M.T.I. Airbox In order to meet stringent drive–by noise requirements, OE air cleaner assemblies are usually more restrictive than they might be. The stock filter housing’s convoluted curves and baffled silencing chambers impede incoming airflow to the LS1. A no–nonsense replacement airbox from Motorsports Technologies Inc. (M.T.I.) offered substantial improvement to 13.41 at 105.40 while rear–wheel output rose to 304 hp and 320 lb–ft of torque.

Ported M.A.F. Meter
The stock LS1 mass airflow meter (MAF) has a honeycomb air diffuser, so the S.A.M. crew removed it and smoothed the adjacent areas for good measure. This modification cut dragstrip time by 0.10–second and registered a ½–mph gain (13.30 at 105.80) while the chassis dyno showed 4 more hp and 3 lb–ft of torque. Massingill tells us the power increase may not be attributable to increased flow but rather to an additional 2 degrees of ignition timing. Apparently, intake tract flow velocity is reduced when the honeycomb is removed, causing the ECM to compensate with more timing. Be warned, the LS1 is equipped with sophisticated anti–knock sensors that retard timing when the slightest detonation is detected. Before the ECU restores full timing, the fuel level in the gas tank must be manipulated. Though this sounds crazy, it prevents engine damage in the presence of low quality or low octane gasoline. When the fuel level is altered, the sensors assume that a fresh batch of gasoline is on board and revert back to more aggressive timing. Always use the best unleaded with a minimum octane rating of 92 RON.

Enlarged Hood Scoop
One of the elements that sets the Camaro SS apart from standard Z/28’s is the SLP cold air hood. Air enters through a black plastic screen recessed into the scoop then reverses direction as it is routed through molded ductwork before it arrives in the general vicinity of the airbox. Unlike earlier LT1–powered Camaro SS models, there is no seal between the ducting and the airbox on the LS1 SS. To increase efficiency, the S.A.M. boys trimmed seven holes in the external screen and hogged out the dump vents. While elapsed time was unaffected, trap speed increased from 105.80 to 106.20 mph. Because the hood is open during chassis dyno work to eliminate heat soak, the impact of their modifications could not be measured at the wheels. Though Massingill likes the style of the SS hood, tests indicate little benefit to dragstrip performance.

While the scoop on Camaro SS models looks great, its effectiveness can be enhanced if the plenum outlets are enlarged as shown here. Adhesive–backed foam strips help concentrate airflow toward the filter element.

3.73:1 Gearset
The stock Camaro SS maintains a 3.42:1 ring–and–pinion. With the lower gear ratio and stock Goodyear Eagle street tires, the added grunt made tire spin an even greater issue, requiring a delicate balance between clutch and throttle. The swap netted a 1–mph increase in trap speed, but elapsed time and chassis dyno numbers were unaffected.

Drag Radials That the lightly modified LS1 Camaro is capable of running 13.3s at 107 on street tires is pretty amazing, but using hard compound street tires at the strip is like wearing ice skates on a football field. The BFGoodrich Drag Radials (P255/60R–16 on 16x8 Center Line billet wheels) knocked off 2/10 second (13.10 at 107.20) and allowed a 1.9–second 60–foot time.