Differences between LS6 and LS2 intake manifold
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 792
Likes: 0
From: Tempe, AZ Crown Point, IN
Differences between LS6 and LS2 intake manifold
Looking for a new reasonably price intake manifold for my 97' LS1. Not a huge list of mods at this point but will do headers and a larger TB (90mm prefered) soon and hopefully h/c down the road. Which is a better route? 
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
i was under the impression that the ls2 intake would not work on ls1 heads (or ls6 for that matter)....so ls6 or fast would be your options. if i am wrong, please ignore post 
not to mention, the ls6 flows better than the ls2
not to mention, the ls6 flows better than the ls2
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 5
From: Chico CA
If I've got this wrong, somebody please correct me. The LS2 and LS6 intakes were the same - all cars from something like 2001 onward got the good intake.
The differences are basically flow - the airflow is better with the 2001 and up intake. They will fit on the LS1, and are a good upgrade. Here in the People's Republic, it's the only intake upgrade that may pass smog.
There is a difference in the plumbing under the manifold, though. Search for information on installing the LS6 intake on the 1997-2000 cars, and you'll see notes on some cooling plumbing that needs to be reworked (you can order the later tubing, but be careful, and I'm not sure I want to reduce the coolant flow to the heads like you do if you eliminate the tube that runs under the intake). Also, there may be clearance issues on the knock sensor wires, which run under the intake manifold. The reason is that the later manifold drops down lower, closer to the valley cover that is under the intake - the air gap is reduced.
I'm thinking about it for my 1999, as it helps with breathing, the manifolds aren't too expensive, and they look stock. My other choice was the Weiand Lingenfelter manifold, but they won't pass the visual check. Also, most aftermarket manifolds use paper gaskets rather than the rubber seals the stock manifolds do, and I like the seals.
Good luck with your choice.
The differences are basically flow - the airflow is better with the 2001 and up intake. They will fit on the LS1, and are a good upgrade. Here in the People's Republic, it's the only intake upgrade that may pass smog.
There is a difference in the plumbing under the manifold, though. Search for information on installing the LS6 intake on the 1997-2000 cars, and you'll see notes on some cooling plumbing that needs to be reworked (you can order the later tubing, but be careful, and I'm not sure I want to reduce the coolant flow to the heads like you do if you eliminate the tube that runs under the intake). Also, there may be clearance issues on the knock sensor wires, which run under the intake manifold. The reason is that the later manifold drops down lower, closer to the valley cover that is under the intake - the air gap is reduced.
I'm thinking about it for my 1999, as it helps with breathing, the manifolds aren't too expensive, and they look stock. My other choice was the Weiand Lingenfelter manifold, but they won't pass the visual check. Also, most aftermarket manifolds use paper gaskets rather than the rubber seals the stock manifolds do, and I like the seals.
Good luck with your choice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 6
From: Los Angeles
1997-2000 had the LS1 intake, 2001-2004 have the LS6 intake.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 5
From: Chico CA
Your information is right, but you have your LS's switched up... The info you are talking about is the LS1 intake vs the LS6 intake. The LS2 (6.0 L)intake is the 90mm one on the C6. It wont fit on an LS1 or LS6.
1997-2000 had the LS1 intake, 2001-2004 have the LS6 intake.
1997-2000 had the LS1 intake, 2001-2004 have the LS6 intake.
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