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LS1-to-LS6 intake conversion

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Old Feb 17, 2006 | 03:54 PM
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Default LS1-to-LS6 intake conversion

I've read that the conversion can be done without changing the vent tubes if the bottom of the intake manifold is ground down in a few key spots. Any thoughts about this?

I'm thinking I kind of like the idea of the block being able to vent more easily with the LS1 vent tubes.
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Old Feb 17, 2006 | 04:33 PM
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Originally Posted by leaftye
I've read that the conversion can be done without changing the vent tubes if the bottom of the intake manifold is ground down in a few key spots. Any thoughts about this?

I'm thinking I kind of like the idea of the block being able to vent more easily with the LS1 vent tubes.

The vent tubes take 5 minutes to change. Why not change them?
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Old Feb 17, 2006 | 04:38 PM
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They aren't vent tubes. They're coolant lines connecting the heads. The LS6 changed the configuration of the lines, so I'm not worried about losing any cooling capacity. I tried the 'grind the ribs' method when I changed to the LS6 intake, but I couldn't get the intake to seat properly. I went ahead and cut the pipe and flattened, folded and soldered the ends to avoid paying $40 for the GM parts. I still couldn't get the intake to seat, and I figured out the green plastic clips in the knock sensor wiring harness were the problem. Once I removed those, the intake sat right down. Since I had already modified my pipe, I don't know whether the ground ribs would have worked or not. Certainly others say it does.
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Old Feb 17, 2006 | 05:49 PM
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Jim,

Thanks for your input. I think your experience is going to enough to convince me to do it without the changeover tubes. I'll have a soldering kit or two ready to go. Did you solder like you would for electrical cables, or like you would for brazing copper pipes together?

BlownV6, I don't have the changeover tubes in hand, am too lazy to go pick them up, and like saving a couple bucks.....but basically, I'm a cheap bastich.
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Old Feb 17, 2006 | 09:10 PM
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Before the solder, I flattened and folded the ends. That alone looked like it would stop any leaks. I cleaned up the ends with some emery cloth then used some flux, plumbing solder and a high-powered gun to solder the ends. You probably could use a propane torch to do the solder if you don't have a gun that gets hot enough. I don't know the melting point of aluminum or whether a torch is too hot or not
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 07:58 AM
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Cmon, does the LS6 intake make that much difference for this BS work?. Curious as to what the LS6 intake will do for you. A couple of ponies could not possibly warrant the extra work and modification expenses.
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 08:25 AM
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Originally Posted by JCR
Cmon, does the LS6 intake make that much difference for this BS work?. Curious as to what the LS6 intake will do for you. A couple of ponies could not possibly warrant the extra work and modification expenses.
It's not a lot of work if you buy the plugs and tubes. It's worth a solid 10rwhp on a cam car. the LS1 intake sucks.

Shane
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 08:47 AM
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Originally Posted by JCR
Cmon, does the LS6 intake make that much difference for this BS work?. Curious as to what the LS6 intake will do for you. A couple of ponies could not possibly warrant the extra work and modification expenses.
When (not if) your oil pressure sensor goes out, I bet you won't think of the swap as extra work. Other benefits outlined already. I already have the intake, and I'm dropping $$ to get my car tuned next week anyway, so I might as well get it tuned with the LS6 intake I already own.
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Old Feb 18, 2006 | 12:33 PM
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Originally Posted by JCR
Cmon, does the LS6 intake make that much difference for this BS work?. Curious as to what the LS6 intake will do for you. A couple of ponies could not possibly warrant the extra work and modification expenses.
I feel the same way you do about most 'bolt-on' mods that may add 5-10 HP. However, I did the LS6 intake in conjunction with heads, cam and headers. It didn't make sense to keep the more restricted LS1 intake on after putting more air-hungry components everywhere else.
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Old Feb 19, 2006 | 04:05 AM
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Here's what I don't understand. Why would you take a car you obviously care about and mod then make short cuts over $40?? Just bite the bullet and order the plugs. If nothing else you'll feel better about a job done right. JMO
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