For several days in early November on an annual basis, members of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) gather in Las Vegas to show off their latest and greatest aftermarket wares. Thankfully for late-model LS-series V-8 Pontiac hobbyists, there are plenty of new product introductions to soup up the LS-series motors that came in late-model GTOs and Trans Ams, as well as products targeted toward Pontiac owners who plan to swap GM LS or Vortec V-8 engines into their cars.
Note: The products listed in this story fit cathedral-port GM heads, which came factory-equipped on aluminum LS1, LS2, and LS6 car engines and the iron-block L72, LQ4, or LQ9 truck engines, which are a popular engine choice for high-performance engine builds for late-model Pontiacs and retrofits.
K1 Technologies
(616) 583-9700
www.k1technologies.com
What is it?
New LS Stroker Connecting Rod
Why you need it.
Building an LS stroker engine requires careful attention to maximum camshaft, pan rail, and bore-liner clearance. These new connecting rod sets from K1 Technologies do just that. They're constructed from 4340-billet steel that is precision-cut on CNC machines, and are 6.125-inch long.
Applications
All LS-series engines
MSRP
$606.79 per set of eight (Price includes K1 Technologies proprietary, asymmetrical-thread ARP 2000 rod bolts.)
FAST (Fuel Air Spark Technology)
(901) 260-3278
www.fuelairspark.com
What is it?
LSXRT 102mm Intake Manifold Kit
Why you need it.
If you're running a GM Vortec V-8 iron-block and an aftermarket high-rise hood in your late-model Pontiac, the new LSXRT kit may be right for you. It features the LSXRT 102mm intake manifold, a 92mm or Big Mouth 102mm throttle body, fuel rail, and fuel injectors. Testing on a stock 6.0L engine gained 36 peak horsepower over the stock intake with no loss in torque, according to the manufacturer. (Testing was performed with the Big Mouth 102mm throttle body installed.) It also features the ability to remove individual intake runners for modification. Look for a complete kit with a lower profile for LS-series aluminum engines like the LS1 and LS2 later this year.
Applications
Any Pontiac retrofitted with a GM Vortec V-8 (Note hood clearance issue)
MSRP
$1,200 and up
Eagle Specialty Products
(662) 796-7373
www.eaglerod.com
What is it?
GM LSX 440ci Rotating Assembly
Why you need it.
Designed specifically for the GM Performance Parts LSX standard 9.260-inch-deck-height block, this stroker-crank rotating assembly specs in at 440 ci thanks to its 4.125-inch Eagle forged-4340-steel crank, 4.125-inch forged Mahle flat-top pistons, and 4340-steel Eagle H-beam rods. It's designed for naturally aspirated motors up to 1,500 hp. (Eagle will introduce forced-induction rotating assemblies for the LSX 9.260-inch-deck-height block later this year.)
Applications
All Pontiacs
MSRP
$2,600
Holley Performance Products
(270) 745-9547
www.holley.com
What is it?
Dual-Plane Mid-Rise Intake Manifold
Why you need it.
This intake manifold gives late-model Trans Am, Formula, and GTO owners the classic look of a 2x4 carbureted intake, coupled with the ability to make increased power and torque within the 1,500- to 7,000-rpm range. It's available in two configurations: carbureted 2x4160-style carbs mounted inline and with a 1 11/16-inch throttle-bore maximum; and EFI 2x4V (1,000 cfm) throttle bodies with a 1 3/4-inch throttle-bore maximum. According to Holley, "The dual-plane, equal-distribution layout produces great mid-range torque without compromising top-end power. An LS-based muscle street/performance engine would benefit greatly from the utilization of this setup." Note: HPP has not determined whether this intake will work with stock late-model T/A or GTO hoods. Please contact Holley for intake dimensions prior to ordering.
Applications
'98-'02 Trans Ams, '04-'06 GTOs, and Pontiacs fitted with an LS1, LS2, LS6, L72, LQ4, or LQ9 block.
MSRP
Unavailable at time of print