The LS1 engine is a 5.7L aluminum block V8 that was produced and designed by General Motors from 1997 to 2005. It was used in a number of cars including the 1997 to 2004 Chevrolet Corvette C5, the 1998 to 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 and SS, the 1998 to 2002 Pontiac Trans-Am and the 2004 Pontiac GTO. Without modifications, the LS1 engine produces 350 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. There are a number of performance aftermarket modifications that can increase the horsepower produced by the LS1 engine.
Install a nitrous oxide system. Nitrous oxide systems inject nitrous oxide into the fuel system at the push of a button; this provides a tremendous but temporary boost in horsepower. Nitrous oxide systems are relatively inexpensive considering the amount of horsepower they add, but note that they do increase wear and tear on the vehicle and have the potential to blow the LS1 engine if used improperly.
Switch from standard oil to full-synthetic oil. This will provide a moderate boost in power, typically about five horsepower, but also has the advantage of being extremely inexpensive and easy to install. It might increase the lifespan of your vehicle.
Replace the factory exhaust system with a performance aftermarket exhaust system. The stock exhaust system for your LS1-powered vehicle will depend on exactly what car you are driving, but all of them can be made more powerful by purchasing and installing a high-flow exhaust system. The system allows air to flow more freely out of your engine. Note that aftermarket exhaust systems typically increase engine noise and decrease ground clearance.
Replace your vehicle's cold-air intake with a performance aftermarket air-intake kit. The cold-air intake is responsible for sucking in air, cooling it, and then routing it to the engine. Performance air-intake kits suck in more air and cool it more efficiently, which results in a horsepower boost for your LS1 engine. Air intake kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. As an added benefit they might provide a slight increase in fuel economy.
