FAST102 Intake......Best Power Mod for a LS2????
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 959
Likes: 3
From: Hartford CT
FAST102 Intake......Best Power Mod for a LS2????
The more I read about the FAST102, the more it seems it’s the most effective power mod for a LS2. It seems like a great addition for both bolt on cars and max effort setups. Some reasons why it seems like the best:
Noticeable increase in peak power and tq.
Noticeable increase in midrange power/tq and improved throttle response.
Very good cost per hp ratio.
Simple install with no lift or jacks needed.
Essentially NO DOWN SIDES! No drivability issues or compromises. It just replaces the stock manifold and provides so much more.
Can you think of another mod that does this much??? Why does it seem like headers are a more common mod than a FAST intake. The FAST is cheaper, easier to install and makes similar power gains.
I mean what bad can be said about a FAST102. And no I don't work for FAST, hell I don't even own one. I just want to know why this isn't the first mod that any LS2 owner, looking for more power, does?
Noticeable increase in peak power and tq.
Noticeable increase in midrange power/tq and improved throttle response.
Very good cost per hp ratio.
Simple install with no lift or jacks needed.
Essentially NO DOWN SIDES! No drivability issues or compromises. It just replaces the stock manifold and provides so much more.
Can you think of another mod that does this much??? Why does it seem like headers are a more common mod than a FAST intake. The FAST is cheaper, easier to install and makes similar power gains.
I mean what bad can be said about a FAST102. And no I don't work for FAST, hell I don't even own one. I just want to know why this isn't the first mod that any LS2 owner, looking for more power, does?
_Sloth Whisperer_
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,369
Likes: 9
From: Malaysia Air Flight 370
While a cam swap is my favorite mod too, for "best" you have to take into account the user. Most DIY'ers can install a manifold with no experience. A cam, not so much. As far as ease of installation and overall cost, well... cam+install+tune, typically around $2500 on a C6. Manifold + home-install + tune = maybe $1500. With no other mods made, will the cam pick up a commensurate amount more power for what you paid, and will it be as one-sidedly (made that up) positive as the manifold?
With all that said, headers + home-install + tune = $2000 (best mod).
With all that said, headers + home-install + tune = $2000 (best mod).
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 1
From: Oxford Pa
It's a nice supporting mod to a bolt on car but not the first I would do. If I remember correctly my car picked up 20/27 with a ported 102(tuned) over CAI, 1 7/8 LTH(tuned)..
And a 102 will need a tune so factor that into your $$ to HP/TQ number
And a 102 will need a tune so factor that into your $$ to HP/TQ number
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 959
Likes: 3
From: Hartford CT
OK a cam definetly can add more power for less, but the install is far more complicated plus you have some sort of compromise with drivability. Show me a cammed car with a significant power increase, where you could never tell it was a cammed car.
LTs are a great power mod, but again the install is more complicated and don't they cost more. It seems like typical power gains are around what the FAST picks up.
LTs are a great power mod, but again the install is more complicated and don't they cost more. It seems like typical power gains are around what the FAST picks up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 2
From: Woodinville WA
I understand your reasoning, but you may be off track. You seem to expect results obtained by more modified cars. Whereas just a fast manifold on a stock car might only get an increase of ten hp or maybee less. I've never seen a fast result on an otherwise stock car before.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 959
Likes: 3
From: Hartford CT
I understand your reasoning, but you may be off track. You seem to expect results obtained by more modified cars. Whereas just a fast manifold on a stock car might only get an increase of ten hp or maybee less. I've never seen a fast result on an otherwise stock car before.
Lets look at basic no-cam bolt on cars. If you have a MN6 LS2 you are dynoing about 345rwhp bone stock right? I have seen plenty of LS2 cars with bolt on mods (no cam/heads) crack into 400rwhp, do you agree?
So if you agree to the above two points how do most people get the extra 55rwhp? The most popular mod is exhaust. So what are 1 3/4 LTs, xpipe and axle back worth...25rwhp??? Maybe with a tune. OK whats next, the LS2 intake system is pretty crappy, a good CAI or AI should get you 5rwhp, right? Stock MAF and TB are good at this power level, so what else is there? Maybe a pulley but I can't imagine even 5rwhp from that.
Even so that leaves 20rwhp left, and thats where the FAST102 comes in.
I am saying take a bone stock car and add a fast 102 and tune and you will have at least 95% of the power gains of LTs and a tune. Because of the cheaper cost and easier install, the FAST is a better mod.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,052
Likes: 945
From: DFW TX
The FAST 102 is an outstanding mod on a LS2, but I have to agree that I have never seen one done without supporting mods such as a cam or heads, etc. I picked up 20/20 with a little baby G5X1 cam and headers. Made 445/425 with that setup.
It's a great mod. However best $ for HP is headers & cam.
It's a great mod. However best $ for HP is headers & cam.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,186
Likes: 2
From: Woodinville WA
Good point, but if nobody has tried it, how do we know it doesn't perform to that level?
Lets look at basic no-cam bolt on cars. If you have a MN6 LS2 you are dynoing about 345rwhp bone stock right? I have seen plenty of LS2 cars with bolt on mods (no cam/heads) crack into 400rwhp, do you agree?
So if you agree to the above two points how do most people get the extra 55rwhp? The most popular mod is exhaust. So what are 1 3/4 LTs, xpipe and axle back worth...25rwhp??? Maybe with a tune. OK whats next, the LS2 intake system is pretty crappy, a good CAI or AI should get you 5rwhp, right? Stock MAF and TB are good at this power level, so what else is there? Maybe a pulley but I can't imagine even 5rwhp from that.
Even so that leaves 20rwhp left, and thats where the FAST102 comes in.
I am saying take a bone stock car and add a fast 102 and tune and you will have at least 95% of the power gains of LTs and a tune. Because of the cheaper cost and easier install, the FAST is a better mod.
Lets look at basic no-cam bolt on cars. If you have a MN6 LS2 you are dynoing about 345rwhp bone stock right? I have seen plenty of LS2 cars with bolt on mods (no cam/heads) crack into 400rwhp, do you agree?
So if you agree to the above two points how do most people get the extra 55rwhp? The most popular mod is exhaust. So what are 1 3/4 LTs, xpipe and axle back worth...25rwhp??? Maybe with a tune. OK whats next, the LS2 intake system is pretty crappy, a good CAI or AI should get you 5rwhp, right? Stock MAF and TB are good at this power level, so what else is there? Maybe a pulley but I can't imagine even 5rwhp from that.
Even so that leaves 20rwhp left, and thats where the FAST102 comes in.
I am saying take a bone stock car and add a fast 102 and tune and you will have at least 95% of the power gains of LTs and a tune. Because of the cheaper cost and easier install, the FAST is a better mod.
I Hope you do this though, and post up results.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 972
Likes: 11
From: Dawsonville, GA
I don't think there is a single "mod" that will trump all others. It's more of a cumulative effect by matching a combination of proven parts that work well together.
In an effort to reduce the number of "tunes" my car will need... I'm taking a different approach. I'm replacing stuff that will benefit the package, but won't adversely affect driveability without a tune.
A cam swap will require an immediate tune. Intake and headers ? not so much.
I plan to put headers on my car first... then a Fast 102. I'll probably put nitrous on it next and then take it to the track to baseline it on external mods only. After that... it will probably get a cam and converter, possibly gears too.
In an effort to reduce the number of "tunes" my car will need... I'm taking a different approach. I'm replacing stuff that will benefit the package, but won't adversely affect driveability without a tune.
A cam swap will require an immediate tune. Intake and headers ? not so much.
I plan to put headers on my car first... then a Fast 102. I'll probably put nitrous on it next and then take it to the track to baseline it on external mods only. After that... it will probably get a cam and converter, possibly gears too.
Last edited by Dragracer_Art; Feb 10, 2012 at 10:27 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 959
Likes: 3
From: Hartford CT
I already have a basic AI (Airaid) I think would be good for at least 5rwhp. I guess the most common route people go is CAI, LTs and tune, right? Mid 380rwhp seems kind of high...but maybe.
So what happens if I go airaid, FAST102 and tune. I am guessing at least 370rwhp. Very similar to gains with headers for less money and much easier install.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,052
Likes: 945
From: DFW TX
I am seriously considering it. Put my money where my mouth is.
I already have a basic AI (Airaid) I think would be good for at least 5rwhp. I guess the most common route people go is CAI, LTs and tune, right? Mid 380rwhp seems kind of high...but maybe.
So what happens if I go airaid, FAST102 and tune. I am guessing at least 370rwhp. Very similar to gains with headers for less money and much easier install.
I already have a basic AI (Airaid) I think would be good for at least 5rwhp. I guess the most common route people go is CAI, LTs and tune, right? Mid 380rwhp seems kind of high...but maybe.
So what happens if I go airaid, FAST102 and tune. I am guessing at least 370rwhp. Very similar to gains with headers for less money and much easier install.
I think you will see about the same gains as long tubes. A tune will be nessasary though with CIA and the fast. I've seen ls2s with long tubes, fast 102, CIA, and 160 stat be around 400
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 48
From: CT
Kooks 1 7/8", catted X ,stock mufflers, Ported FAST, VR cai
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYrw9...HR1Niu9km1LLTR
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 266
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
I think if you asked a lot of people with ls2 mod experience you would find the fast is not the lowest hanging fruit and doesn't have nearly as big effect if you have stock exhaust and cam.
I think the fruit hangs from the tree in this order, and the mods are complementary as you go up the tree.
CAI
Tune
Headers
Cam
Fast
Ported/Aftermarket heads
I think the fruit hangs from the tree in this order, and the mods are complementary as you go up the tree.
CAI
Tune
Headers
Cam
Fast
Ported/Aftermarket heads
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 137
From: Short Hills, NJ
As long as one doesn't get way too elaborate with the system's complexity, nitrous is clearly the path to the single highest amount of power for the least amount of money. 
But it is only temporary so to speak as well...FAST intakes, cams, headers etc all give power full time all of the time.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 959
Likes: 3
From: Hartford CT
I think if you asked a lot of people with ls2 mod experience you would find the fast is not the lowest hanging fruit and doesn't have nearly as big effect if you have stock exhaust and cam.
I think the fruit hangs from the tree in this order, and the mods are complementary as you go up the tree.
CAI
Tune
Headers
Cam
Fast
Ported/Aftermarket heads
I think the fruit hangs from the tree in this order, and the mods are complementary as you go up the tree.
CAI
Tune
Headers
Cam
Fast
Ported/Aftermarket heads
So the bottom line is what is the weaker link on a stock LS2? The factory intake manifold or exhaust manifolds? Probobly the exhaust manifolds, but not by much if at all. I guess we will never know for sure until someone installs a FAST102 BEFORE LTs.
I still say the FAST102 should add power similar to LTs, even if it is only95% of LTs, once price and install are considered the FAST is a superior mod.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,950
Likes: 266
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
The exhaust manifolds are the bigger restriction. That's why people take care of them first. The manifold isn't a restriction with stock manifolds and even then not much with stock cam.