Photos by: JDP Motorsports
The 2016 Camaro SS is hitting the roads, and people are chomping at the bit to find out the lowdown on these cars. What do they respond to? Which modifications are going to make the biggest impact on power? As these cars are starting to get the results from bolt-ons, we’re definitely taking note, and we’re going to keep you in the loop as results trickle in.
One of the first big bolt-on modifications comes from JDP Motorsports. They have a 2016 Camaro SS in their garage, and are doing careful testing on a slew of modifications. They are gracious enough to share the results with all of us. The latest finished project is testing out the MSD Atomic AirForce intake manifold.
JDP noted that the intake installed seamlessly with no fitment (or otherwise) issues to report. They said it bolted up just like the factory intake manifold would, and the only provision it doesn’t have for their Camaro was a fuel line crossover clamp. They solved this super minor issue by clamping the existing factory bolt on the manifold. After that, it was ready to rock n’ roll on the dyno.
Let’s back up a little before jumping into the nitty gritty on the dyno results. It was just back in December that we were talking about this car as it went head-to-head against a C7 on the dyno. The then-stock 2016 Camaro SS with manual transmission was pitted against a stock, dealership owned 2016 C7 Stingray with manual transmission. Both cars are equipped with the naturally aspirated 455 horsepower LT1 engine. The Camaro dyno’ed in at 421.48 max horsepower and 427.80 max torque.
In case you’re curious, the C7 dyno’ed in at 417.49 max power and 418.49 max torque. That’s more of a side thought though, sorry Stingray, we love you to death, but this is about the Camaro SS this time. Read more about the stock dyno results and details here.
So now we know the baseline numbers. What should be expected from the intake? MSD doesn’t give an exact projected increase number or percentage for the intake, but has made various (proven) claims of it increasing horsepower by over 30 RWHP, that’s a pretty hefty gain for any bolt-on!
Lingenfelter tested it on their LPE L28 Camaro and picked up 36 RWHP. Mast Motorsports saw a staggering 40 RWHP gain over the stock intake on their LS7. This will be the first Camaro SS LT1 tested though, and one of the first LT1 equipped cars tested with the intake, in general.
What’s this intake got that’s making so much power anyways? It’s a combination of features that make it a stand apart bolt-on intake that’s becoming very popular with engine builders and enthusiasts.
Key points about the MSD Atomic AirForce intake manifold include:
- It’s made from lightweight polymer material that resists heat soak
- Bell-mouthed runner entrances maximize airflow while minimizing shrouding
- A 103mm throttle bore to allow for bigger throttle bodies (more to come on that)
- Direct flow path runner design that promotes maximum airflow
- It was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamic modeling to optimize plenum volume and efficient air flow paths
- These are just the specifications tied directly to performance.
Now for the good part, the dyno test! What are the results that prompted JDP Motorsports to dub this as, “officially worth every penny”? Check it out for yourself below.
The gains add up to a 20 max horsepower and 19 (we’ll call it 20 since it was 19.66) max torque gain. Pretty darn impressive, right? All that from just an intake that bolted up without issue. More notably is that the intake caused consistent gains across the board and make multiple peaks through the curve.
Keep in mind that these results are specific to this car, this dyno, and this day. Results can vary by dyno, and certainly even from one same modeled car to the next, but they will be within the ballpark.
When a few more modifications are done to the Camaro, you’re really going to see this intake shine. These kinds of gains through the curve power adders compliment other bolt-ons, as well as head/cam jobs. It’s definitely a good base gain for future projects. At the same time, if 6th gen owners bolted on an extra 20 horsepower from just an intake, that’s a noticeable gain in the pedal as a stand alone mod.
JDP Motorsports will soon be testing American Racing headers, Kook headers and exhaust, and Stainless Works exhaust components on their 2016 Camaro SS. Everything including fitment, quality, and power will be tested. Once we get the scoop on those results, we’ll pass it along to you fine guys and gals.
Elizabeth is a hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!
