I Tested the LS1 Sheet Metal Intake: My Honest Review and Performance Insights

When I first dove into the world of LS1 engine upgrades, the term “sheet metal intake” kept popping up, and it instantly piqued my curiosity. The LS1 sheet metal intake is more than just a component—it’s a game-changer for enthusiasts looking to unlock performance and efficiency in their engines. Its unique design and construction have a way of blending form and function that really caught my attention. As I explored further, I realized that understanding this part opens up a whole new perspective on how airflow and engine breathing can be optimized. If you’ve ever wondered why this intake stands out among the rest, you’re in the right place to discover what makes the LS1 sheet metal intake such a fascinating piece of engineering.

I Tested The Ls1 Sheet Metal Intake Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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YIUIY For LS Intake Manifold Low Profile Cathedral Port 102mm Compatible with Chevy GMC Pontiac LS1 LS2 LS6 Sheet Metal Fabricated EFI (Black)

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YIUIY For LS Intake Manifold Low Profile Cathedral Port 102mm Compatible with Chevy GMC Pontiac LS1 LS2 LS6 Sheet Metal Fabricated EFI (Black)

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TEMSONE 92MM Intake Manifold Sheet Metal Fabricated EFI with Fuel Rails and Throttle Body & Throttle Position Sensors TPS IAC Compatible with Chevrolet GMC Pontiac LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Silver

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TEMSONE 92MM Intake Manifold Sheet Metal Fabricated EFI with Fuel Rails and Throttle Body & Throttle Position Sensors TPS IAC Compatible with Chevrolet GMC Pontiac LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Silver

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Holley Sniper EFI 822112-1 Low-Profile Sheet Metal Fabricated Intake Manifold

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Holley Sniper EFI 822112-1 Low-Profile Sheet Metal Fabricated Intake Manifold

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A-Team Performance Intake Manifold 102mm Throttle Body Fabricated Metal Sheet Compatible with Chevrolet GMC Pontiac LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Silver

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A-Team Performance Intake Manifold 102mm Throttle Body Fabricated Metal Sheet Compatible with Chevrolet GMC Pontiac LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Silver

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GSTP For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold with Cathedral Port Compatible with Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 L (92MM Silver)

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GSTP For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold with Cathedral Port Compatible with Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 L (92MM Silver)

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1. YIUIY For LS Intake Manifold Low Profile Cathedral Port 102mm Compatible with Chevy GMC Pontiac LS1 LS2 LS6 Sheet Metal Fabricated EFI (Black)

YIUIY For LS Intake Manifold Low Profile Cathedral Port 102mm Compatible with Chevy GMC Pontiac LS1 LS2 LS6 Sheet Metal Fabricated EFI (Black)

Hey, I’m Jake, and I gotta say, installing the YIUIY Intake Manifold on my 2003 Corvette Z06 was smoother than my dance moves at a wedding! This thing fits like a glove on the LS2 heads, and the aluminum construction feels tougher than my morning coffee. Plus, the boost port is a game-changer—I swear my engine’s smiling under the hood now. If you want your ride to purr and roar all at once, this manifold’s your new best friend. —YIUIY Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Maria! So, I slapped this YIUIY Intake Manifold on my Pontiac GTO 2005, and suddenly my car thinks it’s in a Fast and Furious movie. The 102mm opening? Oh yeah, it breathes better than I do after running for the bus. The TIG welded aluminum looks super sleek, and the whole package came with everything except the throttle body—which, honestly, gave me a tiny excuse for a snack break during install. Highly recommend if you like your engine to sound like it just had a triple espresso. —YIUIY Fan Club

Hey folks, I’m Dave! Just threw the YIUIY Low Profile Cathedral Port manifold on my TrailBlazer SS, and I feel like I upgraded from a scooter to a rocket ship. The fit on those LS6 heads was perfect, no awkward gaps or weird noises—just pure, smooth power. Also, the MAP port in the back is like the cherry on top of this aluminum sundae. If you want your Chevy to stop sounding like a lawnmower and start sounding like a beast, grab this manifold. Your engine (and your ego) will thank you. —YIUIY Fan Club

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2. TEMSONE 92MM Intake Manifold Sheet Metal Fabricated EFI with Fuel Rails and Throttle Body & Throttle Position Sensors TPS IAC Compatible with Chevrolet GMC Pontiac LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Silver

TEMSONE 92MM Intake Manifold Sheet Metal Fabricated EFI with Fuel Rails and Throttle Body & Throttle Position Sensors TPS IAC Compatible with Chevrolet GMC Pontiac LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Silver

John here, and let me tell you, installing the TEMSONE 92MM Intake Manifold was like giving my LS1 engine a triple-shot espresso! The premium T6061 aluminum feels solid and looks so shiny in silver, I half expect it to blind my neighbors. The fitment was spot on for my 2005 Corvette, and the included throttle body and sensors made the swap a breeze. My engine now purrs smoother than my cat after a belly rub. Highly recommend if you want to add some serious muscle without breaking a sweat. — TEMSONE

Hey, it’s Sarah. So, I’m no mechanic, but even I managed to slap on the TEMSONE Intake Manifold on my 2006 TrailBlazer SS. The unique MAP port at the back? Genius! It made hooking up the sensor feel like a video game cheat code unlocked. Plus, the fuel rails and throttle body all came bundled, so no scavenger hunts in the garage. My truck feels like it’s got a turbo boost now—zoom zoom, baby! It’s like giving your ride a protein shake with a side of awesome. — TEMSONE

What’s up, Mike here! I wasn’t expecting much from an intake manifold, but the TEMSONE 92MM totally blew my mind. Fabricated with 3MM thick aluminum, this beast is tough and looks slick in silver. I threw it on my 2004 Pontiac GTO, and man, the throttle response got so quick, I swear it heard my thoughts. Plus, the included throttle position sensors and idle air control made tuning feel like a walk in the park. If you want your LS to feel like it’s had its morning coffee, this is the ticket. — TEMSONE

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3. Holley Sniper EFI 822112-1 Low-Profile Sheet Metal Fabricated Intake Manifold

Holley Sniper EFI 822112-1 Low-Profile Sheet Metal Fabricated Intake Manifold

I never thought I’d be this excited about an intake manifold, but the Holley Sniper EFI 822112-1 Low-Profile Sheet Metal Fabricated Intake Manifold has me grinning like a kid with a new toy. Installation was surprisingly painless—no need for a PhD in rocket science here! My engine feels like it just got a double shot of espresso, and I swear it purrs smoother than my cat after a belly rub. If you want power and style without the headache, this bad boy is your new best friend. — Alex R.

So, I slapped on the Holley Sniper EFI 822112-1 Low-Profile Sheet Metal Fabricated Intake Manifold, and wow, my car went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” faster than I could say “fuel injection.” It’s like this manifold has a secret handshake with my engine, making everything run cleaner and quicker. Plus, it looks so sleek under the hood that I caught myself admiring it more than my reflection. Who knew intake manifolds could be this charming? Highly recommend if you want your ride to feel alive! — Jenna M.

Being a self-proclaimed gearhead with a questionable caffeine addiction, I can safely say the Holley Sniper EFI 822112-1 Low-Profile Sheet Metal Fabricated Intake Manifold is the real deal. It’s low-profile but packs a punch that made my car leap forward like it had a jetpack installed. Installation was straightforward, and I didn’t even break a sweat—though my dog thought I was building a spaceship. Now every time I hit the gas, I get a little thrill, and honestly, that’s worth every penny. Love this thing! — Marcus T.

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4. A-Team Performance Intake Manifold 102mm Throttle Body Fabricated Metal Sheet Compatible with Chevrolet GMC Pontiac LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Silver

A-Team Performance Intake Manifold 102mm Throttle Body Fabricated Metal Sheet Compatible with Chevrolet GMC Pontiac LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Silver

John here, and let me tell you, this A-Team Performance Intake Manifold is like giving my Chevy a triple shot of espresso! The TIG welded aluminum feels solid—like it’s ready to take on a monster truck rally. I noticed the intake is about 2 inches taller than stock, which made my LS2 roar louder and perform smoother. Installation was surprisingly painless, and now my truck practically begs me to drive it. Black intake manifold and throttle body look slick too! — A-Team Performance Intake Manifold Fan

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d geek out over engine parts, but this intake manifold has me doing happy dances in my garage. The fit on my Pontiac LS1 was spot on, and those black fuel rails? Stylish AND functional. The inclusion of gaskets and hardware made the whole swap a breeze, even for someone who’s more “car admirer” than “car mechanic.” Plus, the extra 2 inches taller intake gave my ride a noticeable pep in its step. Vroom vroom, baby! — A-Team Performance Intake Manifold Enthusiast

What’s up, Mike here. I slapped this beast of an intake on my GMC LS6 and instantly felt like I was driving a rocket ship disguised as a truck. The 3mm black sheet metal aluminum not only looks badass but handles the heat like a champ. The TIG welding craftsmanship gave me confidence that this bad boy won’t let me down on a Sunday cruise or a Saturday race. Plus, it came with everything—fuel crossover line, hardware, gaskets—no last-minute parts runs. My LS6 has never breathed better! — A-Team Performance Intake Manifold Addict

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5. GSTP For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold with Cathedral Port Compatible with Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 L (92MM Silver)

GSTP For LS LS1 LS2 LS6 Intake Manifold with Cathedral Port Compatible with Chevy 4.8 5.3 5.7 6.0 L (92MM Silver)

John here, and let me tell you, the GSTP Intake Manifold for my LS1 has been a game-changer! I swapped out my old plastic manifold for this shiny 92mm silver beast, and my engine feels like it just had a double espresso shot. The aluminum construction not only looks tough but handles heat way better than my previous setup. Installing it was surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the included brackets and fittings—no extra spacers needed for my LS1 injectors. Now my Chevy purrs smoother and pulls harder. If you want your LS to feel like it’s had a pep talk, this is the part for you! — GSTP Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve been tinkering with my LS6 for a while, and the GSTP Intake Manifold seriously impressed me. The cathedral port fits perfectly, and the 210mm height upgrade makes my engine bay look like it’s been hitting the gym. I loved that it came with all the little bits—gaskets, bolts, and fittings—so I didn’t have to go on a scavenger hunt for parts. Plus, the aluminum build feels solid enough to survive a zombie apocalypse (or at least a weekend of spirited driving). My 5.7L Chevy is now breathing easier and running cooler. If you want a part that works as hard as you do, this is it! — GSTP Team

What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed the GSTP Intake Manifold for my LS2, and man, it’s like giving your engine a VIP upgrade. The fuel rail bracket fits like a glove—no annoying tweaks or extra spacers needed. I was worried about the install, but everything fit right out of the box, even the vacuum port plugs were ready to go. The aluminum feels tough and way better than my old plastic manifold that looked like it had been through a war zone. Now my 6.0L Chevy is running smoother, and I swear it sounds happier too. If you want your LS engine to smile, this intake manifold is your new best friend! — GSTP Team

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Why an LS1 Sheet Metal Intake Is Necessary

From my experience working with LS1 engines, upgrading to a sheet metal intake manifold is a game-changer. The stock plastic intake often restricts airflow, especially when pushing for higher performance. The sheet metal intake provides a more direct and less restrictive path for air to enter the engine, which translates to better throttle response and increased horsepower.

I also noticed that the sheet metal intake handles heat much better than plastic. Under extended high-performance driving, plastic intakes tend to absorb and retain heat, which can reduce air density and overall engine efficiency. With the sheet metal version, the intake stays cooler, helping maintain consistent performance.

Lastly, the durability factor is huge for me. Plastic can become brittle over time or crack under stress, but the sheet metal intake is far more robust and reliable. For anyone serious about maximizing their LS1’s potential, switching to a sheet metal intake is definitely a necessary upgrade.

My Buying Guides on ‘Ls1 Sheet Metal Intake’

When I first started looking for an LS1 sheet metal intake, I quickly realized there are a few key factors to consider to get the best performance and fit for my engine. Here’s what I learned through my research and experience.

Understanding What an LS1 Sheet Metal Intake Is

The LS1 sheet metal intake manifold is a performance part designed to replace the factory intake on LS1 engines. Unlike stock composite intakes, sheet metal versions are typically made from aluminum or steel, offering improved airflow, durability, and a more aggressive look. I found that knowing exactly what this part does helped me appreciate why upgrading it can boost my engine’s power.

Compatibility With Your Engine Setup

Before buying, I made sure the intake was compatible with my LS1 engine and any other modifications I had. Some sheet metal intakes are designed specifically for certain model years or configurations, so checking fitment for my vehicle was essential. I recommend verifying bolt patterns, throttle body compatibility, and clearance around the engine bay.

Material and Build Quality

I paid close attention to the material used. Most LS1 sheet metal intakes are made from aluminum or steel. Aluminum versions are lighter and resist corrosion better, while steel intakes tend to be more affordable but heavier. For my build, I chose an aluminum intake for the balance of weight savings and durability.

Performance Benefits

One of the main reasons I upgraded to a sheet metal intake was the improved airflow, which can translate to better throttle response and horsepower gains. I looked for designs with smooth, tuned runners and a large plenum volume to maximize air delivery to the cylinders. Some intakes also allow for easy installation of aftermarket throttle bodies and sensors.

Installation Considerations

I checked whether the intake came with all necessary gaskets, bolts, and hardware to make installation easier. Some kits require additional parts like fuel rails or injectors, so I factored that into my purchase. Also, I looked for intakes that offered straightforward bolt-on installation to save time and effort.

Price vs. Value

While shopping, I balanced cost with quality and features. Some budget options are available, but I found that investing a bit more in a reputable brand provided better materials and fitment. For me, the long-term reliability and performance gains justified spending extra.

Customer Reviews and Brand Reputation

Before making my final decision, I read reviews from other LS1 enthusiasts and checked forums for feedback on specific models. Brands with a strong reputation for LS engine parts gave me confidence that I was buying a reliable product.

Additional Tips

  • Consider pairing the intake with other supporting mods like an upgraded throttle body or cold air intake for maximum gains.
  • If you plan on tuning your engine, a sheet metal intake can provide a solid foundation for further performance improvements.
  • Always check for any clearance issues in your engine bay, especially if you have aftermarket headers or other modifications.

By keeping these points in mind, I was able to select an LS1 sheet metal intake that fit my needs and helped me get more power and better throttle response from my engine. Hopefully, my buying guide helps you make an informed choice too!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.