Z manifolds
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 260
Likes: 19
From: Elgin IL
Z manifolds
Hello forum guys. I've heard conflicting answers so here I'll go. Are there any advantages to bolting on Z06 or ZR1 manifolds in place of my 12 LS3 manifolds on my 12 GS ?
Thanks in advance , guys/gals .
Thanks in advance , guys/gals .
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 30,427
Likes: 1,609
From: Outside the Quick Stop N.J.
Z06 on the left, LS3 on the right.
You will also have to swap over the cats, but if you can find a set from a Z06 they only have one cat per side, while your GS has two.
Here are some side by side pics for comparison.
GS on the left, Z on the right.
Ditto.
Z on the left, GS on the right.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 260
Likes: 19
From: Elgin IL
I should have been more thorough. My current exhaust set up is, stock manifolds through a Corsa X pipe and a Corsa axle back. By adding the x pipe I eliminated two cats. So if I replaced my current manifolds with a Z manifold , are there any pluses or minuses ?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 149
From: North Carolina
I did the entire manifold to muffler swap on my '11 GS. Pluses: 1) LS7 manifolds flow better than the LS3 with some estimates being as much as 15hp gain; 2) the manifolds look much better (if you take the time to polish them, even better); 3) if you are subject to emissions/alteration restrictions they look stock; 4) better heat control compared to headers; 5) cheaper than quality headers although you will leave HP on the table. Minuses: 1) 3" vs 2.5" system requires at least the cats/downpipe as well as modifications to your existing x-pipe or need to swap out the entire system; 2) clearance is tight for the install; 3) you'll need to either unwrap your O2 sensor wires for enough length to reach the Z06 sensors or buy extensions (I recommend the latter); 4) half of the studs on my manifolds were either broken or stripped when uninstalled and had to be replaced/repaired - your experience may be different.
