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Old Feb 3, 2021 | 07:17 PM
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Default MSD Atomic Airforce Intake.

Looking to get the most out of my N/A LT1 so I was considering adding the MSD intake with an AFE CAI and possibly a bigger throttle body. (Most likely a solar).

My current 2018 Z51 build has a stage 2 custom grind Camshaft, E85 and Kooks Longtube headers. Will even benefit from a bigger throttle body over stock? In the near future I also plan on upgrading my cylinder heads.


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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 03:26 PM
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The msd will get you power for tb go with the lt5
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Old Feb 4, 2021 | 05:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Fast6.3
The msd will get you power for tb go with the lt5
95mm then? Great, thank you sir!
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 09:41 AM
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Do you plan on doing a ported MSD, you get the most power out of that to match up with the Cam and being ported it will make more power in the upper rpm range where the stock IM or even the stock MSD won't. You'll have to get an adapter with the 95mm Lt5 since the bolt pattern is different. You might even consider just porting you 87.

Last edited by 99vetteran; Feb 5, 2021 at 09:41 AM.
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 10:39 AM
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I'm similar. 100% NA, heads/cam, e85, lt headers, Soler LT5, header-back custom 3" exhaust. I'm not convinced of a ported intake -right now-. If/when I boost or nitrous, I might go back to the ported intake. Right now, NA, I don't think it's gonna accomplish anything. Positive pressure boost? Probably.
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 10:48 AM
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Originally Posted by ImpliedConsent
I'm similar. 100% NA, heads/cam, e85, lt headers, Soler LT5, header-back custom 3" exhaust. I'm not convinced of a ported intake -right now-. If/when I boost or nitrous, I might go back to the ported intake. Right now, NA, I don't think it's gonna accomplish anything. Positive pressure boost? Probably.
Pray performance has proved a ported MSD has more gains than non ported. He posted multiple dyno sheets to prove it.


To the OP I'd get the intake ported and go with a bigger ported TB. Katech sells a great adapter for the LT5. Get a 95mm or 103mm
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by chrisgood1
Pray performance has proved a ported MSD has more gains than non ported. He posted multiple dyno sheets to prove it.
Is that NA or on a boosted application? Regardless, a "ported" MSD is different than a stock MSD; a stock MSD v stock intake is what we're discussing correct? So, not only does one have to pay the $1k+ for the MSD, they have to go to their speed shop (or Pray) and have it ported for minor (<15hp) HP gains overall? I think the better money is spent on some new heads, upgraded HPFP, upgraded fuel rails, injectors. Then boost and port your stock intake ... or the MSD I guess ... and a real dyno tune.
Don't get me wrong - I actually like the MSD intake as a dress-up to the engine bay.
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by ImpliedConsent
Is that NA or on a boosted application? Regardless, a "ported" MSD is different than a stock MSD; a stock MSD v stock intake is what we're discussing correct? So, not only does one have to pay the $1k+ for the MSD, they have to go to their speed shop (or Pray) and have it ported for minor (<15hp) HP gains overall? I think the better money is spent on some new heads, upgraded HPFP, upgraded fuel rails, injectors. Then boost and port your stock intake ... or the MSD I guess ... and a real dyno tune.
Don't get me wrong - I actually like the MSD intake as a dress-up to the engine bay.
The differences were on N/A applications and it is definitely 100% worth it I've seen the results. I agree heads are worth the money, but either way you still have to wait. While waiting on heads just go ahead and send the manifold out to be ported than get it all tuned at once.
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by ImpliedConsent
I'm similar. 100% NA, heads/cam, e85, lt headers, Soler LT5, header-back custom 3" exhaust. I'm not convinced of a ported intake -right now-. If/when I boost or nitrous, I might go back to the ported intake. Right now, NA, I don't think it's gonna accomplish anything. Positive pressure boost? Probably.
You thinking is backwards. You're going to see far more of a gain in a NA build with a ported intake manifold than you will a boosted application. In a boosted application it's just not worth the money to change because you're supplying the pressure. It's way more cost effective to just change a pulley than slap an expensive intake manifold on.

Last edited by C7&7; Feb 5, 2021 at 01:42 PM.
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by C7&7
You thinking is backwards. You're going to see far more of a gain in a NA build with a ported intake manifold than you will a boosted application. In a boosted application it's just not work the money to change because you're supplying the pressure. It's way more cost effective to just change a pulley than slap an expensive intake manifold on.
Bingo. NA or Nitrous I'd do a ported MSD with a NW 103mm Throttle Body. If you plan to go boost down the road leave the stock on there.
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 02:47 PM
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Yeah. OK, I'll go with it. You guys are the pros. I'm def piecing mine together over years, not at one time. Port your MSD though @rickster1823 ! If one is only building NA (or Nitrous), I can see it now, TY.
I'm just gonna port my OEM and build to support decent boost (incl forged connecting rods/pistons, rings, crank -- much later) along with the fuel upgrades that I can do now.
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Old Feb 5, 2021 | 03:41 PM
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Originally Posted by ImpliedConsent
Yeah. OK, I'll go with it. You guys are the pros. I'm def piecing mine together over years, not at one time. Port your MSD though @rickster1823 ! If one is only building NA (or Nitrous), I can see it now, TY.
I'm just gonna port my OEM and build to support decent boost (incl forged connecting rods/pistons, rings, crank -- much later) along with the fuel upgrades that I can do now.

thanks for the feedback. I will most definitely do so!
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