10 Best LS3 Intake Manifold 2023 – Unbiased Review & Buying Guide

The best ls3 intake manifold is a replacement of the original manifold with obvious better features. Manifolds are an integral part of the car engine that the car can never do without.

Since it needs changing, one should get better performing manifolds. Hence, any car owner should compare products to get the best one.

The Comparison Table of 0 Best LS3 Intake Manifold [Updated 2023]

What is the best ls3 intake manifold?

All the IS3 intake manifolds on this list are top-notch ones. However, the best manifold is Edelbrock 2701.

The reason behind this is that it holds all the features of top products.

Also, the brand name is something to consider when purchasing such a product.

Edelbrock is a common name in car engine parts. This manifold is one of its top products

Why Edelbrock 2701 is the best brand for ls3 intake manifold?

For various reasons. First of all, it is a double-plane manifold which gives better in-city performance. Furthermore, its material is a long-lasting one.

So, one wouldn’t have to change it constantly. Also, the end HP and torque, considering the RPM range, are suitable for an ideal driving experience.

Top 10 Best LS3 Intake Manifold Review & Buying Guide

01. Edelbrock 2701 – [Best value for money]

 

Highlighted Features

• Delivers 5,500 RPM range
• Dual panel intake
• Aluminum material
• Single carburetor and no EGR
• Fits certain vehicles

Arriving with a double plane intake, this manifold can increase the RPM range to 5,500. Eventually, the RPM can increase more but 5,500 is an ideal range.

Also, it works with a single carburetor. It can work with any original equipment with no need to adjust anything.

On top of that, it is made of aluminum with no need to add an extra finish. Aluminum is already a good element with resistance features.

Another significant feature about the Edelbrock manifold is the performance it delivers compared to the price.

Thus, it is a cost-effective product. Besides, it looks great in its place and installation is not a hassle at all.

So, for a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, Edlebrock is the best ls3 intake manifold to get.

 

02. FAST Intake Manifold (146302B) – [Best for fitting many engines]

 

 

Highlighted Features

• Polymer material
• 102mm air inlet
• Removable runners
• Black finish
• Fit LS1, 2, 3, 6, and 7 engines

Featuring a longer runner design, this manifold can deliver the best HP while maintaining a lower torque.

On top of that, it allows for removing individual runners, so, installation is the easiest.

Apart from this, it arrives in a black finish or a sleeker and a stunning look on the engine. For a long-lasting product, it is made of polymer which doesn’t get hot easily and lighter in weight.

Furthermore, the 102mm air inlet is suitable for many engines. It can fit big throttle bodies in addition to 90 and 92mm throttles.

Above and beyond, it will deliver exceptional performance with no clearance problems.

FAST LSXR manifold can also fit LS1, LS2, LS6, and LS7 engines. Thus, it is a product for all

 

03. ACDelco 12580420 – [Best for OE resemblance]

 

 

Highlighted Features

• Fits GM vehicle
• Works with all OEM parts
• 92 mm intake
• Aluminum material

ACDelco offers a high-quality manifold with a 92mm large intake. The manifold will equally distribute air between the cylinders delivering the best-expected performance.

Ultimately, it fits all GM vehicles, but you need to double-check first before buying.

If it fits, it will provide the same original factory performance. So, what you get is just a replacement of the OEM part without compensating anything.

For installation, one might need to get the gaskets. However, all other parts will fit perfectly with this manifold.

Generally, it comes at a very affordable price for the features. So, it is a winning bargain in all cases. In brief, for a reliable and even more durable product, ACDelco is a great option to go for.

 

04. FAST Intake Manifold for LS3/L92 – [Best for adjustability]

 

 

Highlighted Features

• 14+ Hp and 11+ torque
• Adjustable runners
• 102mm air inlet
• Polymer material

For providing higher HP without losing any other features, FAST LSXr is the best manifold to do the job.

Its adjustable runners just like the previous FAST LSXr product allow for tuning the engine to certain speeds.

Along with this, the large intake mouth makes it suitable for different throttle bodies even for smaller ones with a little adjustment.

Coming to the performance gains, this manifold can drive up to 14+ HP and 11+ torque.

So, it is a high-quality and high-performance alternative to original products.

For the car owner’s convenience, it comes with all the hardware for installation. Moreover, its adjustable feature allows for fitting on different engines.

 

05. Holley 300-117 – [Best for performance gains]

 

Highlighted Features

• Aluminum material
• 612 HP and 509 torque
• 105mm air inlet
• Hi-Ram

Holley’s manifolds are remarkable products in this aftermarket parts category. Starting with this model, it has a 105mm air intake.

Although it is not the biggest intake mouth, it is good enough for fitting the throttle body.

Being an aluminum manifold means it has a durable material that will last forever. Once this manifold is installed, the performance gains will begin to manifest.

A few of these gains include a 612 HP and 509 torque. Another stunning aspect is the overall visual statement of the manifold.

It is one of the best-looking manifolds on this list. However, the Hi-Ram doesn’t provide the best hood clearance.

Hence, if good clearance is no the number one priority, Holley’s Hi-Ram manifold can deliver outstanding results.

 

06. Dorman 615-900

 

 

Highlighted Features

• Works for specific vehicles
• Slightly higher runners
• Precision-fit installation
• Comes with EGR provision

Dorman manifold is suitable for certain vehicles. So, if you have one of those, it will be a great choice for functionality and price.

For fitting on the engine, it is a precision fit on the specific vehicles it is designed for.

All thanks to the manufacturers of this aftermarket part for the easy installation process. Besides, it can work on different engines as LS1 and LS6 with some minor adjustments.

What’s more, is that the final appearance of this manifold is more than acceptable. While it has longer runners than other manifolds, it can fit perfectly under the hood.

Therefore, it is a good replacement for the OE manifolds. Despite the long runners, it still delivers a good HP and torque higher than the original part.

 

07. Holley 300-136

 

Highlighted Features

• 2,500 – 7,000 RPM
• 15-inch width port
• Low-profile design
• Increases HP

It is another manifold from Holley but this time with a single plane and mid-rise intake. The features works well with LS3 and other types of engines!

Yet, it is the best on an LS3. Other than this, it can deliver up to 7,000 RPM range. Although it is not likely to reach this limit, just having the power to deliver this performance is an advantage.

Additionally, the hood clearance is another advantage thanks to the shorter runners.

Moving to installation is an easy process with all installation hardware provided.

The design of the manifold itself allows for a bolt-on installation that takes minutes.

Furthermore, all separate parts are sold for any modifications one may need. Lastly, Just like it improves the RPM range to maximum, the HP increases as well.

 

08. Holley 300-135

 

 

Highlighted Features

• 6,700 RPM
• 560 HP and 500 torque
• Mid-rise design
• LS3 engine precision-fit

Having a mid-rise design with a maximum height of 40 cm makes this manifold an excellent choice.

Holley’s mid-rise manifolds are the best in terms of hood clearance and in-town performance.

Besides, the RPM range along with the HP production is not compensated for the design.

Holley’s mid-rise manifold can produce up to 560 HP and 500 torque. Whereas the RPM range can jump to 6,700 at max.  

Since Holley is a well-known name for these aftermarket parts, the installation kit is not an issue at all.

Even if the manifold has any missing parts, one can easily find them to customize his manifold.

However, it is always recommended to choose this manifold with a suitable carburetor and engine to get the best results.

 

09. Holley 838232

 

 

Highlighted Features

• 4,500 RPM
• 90mm intake
• Fit LS3 and L92 engines
• 5 ft-lbs torque
• Removable top part

Holley’s sniper manifold is much more efficient than OEM manifolds for everything. As for the performance, it can deliver up to 4,500 RPM.

On the same side, the torque will increase to 5 ft-lbs. Thus, the performance gains are moderate ones but just as anyone will need.

Further, the 90mm intake will fit the GM LS3 engine with no modifications needed at all.

Most importantly, the black anodized finish is something car owners will love the most.

Although the manifold is not apparent at the end, this finish is a protective one. So, it works for long-lasting performance.

Above all, the removable top adds to the ease of the installation process. Further, all installation kits are included within the package.

 

10. SNIPER EFI

 

 

Highlighted Features

• Cast aluminum alloy
• 102mm intake
• Dual panel design
• Hi-Ram design
• Increases RPM by 1,000

Last but not least on the list is the Sniper EFI manifold. Featuring a 102mm intake, this manifold performs just as top ones.

Besides, the dual-panel design and the open space between runners and other parts enhance its power.

From a manufacturer’s point of view, it is cast aluminum alloy. So, it is lighter in weight but with superb performance.

Speaking of performance improvements, the RPM range is higher by 1,000 than original manifolds.

Whereas the overall performance is noticeably higher than OEM parts.

Also, the unique design of this manifold works for cooling it down which adds to its functionality among other manifolds.

Finally, it comes with the whole kit to perfectly install this manifold to the vehicle.

 

Buying Considerations of The Selection For The Best LS3 Intake Manifold

Since there are different options in the market for manifolds, it is hard to choose the best fit.

Whereas some manifolds will deliver the best performance at all, they might have other cons as hood clearance.

So, it is essential to know all the features, functionality, and specific pros and cons of each product.

Most importantly, one should generally know what makes the best ls3 intake manifold to be able to choose the right product.

Fit

Fitting here includes the cylinder head and intake width. Generally, the manifold will have the precise cylinder head specification mentioned.

For example, the LS3 cylinder heads which we are talking about here use 55mm intakes. Whereas L92 needs 14mm valves.

Various manifolds can fit different cylinder heads by minor adjustments.

These adjustments will include attaching small rings to reduce the valve opening and things like that.

So, the point is to make sure the manifold can perfectly fit the engine. Either with modifications or not, it should precisely rest in its compartment.

Yet, having vehicle-specific manifolds is always better.

Plane type

There are different types of planes for different vehicles. Yet, the most common one is the dual plane type.

Also, it is the best type as it works for cooling down the manifold as well. To understand which is better, one must first understand how these planes make a difference.

Dual planes have two separate channels for channeling the fuel from the carburetor.

Each of the planes will channel fuel to several cylinders according to the engine type. So, fuel is evenly distributed across all cylinders.

Also, this design is sometimes referred to as 180 degrees of crack rotation as each plane will work with half of the engine cylinders.

So, the firing pulses are divided equally. Moreover, overlapping will never occur maximizing the engine performance as much as possible.

The second type is single-plane manifolds. In this type, there is only one plenum that is responsible for providing all the engine cylinders with fuel.

Although single-plane manifolds don’t provide the same high performance as dual ones, they have another advantage.

That is single-plane manifolds provide better fuel flow and ensures more equal distribution. Also, they have shorter runners than dual-plane manifolds.

In brief, to exactly know what works best for you, consider why you are getting a manifold.

For in-town driving, dual planes are better. Whilst for race or race-like performance, single-plane manifolds will work the best.

Other types include the tunnel-ram manifold which is not very common nowadays. It is more common for race cars and very high RPM ranges.

Runners type

Some engines come with longer runners than others. In general, the long runners often come with dual plane engines to fit the higher performance.

Whereas single-plane engines always have shorter runners.

Just like the plane design, runners have to do with the overall performance.

Since both are related, the same rule applies. For higher and more aggressive performance, shorter runners are the ones to choose.

Hood clearance

Hood clearance is an important factor to check before purchasing any new manifold.

Once you have the manifold, it will become hard to adjust it for more hood clearance.

To properly check hood clearance, measure the OEM manifold from all dimensions.

The most important thing to make sure of is the depth of the original manifold.

This is the length between the bottom part of the manifold and the highest point of the plenum.

The more clearance the manifold will provide, the better. Also, hood clearance is extremely important for those who will use their cars in a race.

So, in this case, low-rise or mid-rise manifolds are better. However, if the best manifold, considering other factors, doesn’t provide the best hood clearance, this can be adjusted.

Some people will buy a manifold for its specific features and use a low-profile air cleaner for more hood clearance. Yet, this cost extra money and need more time for assembly.

A bottom line is the higher the intake is, the less hood clearance it provides. So, something in the middle between both is the best option.

Yet, if it is a must to get higher intake manifolds, check for hood clearance modification kits.

Performance

The idea of having manifolds is to increase performance. The performance here includes horsepower, torque, and throttle response.

Also, the RPM range should be considered when assessing the performance. The point is not about having the highest HP regardless of anything.

It is a matter of balancing the HP and torque along with the RPM range.

Also, the purpose of using manifolds should be considered here. As some people tend to enhance the performance of their cars for races and things like that. Those need higher performing manifolds.

The Basic FAQs of Best LS3 Intake Manifold

What is the intake manifold?

Intake manifolds are parts of any internal combustion engine. This part comes originally with the car.

However, some people prefer to change it for better performance. The purpose of manifolds is to provide the engine with fuel and air to do the combustion process to produce energy.

Thus, it is very important to have high-quality manifolds to do the job.

Manifolds’ designs are different according to their type. The common thing about all manifolds is that all of them have tubes or channels connected to the engine to supply it with fuel and air.

Also, they all work to ensure equal distribution across all engine cylinders.

Furthermore, some manifolds, actually most of them, come with coolant which works to cool down the engine.

Do manifolds work for all engine types?

There are no universal manifolds for all engines. Some manifolds work for specific vehicles only. Since engines are different for different vehicles, manifolds are different too.

This is because the manifold connects to the engine, so, it must properly fit with the engine.

So, before changing the manifold, the first thing to do is to check the engine type.

How to know my manifolds need changing?

Manifolds are essential parts of the engine that should last for a long time.

However, they may stop functioning at a certain time and require immediate change. To know that the manifold is wearing, several signs may appear:

The coolant which reduces the temperature of the engine may leak. So, you will either notice water leaks at the top of the engine or oil leaking.

Reduced performance of the engine. Since the manifold is responsible for enhancing the HP and torque performance, reduction in those may indicate a dysfunction in the manifold.

High temperature in the engine may be related to the coolant. Also, an abnormal sound of the engine may indicate manifold problems.

Rising vapor from the engine when the car moves or changes speeds.

Although this is not always about the manifold, it sometimes indicates the whole engine needs checking.

Abnormal odors coming from the engine which is usually an odor of something burning.

Finally, reduced gas mileage may also indicate a poor manifold.

So, if you experience any of the above signs, check the manifold. Also, check the whole engine for any other performance issues.

How to maintain my engine manifold?

Before maintaining the manifold, one must make sure first he/she got the right product.

 

Even if the incorrect product worked properly at first. It won’t last for a long time. Thus, one must make sure it is the right size and fit for the engine.

To maintain the manifold, follow those simple steps:

Properly install the manifold just like the original one. Also, make sure the bolts are tightened well and cylinder heads perfectly connect to the engine.

Any loosening in these parts may lead to leaking which will then cause the manifold to wear.

If you don’t know much about assembly, you can get someone else professional to install it for you.

Tightening the bolts has to do with the torque. So, check the manual for the proper tightening specification and torque specification.

Always make sure that the engine air filter and duct are clean. Also, change the engine oil as specified and make sure you are using the proper engine oil.

People driving in dusty weather conditions will need to do this step more frequently.

Check the engine outer parts now and then. This checking step ensures there is no leak either oil or water coming from the manifold.

If you experience any of the above-mentioned signs, check the engine immediately. Also, if the service engine light illuminates, this is a bad sign.

So, in this case, the engine needs professional inspection.

The worst-case scenario is having the service engine light going on and off rapidly.

This may indicate a misfire in the engine. Hence, it needs immediate action to prevent any more negative outcomes.

What does a leak in the manifold indicate?

According to the type of leak, this may be a sign of a different thing. In all cases, leaking is not good for the engine.

So, whenever you experience leaking, you should immediately check the reason.

If there is a leak in the engine, this means that more air is flowing in the manifold to the engine cylinders.

Air pressure in the manifolds is lower than in the outside parts. So when there is a leak, more air moves to the manifold.

By extension, more air will flow to the engine cylinders. The effects of this are having less fuel in the engine and more air.

So, the burning process will not occur properly and the overall performance will decrease.

In extreme cases, there might be a fuel leak. In this case, part of the manifold or the engine is not tightly fastened, so, it leaks.

This will also cause a decrease in engine performance.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that the best ls3 intake manifold is the one producing better engine performance.

Manifolds can offer an immediate enhancement in the HP and torque.

Being an essential part of any car engine, one should devote a considerable amount of time to choosing manifolds.

The above read will help a lot in getting the best fit for cars with IS3 engines.

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