Shopping: Real Estate |  Costumes  |  Guitars
This Issue Archived Articles Blog About Us Contact Us
SEARCH


LS1 Tuning - Part 1

We check out the different factory tunes of the Holden/HSV LS1...

By Michael Knowling

Click on pics to view larger images

At a glance...

  • First of three part series
  • A look at factory Holden and HSV LS1 tunes
Email a friend     Print article

Since the LS1 5.7 litre V8 (aka Gen 3) was introduced to the Holden/HSV line-up, traditional style V8 performance has been lifted to a whole new level. Sure, the earlier VT 5.0 litre V8 made all the right noises – but the LS1 5.7 makes the right noises and makes some mumbo.

Here we take a look at the ‘big picture’ of factory LS1s in Australia.

LS1 Running Changes

The US-sourced LS1 was introduced to Australia in mid 1999, putting an end to the locally-designed 5.0 litre V8.

Click for larger image

The all-alloy pushrod V8 features a deep skirt block with 6 cross-bolted main bearing caps and cast-in iron cylinder liners. A nodular iron crankshaft, forged rods and cast eutectic aluminium pistons are employed. The compression ratio is a relatively high 10.0:1.

LS1 cylinder heads are said to offer superior airflow and more even cylinder-to-cylinder distribution compared to the LT1 predecessor (which was sold in America). The valve angle is set 15 degrees from vertical and a hollow camshaft and roller followers are used. A nylon composite intake manifold, single throttle body and a 74mm hot-wire airflow meter completes the air intake. Engine management is by a sophisticated 32-bit PCM (Powertrain Control Module) delivering sequential injection and control of 8 ignition coils. The fuel cut-off is programmed at 6200 rpm.

Click for larger image

Appearing in the 1999 VT Series 2 Commodore - and its contemporary Statesman and Caprice brothers - the first LS1s were factory listed at 220kW at 5200 rpm and 446Nm at 4400 rpm.

Barely a year after the introduction of the LS1 VT2, the VX series was released in August 2000. VX LS1s feature an improved LS6 inlet manifold, new injectors and a remapped PCM. These changes increase power by 5kW to 225kW. Power remained unaltered through the 2001 VXII series (during which the new Monaro was added to the line-up).

Click for larger image

The sharper looking VY series was launched in late 2002 bringing a high performance twin exhaust system for the SS, Monaro and newly released SV8 models; this improves power by 10kW for a total of 235kW.

Similar exhaust upgrades were adopted in 2003 for the Statesman and ground-breaking new Adventra; these share a 235kW rating. But even more impressive is the 2003 Caprice, which is bumped up to 245kW with a dual exhaust and low restriction air intake. Commercial-based LS1 Holdens – the Crewman, ute and one tonner - make only 225kW.

The late 2003 VYII update brought very minor detail changes and a retune boosting the SS, SV8 and Monaro to 245kW. The Berlina, Calais, ute, one-tonner and Crewman were boosted to 235kW using the same enhancements.

Click for larger image

The latest ‘04/’05 VZ series brings electronic throttle control, a revised exhaust, new PCM calibration and a fatter induction system (including a larger airflow meter). This is said to reduce intake restriction by 25 percent compared to the VYII.

The VZ Commodore SS, SV8, LX8 Adventra and Caprice gain 5kW from these improvements (for a total of 250kW) and the Statesman picks up 10kW (for a total of 245kW). Curiously, the VZ Berlina, Calais and Crewman V8s remain at 235kW.

The latest Monaro incorporates across-the-range VZ upgrades as well as a revised cam profile, a dual split exhaust and PULP-specific mapping – the result is 260kW at 5600 rpm and a magic 500Nm at 4000 rpm.

This is the most powerful Holden manufactured.

Camshafts?

Note that, although there are no changes detailed in Holden press release literature, we’re told that there were several different cam profiles used since the VT2 LS1. The VT2 cam was particularly conservative and each profile since then has been more aggressive.

HSV Upgrades

HSV (Holden Special Vehicles) are responsible for developing the most powerful factory-backed LS1s sold in Australia.

Click for larger image

HSV’s first effort with the LS1 appeared in the 1999 Senator, Clubsport and long wheelbase Grange. The HSV tuned engine uses a ram-air cold induction set-up, stainless steel extractors, high-flow cats and exhaust and a remap optimised for PULP. Note that the new exhaust is said to cause only 0.22 Bar (3.2 psi) backpressure at full power. Full power is 250kW and there’s up to 473Nm of torque – a tidy gain over the contemporary Holden models, but the early LS1 intake manifold holds things back.

In 2000, HSV models received the improved inlet manifold and injector configuration introduced to VX LS1 range. Tuned for PULP, this provided an extra 5kW for the Senator, Clubsport, Grange and – in 2001 – the new 5.7 Maloo ute and Coupe.

Click for larger image

For the late 2002 VY series, the HSV LS1 is upgraded to 260kW thanks to a revision of the extractors, exhaust and ECU tune. The full 260kW output is enjoyed by all HSV models except for the Grange, which remains at 255kW.

In late 2003 (at the time of the VYII release) the HSV Senator, Grange, GTO, Clubsport and Maloo received a high-flow cold air intake, a smooth MAF pipe, sophisticated extractors and exhaust and optimised engine management. Maximum power is elevated to a substantial 285kW together with 510Nm.

Click for larger image

Today, the latest Z series Clubsport, Senator, Grange, Maloo and GTO employs a 6.0 litre LS2 with a 10.9:1 compression ratio, free-flow exhaust, 90mm electronic throttle body and PULP-specific PCM tune. Power output is 297kW together with 530Nm – see GM's LS2 V8 for more details.

Newly introduced models to the HSV line-up are the LS1-powered Coupe 4 and Avalanche (both AWDs). These vehicles share an identical HSV MAF pipe, stainless steel extractors and a unique dual exhaust. Peak output is 270kW and 475Nm for both.

Click for larger image

Note that the all-time most powerful LS1 used in the HSV range is the Callaway C4B engine. The C4B comes with a very low restriction exhaust, CNC ported heads, revised valves and cam, uprated valve springs and titanium retainers. A 78mm throttle body, large induction pipe and a MAP-based load sensing system were also introduced. This engine is fitted to the HSV GTS (sedan and coupe), SV300 and limited edition Senator 300.

Stay tuned for Part 2 – we’ll look at basic LS1 mods.

Did you enjoy this article?

Please consider supporting AutoSpeed with a small contribution. More Info...


Share this Article: 

More of our most popular articles.
12 cylinders, 6 camshafts – and in 1929, the fastest car in the world

Special Features - 23 July, 2013

The Golden Arrow

Avoiding damaging bangs

Technical Features - 21 August, 2012

Detonation and Pre-Ignition

Battery monitoring like you've never seen it before

DIY Tech Features - 3 September, 2013

One very smart LED

The incredible land speed record Bluebird

Special Features - 3 April, 2006

World's Greatest Cars, Part 1

Understanding circuits

DIY Tech Features - 9 December, 2008

How to Electronically Modify Your Car, Part 2

How electric power steering systems work

Technical Features - 23 July, 2008

Electric Power Steering

How they did it

Special Features - 13 October, 2009

Building the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Giving factory seats more support and comfort

DIY Tech Features - 17 March, 2009

Reshaping Factory Seats

Drive a diesel? Find out when to change gear for best performance!

DIY Tech Features - 22 January, 2008

Finding the Best Gear Shift Points

How to use taps and dies

DIY Tech Features - 7 April, 2006

Making Things, Part 4

Copyright © 1996-2020 Web Publications Pty Limited. All Rights ReservedRSS|Privacy policy|Advertise
Consulting Services: Magento Experts|Technologies : Magento Extensions|ReadytoShip