HOW TO ADD 100 HP TO YOUR LS-POWERED VEHICLE

INTRODUCTION

If you’re looking to add around 100 horsepower to your LS-powered vehicle, the right combination of bolt-ons and tuning can deliver impressive gains. If you buy the parts and install them yourself plus add a dyno tune you can keep your budget around $2,350. If you pay someone for all the labor your cost is closer to $4,800. You should focus on key performance upgrades that boost airflow, improve exhaust efficiency, and optimize your engine’s overall performance. Here’s a breakdown of the best way to achieve these gains and unleash the full potential of your LS engine.

1. Cold Air Intake ($300-$400)

A cold air intake is a great starting point for any LS build, they look good and sound good too. Make sure to choose a well-insulated intake system that keeps hot air from entering, as heat can reduce the effectiveness of this mod.

  • Cost: $300-$400 (Brands like aFe, JLT, Holley)
  • Gains: Around 10  horsepower at high RPMs (6,000 and above).
  • Benefit: better sound, and a slight power increase at higher RPMs, especially with a heat-shielded design to ensure cooler air reaches the engine.
  • Installation Time: 1-2 hours.

2. Long Tube Headers ($700-$900)

Long tube headers are one of the best bolt-on upgrades for LS engines, and the performance benefits come from the scavenging effect they create. Scavenging occurs when the exhaust gases from one cylinder help draw out the gases from another cylinder, improving exhaust flow and overall efficiency.

  • How Scavenging Works: When the exhaust valve opens, the exhaust gases flow quickly through the headers. In long tube headers, the length and diameter of the pipes are tuned to create a vacuum (negative pressure), which helps pull more exhaust gases out of the other cylinders. This improves the intake of fresh air and fuel, leading to more power.
  • Cost: $700-$900 (Speed Engineering)
  • Gains: 20-30 horsepower.
  • Benefit: Enhanced exhaust flow due to better scavenging, improved exhaust note, and reduced backpressure.
  • Installation Time: 4-8 hours.

3. Exhaust System ($400-$800)

To maximize the gains from long tube headers, pairing them with a high-flow cat-back exhaust system is essential. A well-designed exhaust system reduces restrictions, improves airflow, and complements the scavenging effect of the headers. Brands like Speed Engineering, Magnaflow, and Texas-Speed offer systems that work well with LS engines.

  • Cost: $400-$800 (Magnaflow, Speed Engineering, Texas-Speed)
  • Gains: Around 10-15 horsepower when paired with headers.
  • Benefit: A more aggressive exhaust tone, reduced exhaust backpressure, and additional horsepower gains.
  • Installation Time: 2-4 hours.

 

4. Dyno Tune ($650)

After installing the intake, headers, and exhaust, a dyno tune is the final step to optimize your modifications. A professional tune adjusts the air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, and other engine parameters to ensure everything is running efficiently and safely. Tuning extracts the maximum potential from your new upgrades.

  • Cost: $650
  • Gains: 25-35 horsepower from the tune alone, plus additional gains by optimizing all modifications.
  • Benefit: Ensures all parts are working together harmoniously, maximizes performance, improves drivability, and ensures engine reliability.

Installation Time and Service

Installing the entire package (cold air intake, long tube headers, and exhaust system) takes an estimated 7-14 hours. At PCM Tuners, we offer professional installation at a labor rate of $175 per hour, bringing the total installation cost to $2,450 for the full package (14 hours x $175).

Budget Breakdown:

  1. Cold Air Intake: $300
  2. Long Tube Headers: $800
  3. Exhaust System: $600
  4. Dyno Tune: $650

Budget Breakdown

Cold Air Intake: $300
Long Tube Headers: $800
Exhaust System: $600
Dyno Tune: $650
Parts and Tuning Cost: $2,350
Labor Cost $2,450
Turnkey Installation Cost: $4,800

Power Gains Summary

Cold Air Intake: +10 horsepower at high RPMs

Long Tube Headers: +20-30 horsepower (due to scavenging effect)

Exhaust System: +10-15 horsepower

Tune: +25-45 horsepower

Conclusion

Adding around 100 horsepower to your LS-powered vehicle is achievable with the right combination of modifications. A cold air intake, long tube headers, a high-flow exhaust, and a professional dyno tune will not only increase horsepower but also improve throttle response and sound. At PCM Tuners, we can install the entire package for you, ensuring everything is dialed in perfectly with our expert installation service. Contact us today to schedule your upgrade!