]

Can’t wait to see the cathedral port intake test

[@StreetRacingLifeStyle]

Love the content! I Run the Tbss intake on my Firebird its ugly but when combined with boost is an animal! This video convinces me to keep it 😎

[@RichardCHudson]

Great Work!

[@MODOORTEK]

Thanks for saving me $800 and lessened power below 6k RPM. Your Awesome Richard!

[@jaydnisevil]

Fantastic video mate, keep up the amazing work. Would be keen to see a video of ITB's where you just try extremely unrealistically straight long runners and compare the change every 100mm of length. It's not practical, but more of a curiosity factor. Given it's just a lid change, my only guess as to the high ram variation is possibly from a straighter air path to the back of the valve.

[@richardholdener1727]

I did that with my Hemi and many others

[@daddyholliday]

Great info Richard! Factory manifolds are dirt cheap too @ the junkyard..

[@JM-ol3vz]

Hey Richard.. Thanks for all the great videos!! What’s your thoughts on the LS3 CID Efi intake 4.0 4500? I’m thinking about running it on my 6.0 LS with some nitrous. Also do you have any recommendations on a efi throttle body?

[@sarahkeene500]

Thanks Rich, great clip as always. So here is a challenge for you regarding LS manifolds. Surely there exists a manifold that has dual intake lengths controlled via butterfly valves that can closely match the best performance of the stock manifold below 6000 rpm, then switch to a short runner length to get the above 6000 rpm horsepower increases. The win / win manifold. Once you find the best then add big turbo boost!

[@richardholdener1727]

I made several adjustable ones-but nothing switchable

[@Bikemad24]

Amazing video

[@zfreak2808]

Fantastic video! I wish y'all had an real time adjustable runner length choice. Mazda did it on the MX-5 years ago. Simply flips a door from one runner length to the next length using a vacuum based actuator. It would be neat if someone could make one for the LS3 and you could test it. Makes me wonder how effective it is.

[@jeffamos5117]

Hi Richard, good work. I see Texas speed has released their new LS/LT series manifold. The Titan SR-3 intake manifold has optioned intercooler block for the manifold. This manifold would be a great test subject? Cheers, keep up the good work.

[@GroovesAndLands]

Badass test. Thank you!

[@stevenp3176]

It’s all about cylinder and valve size. This is why the stock intake is usually best or close to it on stock displacement/heads.

[@altillman1448]

@GwatneyPerformance stock LS3 rod mod $250 / porting $125 / heat shield $75. Take your stock LS3 intake to the next level affordability and compete with those peak competitors power numbers. They also offer stock LS3 throttle body porting $125. Neither mod tuning! Combined intake+throttle body combo power increase of 13hp-17hp (double these increases if your cammed!).

[@8SecSleeper]

Don't fall for the hype

[@Saddedude]

That crossram is just BEGGING for a TT build...

[@Saddedude]

Also highest average TQ and HP even more interesting!

[@paulmorton5388]

I would like to see how the Holley Sniper Dual Plenum compares to the Edelbrock Cross ram. Similar designs and about a third less cost.

[@tomorr152]

Richard really enjoying watching your videos. I was thinking about doing a little intake testing myself by swapping intakes on my SBC 383 from my modified Lingenfelter SuperRam to the TPIS MiniRam short runner intake. I've ran both manifolds with my 700r4 and the SuperRam was more fun to drive and just a bit quicker, I've swapped in a T56 and wanted to test the MiniRam intake with the 6 spd. Your testing makes it hard to justify all the work involved in the swap, still might do it anyway. Keep up the great videos!!

[@richardholdener1727]

I ran all of the TPI intakes back in the day

[@tomorr152]

@@richardholdener1727 I've been messing with my 87' Firebird since 1989. I've read just about everything I could find on intakes, back before the LS motors came out. I've ported my SuperRam base and runners also siamesed the runners about an 1". My best 1/4 with the auto is 11.68@116 with the SR. I'm looking forward to getting back to the track and seeing how well I can do with the 6spd. The MR intake is a nice piece and I went 11.74@116, and if the stealth ram would fit under my hood I'd have one. It would probably be the best of the three for street/strip combination. I really want a torqstorm after watching your 80's test with the 5.0's, but I think my compression is just a bit to high. Bummer! Keep up the good work! 👍

[@michaelblacktree]

Wow, this is awesome! 👍 Side note: I wonder how that Holley mid-rise intake would perform, with some velocity stacks on top.

[@rolfwillebrands1962]

Very informative video Richard. Learned a lot! BUT I would like your thoughts on testing a CNC ported OE LS3 manifold. This is becoming quite popular but I would appreciate your views on this practice.

[@richardholdener1727]

they don't CNC port them-its done by hand, right?

[@johnenrico3510]

Love your videos. Thanks i learn so much

[@richardholdener1727]

Glad to hear it!

[@cjbales1981]

Ok, ok, ok. Fantastic video as always. But what about with nitrous or under boost? I mean that's what most of us are aspiring for anyway right?

[@javilsx363]

Looking forward to seeing the carbon fiber intake i was actually looking into buying one

[@aaronnoyb]

Great comparison of dyno queen, gloat fest setups, versus daily driver/street-strip setups. 50hp more mid range, beats 50hp peak, for street driven cars.

[@crw3673]

Funny how you make the comparison of dyno queen versus street/strip. Been pondering this comp cam versus the sloppy cam. Going into a street/strip 6.0 with a ls3 top end package, with a T56 and 3:73 rear end.

[@aaronnoyb]

@@crw3673 Get a data logger, you'll be surprised how minuscule the amount of time your engine spends above 5500, or at >90% TPS value, so what it makes at 7000+ is just bragging rights. Obviously, this is for street driven, real cars, not purpose built strip cars, or gutless Camry's etc etc.

[@aaronnoyb]

@@crw3673 Further to that, if you can, get engine dyno numbers, then map your gear ratios to RPM, sometimes you're better off in the next gear, than stretching through to 7000+, based on torque and HP. Raw numbers off the engine dyno are easier to use than calculating back from chassis dyno numbers.

[@mrmysterious6006]

Great video Richard. I was hoping to see the carbon ptr. Can you test those exact same intakes on the 416 also?

[@stevesolo16]

Speedmaster actually makes something that made me look twice! Alas, they failed to make power. I am looking at the picture and wondering if there is enough clearance for me to machine longer runners? Without seeing one in person, it is hard to tell if the configuration has them running into each other dooming them to short runner length? Hey, GREAT video!!!

[@mghuertas]

Awsome results thanks for sharing 👍😀 greeting from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷👍

[@TheDude2111]

Good video cant wait to see pt2. Kinda surprised gm never made a variable length intake, but why would you with results like that

[@fattony9851]

You was more than helpful i have a original intake and was really thinking about got with the Hi ram intake but 👎 I believe I can make up on the big end with boost

[@rifleman7313]

It would be interesting to see how each intake would perform with a turbo setup.

[@hoonaticbloggs5402]

I do hope you test the jenvy long runner ITB set up in there. I have the ls6 intake on my cammed ls1 All these aftermarket intakes loose so much under 5000 they make no sense for a NA road car. Are they better under boost ?

[@KR4Z3D666]

Watch one of his other videos regarding intakes with and without boost. All the torque and power curves are identical N/A to boost, just boost made shit loads more power.

[@dailydrivenmuscle.]

Fast with 102 will gain over stock with 92.. Nice test!

[@Abreezeducttesting]

~~~》 The duel intake was screaming for twin turbos.... Great video.

[@richardholdener1727]

Yes it was!

[@Abreezeducttesting]

Please run some twins on that duel intake manifold. Would it flow some serious airflow, hp ? Thanks

[@argiemichael9735]

Would like to see a test with the Holley cross ram manifold and a Speedmaster ITB cross ram manifold.......

[@AB-80X]

Dang.... 19 manifold changes. Richard if you ever do this with 19 BBC intakes, let me know in advance. I'll have to buy stock in Permatex lol. Good stuff man.

[@patlandymore7035]

How close in torque and horsepower is the Dorman LS3 to the OEM LS3 intake. Thanks for all your super good testing!!

[@richardholdener1727]

I've never seen a Dorman LS3

[@drakeolson2539]

Awesome content!!! Thank you!!!!

[@beaugouin4383]

crazy how badass the stock intake does!

[@CF-rx7hx]

Badass. Thanks for doing this video.

[@stlchucko]

Kinda surprised about the Holley High Ram. It seems to offer the best high end gains with least amount of losses down low. Add in the fact you can add an intercooler between the top and base, it looks like the way to go on a boosted race application. Also, with the 3rd Gen 6L Big Bang test where you suspect the added torque is what killed the bottom end, I wonder if adding a short runner intake to take away low end torque and increase upper rpm power would make it survive at a higher level.

[@sepg5084]

edelbrock gained on both high and low rpm, lost only on a narrow range of rpm.

[@stlchucko]

@@sepg5084 That's the twin TB cross ram. It didn't gain nearly as much up top as the High Ram, which is a much less complicated setup and race oriented.

[@jeffwooton7138]

Now do a header test on that LS3 mule. 1 3/4", 1 7/8", stepped and tri-Y

[@jamescaban7710]

Someone else already did this test go check it out on KZbin the difference was minimal no matter what they tried stock manifold a shorty length manifold and long tube manifold only the long tube had a gain of torque throughout the band The rest were bout all the same

[@sbcspeed]

Thanks for another great video! I follow you here and on sloppy. One suggestion, could you put the specs of your test motor in the video description? I often find myself scrolling back through the video for things like compression ratio, cam specs, details like that. Thanks again and keep up the great work.

[@crw3673]

I'm also curious about the spec's. Would like to know the injector size?

[@richardholdener1727]

46 pounds

[@crw3673]

@@richardholdener1727 thank you. I really thought they were larger, like 80 pounders.

[@jesusjaime5791]

Besides all the tests you have done in past vjdeos, What's your preferable combination of engine,heads, cam, intake for a turbo or procharged engine application?

[@highlanderc]

Amazing video thank you!

[@DBSSTEELER]

I was hoping to see how well the stock manifold did on a larger displacement motor. I am currently rebuilding the LS3 for my 2010 Camaro into a 429 stroker.

[@richardholdener1727]

You will see in the carb video

[@Gotboost428]

Richard! What do you think of the ported Ls3 intake/ “rod mods” that people are selling? In a n/a application with a cam like this, what do you think it would be worth?

[@BlazeHSV]

Awesome Vid, I’m keen to see results with a cammed 416 using a ported LS3 manifold vs the LSXR 102 both 102 throttle body’s

[@MemphisTruckMafia]

What about the ls3 intake on a cathedral port with adapters..pros/cons/benefits/

[@JustAnotherPontiacGuy]

I would love to see the numbers on a factory "rod modded" intake available from shops like Rick Crawford Racing and Blue Line Performance.

[@leepederson5254]

Hi Richard, First off. Thank you very much for all your work on here. Quickly became my favourite channel. Your tests and knowledge alone with your good presentation is amazing to have shared. It answers so many questions. Second, I read lots of the articles before I seen you on here and they were great too. I think in the magazines you got credit, but I’ve noticed, but now that I’ve seen your channel you don’t seem to get your just due credit on the web version of the articles for some reason.. just not cool is all.. third. I got an LS3 intake, I read this review and felt much better about it. Thank you. But, that said how cool would a twin turbskies with that look on the x-ram? NA+boost=good things. But have you ever tried to see how good this one is boosted? I don’t recall seeing it anywhere. Take care and thank you again.

[@richardholdener1727]

the stock LS3?

[@leepederson5254]

Richard Holdener no I have one that I plan to use for the foreseeable future. I meant a twin turbo for the x ram, a turbo for each side kind of thing.

[@harisshuja3980]

Love it, but can we see some dual plane intake manifolds too? Thank you!

[@TurboV8boi]

Great video.

[@timothybayliss6680]

What i think was happening with the crossram and why it was unique is because the intake had two different resonances. On this setup the factory intake was tuning at about 5000rpm, this was probably a secondary wave tuning. The xRam has a secondary tuning at a slightly lower rpm, that's why it has the earlier torque advantage, secondary wave would be at about 3600 rpm and primary wave at about 7200. It's not a substantial advantage but that is my guess as to the reason. I've done some calculations and the rpm for the xRam for tuned rpm is right. Is should be about 5200 for the ls3 but I'm gonna guess based on the curve the headers are doing their thing right at about 5500.

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

Timothy Bayliss, I use to have a coworker with the same last name. In Vermont.

[@timothybayliss6680]

@@baby-sharkgto4902 there is a few around. My Dad was born in the south of England, I've only met one other person in Ontario that has it.

[@flyonbyya]

Great vid TOOOON of work !

[@richardholdener1727]

So much

[@flyonbyya]

Richard Holdener Although I’ve been a gear head all my life. Owned a 1200 hp V6 Buick Stage 2, and thought I knew a lot... I’ve learned a ton by watching your comprehensive videos. Thanks

[@bancroftexcavating7208]

Richard holdener can to post the link to the test you did on the 862 comparison to the 706 heads that you did! I am trying to prove some people wrong. I am pretty sure I watched a video that proved the 706 heads made more power stock then the 862 heads un ported. Please and thank you. Love your videos man keep it up!

[@RandBLSWorld]

Thanks for the info !

[@cuttytaylor6942]

Another home run Rich

[@noahtheviking1]

The edelbrock x ram would be great for some twin turbo stuff. I wonder if you can put intercoolers in the edelbrock x ram manifold as well.

[@QuicKurtZX14R]

Curious how the stock 92mm TB, would do on the manifolds that are able to accept it.

[@ShawnDickens]

Stock is 90mm