GTO Fortification, Part 1

A 3.5-inch hole saw opens an access in the fender apron for intake duct passage.

The included double-sided steel collar screws to the fender apron.Below the fender apron, a supplied K&N dry filter clamps to the collar and will pick up cool air ahead of the front tire. The stock splash panels will protect the filter and inlet from debris and water after reassembly of the bumper cover.

Below the fender apron, a supplied K&N dry filter clamps to the collar and will pick up cool air ahead of the front tire. The stock splash panels will protect the filter and inlet from debris and water after reassembly of the bumper cover.

Above the fender apron, the stock mass air meter is reused and mates to the collar via a silicone coupling sleeve. A flex hose connects the mass air meter to the supercharger inlet duct. Vortech suggests dry assembly (no silicone spray) of all pressurized hose couplings to prevent the possibility of pop-off under boost.

The stock power steering cooler is relocated from in front of the A/C condenser to beneath the radiator core support using supplied extra-length hoses. This makes room for the Vortech coolant tank, coolant pump, and Aftercooler.

Next up for installation is the primary discharge tube. It routes pressurized intake air from the supercharger to the Aftercooler inlet.

Vortech's Aftercooler mounts atop the passenger side of the engine. Dubbed the Power Cooler, it is proven to reduce inlet air temperature by 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows the system to run more aggressive ignition timing without encountering pre-ignition.

The secondary discharge tube runs from the Aftercooler outlet to the stock LS1 throttle body and completes the circuit. In the next issue, we will wrap up the installation.