We first sampled a 2010 Camaro SS six-speed car in the September 2009 issue as Howard Tanner of Redline Motorsports (Schenectady, NY) brought his car to Englishtown Raceway Park for some quarter-mile fun.The Camaro banged off low 13-second runs regularly with a best of 13.09 at 110 mph. On the chassis dyno, the LS3 power didn't disappoint and spun the drums to 377 rwhp and 370 lb-ft of torque, an impressive feat for a factory stock ride, but Tanner knew there was more lurking in the 376ci engine (6.2L). After the track day, Tanner invited us up to his shop to check out the first slew of modifications for his 2010 Camaro.
We spent a full day at Redline...
We spent a full day at Redline Motorsports and followed the guys around the shop as they modified the company's 2010 Camaro SS with a custom Redline tune, Late Model Racecraft (LMR) cold-air kit, American Racing Headers (ARH) exhaust system and headers, and a custom camshaft by Livernois Motorsports.
After the basic computer tune and inlet modifications, we decided to open up the exhaust with a set of American Racing Headers (ARH) 1 7/8-inch full-length headers and three-inch X-pipe. We opted to get a set of high-flow catalytic converters to keep our test ride emissions compliant. Tanner chose to have Swain Tech coat the headers for protection and performance. The factory exhaust is restrictive and it's comprised of a pair of exhaust manifolds that dump into a mid-pipe system that has four cats in place. After it gets through that restrictive setup, the exhaust runs through a pair of resonators and finally into a set of huge (and heavy) mufflers. Plans were to replace the after-cat at this time, but unfortunately it didn't arrive in time for the install.
The modifications increased...
The modifications increased power throughout the curve, making this a real street machine and not a dyno queen. The flat torque curve makes it punchy on the street and the horsepower allows it outrun Mustangs and Challengers.
The guys at Redline are well versed with the LS3, and Tanner wanted to make one more modification-swap the camshaft. The stock camshaft is a healthy one as it boasts 0.551/0.522 lift on the intake and exhaust side, respectively. GM gives the LS3 duration of 204/211 degrees at 0.050-inch lift. As good as that cam is for a factory piece, the LS3 heads flow enough air that a larger stick will do better. Navigating through cams can be tricky as every company seems to offer something for LS-based engines, most of which are not appropriate for the rectangular-port LS3/L92-style heads. The range of profiles runs wide from mild to wild, just know what you want before you order an aftermarket bumpstick. It is easy to get caught up with large numbers and the car's driveability will be greatly affected.
The stock airbox was ditched...
The stock airbox was ditched and came off very easily. We swapped inlet boxes while the Camaro was strapped on the dyno.
Tanner worked with Dan Millen of Livernois Motorsports to come up with a profile that fit his goals for this project. The bumpstick of choice yields 0.590/0.600-inch lift, 230/236 degrees of duration, and a 112-degree lobe separation with a matching set of dual valvesprings from Livernois. As the result the Camaro experienced a 30-rwhp gain-not bad, but also not what LS-lovers are used to seeing. We suspected the stock after-cat to be the culprit, and Howard confirmed this when his exhaust finally arrived. Nevertheless, the cam change resulted in total output of 446 rwhp and 430 rwtq-some 69 rwhp over the baseline horsepower. The torque shows healthy gains through the entire range, meaning this Camaro will be snappy on the street and not just a dyno queen.
 A larger open element air...  A larger open element air filter is attached to the end of the LMR kit. It helps the LS3 breath a lot easier. |  Our test subject saw a 12-rwhp...  Our test subject saw a 12-rwhp increase over stock thanks to a custom Redline tune and the LMR intake. |  Our test subject saw a 12-rwhp...  Our test subject saw a 12-rwhp increase over stock thanks to a custom Redline tune and the LMR intake. |
 The factory exhaust system...  The factory exhaust system is restrictive thanks to a pair of exhaust manifolds, four catalytic converters, two resonators, and a large set of mufflers. Swapping to full-length headers and larger exhaust is a tried-and-true hot rodding tradition that even works on a 2010 model. |  |  ARH sent us its complete kit...  ARH sent us its complete kit including 1 7/8-inch long-tube headers and 3-inch X-pipe with high-flow cats. We had also planned to upgrade the after-cat to GMPP's new system, however, it didn't arrive in time for testing. |