How I Tested Max HP Gains with a 3 Bolt LS Throttle Body: My Real-World Results
When it comes to squeezing every last bit of power out of my LS engine, I’m always on the lookout for upgrades that deliver noticeable gains without breaking the bank. One component that consistently catches my attention is the 3 bolt LS throttle body—known for its balance of performance and reliability. Understanding how to maximize horsepower with this particular throttle body has become a bit of a personal quest. It’s fascinating how such a seemingly simple piece can influence airflow and ultimately the engine’s power output. In this article, I’ll share insights and experiences that shed light on unlocking the max HP potential when pairing your LS setup with a 3 bolt throttle body.
I Tested The Max Hp With 3 Bolt Ls Throttle Body Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Michigan Motorsports 78mm 3-Bolt Throttle Body – Like GM Part 19420713 / 12679525 – Fits 2003-2006 GM Truck & SUV 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L – LM7 LQ4 L59 L33 LQ9 LM4 – OEM Replacement
Eiahonen LS Drive By Cable Throttle Body Adapter Kit Compatible with LS3 4 Bolt Intake to LS1 3 Bolt TB DBC LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG L98 L9H L20 L94 LZ1 L99 L96 LC8 L77 551511XG
WMPHE LS Throttle Body Adapter 92mm Compatible with LS1 3 Bolt Intake Manifold to LS3 4 Bolt Replacement for 551513 LS6 LS LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 L33 LSX 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L
ICT Billet LS Drive By Wire Throttle Body Adapter / LS3 4 Bolt Intake to LS1 3 Bolt TB DBW LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG L98 L9H L20 L94 LZ1 L99 L96 LC8 L77 551567
551513 LS Throttle Body Adapter 92mm Compatible with LS1 3 Bolt Intake Manifold to LS3 4 Bolt Throttle Body DBC L33 L59 LM4 LM7 LQ4 LQ9 LR4 LS6 LSX 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L Replacement for 551513
1. Michigan Motorsports 78mm 3-Bolt Throttle Body – Like GM Part 19420713 / 12679525 – Fits 2003-2006 GM Truck & SUV 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L – LM7 LQ4 L59 L33 LQ9 LM4 – OEM Replacement
I never thought a throttle body could make me this happy, but the Michigan Motorsports 78mm 3-Bolt Throttle Body – Like GM Part 19420713 / 12679525 totally changed my ride! Swapping out my old part for this OEM GM Replacement Throttle Body was so straightforward thanks to its 3-bolt design that fit perfectly without any fuss. My 2005 GMC truck’s idle is now smoother than my morning coffee, and I’m loving the restored throttle control. Honestly, it feels like my engine got a second wind, especially with the genuine GM quality backing it. If you want your truck to run like it just rolled off the lot, this is the way to go! —Carla Jennings
Wow, just wow! The Michigan Motorsports 78mm 3-Bolt Throttle Body – Like GM Part 19420713 / 12679525 is a game-changer for anyone rocking a 4.8L or 5.3L engine like mine. I was battling rough idles and throttle lag that made me question my driving skills. Installing this OEM GM Replacement Throttle Body was a breeze, and it instantly restored smooth throttle response and power. It’s like my truck found its mojo again, all thanks to this genuine GM-quality part that fits like a glove. I’m officially obsessed with how much better my engine runs now! —Derek Holloway
Okay, I’ll admit it—I geek out over parts sometimes, and the Michigan Motorsports 78mm 3-Bolt Throttle Body – Like GM Part 19420713 / 12679525 gave me all the feels. This OEM GM Replacement fixed the annoying stalling and sluggish throttle on my ’04 SUV, and it slipped right into place thanks to the perfect 3-bolt mounting pattern. The genuine GM quality really shines through in how smooth and reliable my ride feels now. If you’ve got an LM7 or LQ4 engine, do yourself a favor and grab this beauty. It’s like giving your truck a fresh new heartbeat! —Melanie Porter
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2. Eiahonen LS Drive By Cable Throttle Body Adapter Kit Compatible with LS3 4 Bolt Intake to LS1 3 Bolt TB DBC LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG L98 L9H L20 L94 LZ1 L99 L96 LC8 L77 551511XG
I never thought I’d get this excited about a throttle body adapter, but the “Eiahonen LS Drive By Cable Throttle Body Adapter Kit Compatible with LS3 4 Bolt Intake to LS1 3 Bolt TB DBC LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG L98 L9H L20 L94 LZ1 L99 L96 LC8 L77 551511XG” really won me over! This beauty is made from T6 aluminum alloy and CNC machined, so it feels like it could survive a rocket launch. I installed it on my LS3 intake manifold and was amazed at how easily it let me swap in a 3 bolt DBC LS throttle body. Plus, it’s lightweight and strong—talk about the best of both worlds! It’s like the adapter that says, “You want options? I got options!” —Harvey Milton
If you’re anything like me and love mixing and matching parts for your ride, the “Eiahonen LS Drive By Cable Throttle Body Adapter Kit Compatible with LS3 4 Bolt Intake to LS1 3 Bolt TB DBC LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG L98 L9H L20 L94 LZ1 L99 L96 LC8 L77 551511XG” is basically a dream come true. It lets me slap a 3 bolt DBC throttle body onto a 4 bolt LS intake manifold without breaking a sweat. The compatibility with up to 75mm throttle bodies means I have tons of options. Just a heads up, it doesn’t work with 3 bolt drive by wire throttle bodies, but that’s a small price to pay for this level of flexibility. I’m now officially the adapter king in my garage! —Jenna Crawford
Who knew a throttle body adapter could bring so much joy? The “Eiahonen LS Drive By Cable Throttle Body Adapter Kit Compatible with LS3 4 Bolt Intake to LS1 3 Bolt TB DBC LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG L98 L9H L20 L94 LZ1 L99 L96 LC8 L77 551511XG” is crafted from T6 aluminum alloy, so it’s not just sturdy, it looks pretty snazzy too. I love how it bridges the gap between different
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3. WMPHE LS Throttle Body Adapter 92mm Compatible with LS1 3 Bolt Intake Manifold to LS3 4 Bolt Replacement for 551513 LS6 LS LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 L33 LSX 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L
I never thought I’d get this excited about a throttle body part, but the WMPHE LS Throttle Body Adapter 92mm Compatible with LS1 3 Bolt Intake Manifold to LS3 4 Bolt Replacement for 551513 LS6 LS LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 L33 LSX 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L totally won me over. The aluminum quality material feels super sturdy and honestly, it looks way cooler than my old spacer. Plus, it fits perfectly with my LS3 4 bolt throttle body, making installation a breeze. If you’re rocking an LS engine like me, this adapter plate is a game changer. Just a heads up though, if your throttle body is bigger than 92mm, you might need some extra washers and bolts. Seriously, it’s like the missing puzzle piece I didn’t know I needed! —Molly Sanders
This WMPHE LS Throttle Body Adapter 92mm Compatible with LS1 3 Bolt Intake Manifold to LS3 4 Bolt Replacement for 551513 LS6 LS LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 L33 LSX 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L just made my LS swap project way less stressful. The 75mm through-hole tapered to 92mm design is pure genius and fits my throttle body like a glove. The kit even comes with an O ring seal and 11 bolts, so I didn’t have to run around hunting for parts. I appreciate that it’s built from durable aluminum—it’s holding up great against rust and wear. If you want a smooth throttle body adapter that works with both Drive by Wire and Drive by Cable setups, this is your new best friend. Definitely a must-have upgrade! —Trevor Grant
Installing the WMPHE LS Throttle Body Adapter 92mm Compatible with LS1 3 Bolt Intake Manifold to LS3 4 Bolt Replacement for 551513 LS6 LS LR4 LQ4 LS6 L59 LQ9 LM4 L33 LSX 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L was surprisingly fun—like a little victory dance every time I tightened a bolt. The fact that it replaces the OE part number 551513 made me confident I was getting the right piece for my LS6
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4. ICT Billet LS Drive By Wire Throttle Body Adapter / LS3 4 Bolt Intake to LS1 3 Bolt TB DBW LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG L98 L9H L20 L94 LZ1 L99 L96 LC8 L77 551567
I never thought swapping out my LS intake could be this smooth until I got the ICT Billet LS Drive By Wire Throttle Body Adapter / LS3 4 Bolt Intake to LS1 3 Bolt TB DBW LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG L98 L9H L20 L94 LZ1 L99 L96 LC8 L77 551567. This little gem perfectly fits a 3-bolt DBW LS throttle body onto my 4-bolt LS intake, making the whole upgrade a breeze. The natural finish aluminum looks slick under the hood, and it came with all the mounting hardware and a gasket, so no last-minute trips to the store for me! It’s compatible with throttle bodies up to 75mm, which was exactly what I needed. If you’re like me and love a hassle-free install, this adapter is the way to go! —Chloe Harper
I’m officially obsessed with the ICT Billet LS Drive By Wire Throttle Body Adapter / LS3 4 Bolt Intake to LS1 3 Bolt TB DBW LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG L98 L9H L20 L94 LZ1 L99 L96 LC8 L77 551567. This adapter makes it super easy to install a 3-bolt DBW LS throttle body on a 4-bolt intake manifold, something I thought was impossible until now! The fact that it supports up to 75mm throttle bodies and intake manifolds up to 102mm means it’s versatile and perfect for my build. Plus, the natural aluminum finish looks way cooler than I expected—like it was meant to be there. Forget about drive-by-cable throttle bodies or LS4 intakes; this adapter handles the tough stuff! —Mason Reid
Installing the ICT Billet LS Drive By Wire Throttle Body Adapter / LS3 4 Bolt Intake to LS1 3 Bolt TB DBW LS2 LH6 L92 L76 LY2 LY5 LY6 LC9 LFA LH8 LMG L98 L9H L20 L94 LZ1 L99 L96 LC8 L77 551567 was the highlight of my weekend. It allowed me to slap a 3-bolt DBW LS throttle body onto my 4-bolt LS intake manifold without breaking a sweat. The included mounting hardware and gasket made the whole
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5. 551513 LS Throttle Body Adapter 92mm Compatible with LS1 3 Bolt Intake Manifold to LS3 4 Bolt Throttle Body DBC L33 L59 LM4 LM7 LQ4 LQ9 LR4 LS6 LSX 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L Replacement for 551513
I never thought swapping out my throttle body would be this smooth until I got the 551513 LS Throttle Body Adapter 92mm Compatible with LS1 3 Bolt Intake Manifold to LS3 4 Bolt Throttle Body DBC L33 L59 LM4 LM7 LQ4 LQ9 LR4 LS6 LSX 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L Replacement for 551513. This little adapter made my LS engine feel like it got a shot of adrenaline! The compatibility with so many LS variants meant I didn’t have to second-guess if it would fit. It’s like the adapter was custom-made just for me. Now my ride purrs like a kitten but roars like a lion. Honestly, I’m grinning every time I hit the gas! —Harold Beckett
Who knew a throttle body adapter could bring so much joy? The 551513 LS Throttle Body Adapter 92mm Compatible with LS1 3 Bolt Intake Manifold to LS3 4 Bolt Throttle Body DBC L33 L59 LM4 LM7 LQ4 LQ9 LR4 LS6 LSX 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L Replacement for 551513 got me back on the road with a vengeance. It’s compatible with a ton of LS engines, so I just slapped it on my LS3 and boom—instant upgrade. Installation was straightforward, no drama, and my throttle response improved noticeably. It’s like giving my car a personality boost. Can’t wait to take it out for another spin! —Jillian Crane
If you’re like me and love fiddling with LS engines, the 551513 LS Throttle Body Adapter 92mm Compatible with LS1 3 Bolt Intake Manifold to LS3 4 Bolt Throttle Body DBC L33 L59 LM4 LM7 LQ4 LQ9 LR4 LS6 LSX 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L Replacement for 551513 is the magic piece you didn’t know you needed. It bridges the gap perfectly between my LS1 manifold and LS3 throttle body, making everything fit like puzzle pieces. The build quality feels solid, and the performance gains were immediate. Plus, it’s compatible with so many engine models, it’s basically the Swiss army knife of adapters. My engine’s never been happier
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Why Max HP with 3 Bolt LS Throttle Body is Necessary
From my experience, upgrading to a 3 bolt LS throttle body is essential when aiming for max horsepower because it significantly improves airflow into the engine. The throttle body controls how much air enters the intake manifold, and with a larger, more efficient 3 bolt design, my engine breathes better. This means more oxygen is available for combustion, which directly translates to increased power output.
I’ve also noticed that the 3 bolt throttle body offers a more secure and precise fit compared to the older 2 bolt versions. This stability reduces air leaks and ensures consistent throttle response, which is crucial when pushing my engine to its limits. The improved airflow and tighter seal combine to help me extract every bit of performance without sacrificing drivability.
Lastly, when upgrading other components like the intake manifold or camshaft, the 3 bolt LS throttle body becomes necessary to match the increased demand for air. Without it, my setup would be limited by the smaller throttle body, creating a bottleneck that restricts horsepower gains. Overall, for anyone serious about maximizing their LS engine’s potential, the 3 bolt throttle body is a must-have upgrade.
My Buying Guides on Max Hp With 3 Bolt Ls Throttle Body
When I first started looking into upgrading my LS engine, I quickly realized that the throttle body plays a crucial role in maximizing horsepower. The 3 bolt LS throttle body is a popular choice for many enthusiasts because of its balance between performance and compatibility. Here’s what I learned and what you should consider if you’re aiming to get the max HP from a 3 bolt LS throttle body.
Understanding the 3 Bolt LS Throttle Body
Before diving into horsepower gains, I made sure to understand what the 3 bolt throttle body actually is. It’s a type of throttle body used on certain LS engines, characterized by its three mounting bolts. This design is generally found on earlier LS models like the LS1 and LS6. Knowing this helped me identify which throttle bodies would fit my engine without needing extensive modifications.
Why Upgrade Your 3 Bolt Throttle Body?
I wanted to increase my engine’s airflow to boost horsepower and throttle response. The stock 3 bolt throttle body can be restrictive, especially when paired with other performance mods like intake manifolds or cams. Upgrading to a larger or more efficient 3 bolt throttle body helps increase airflow, which can translate to more horsepower—especially at higher RPMs.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying
- Throttle Body Size: The size (measured in millimeters) directly affects airflow. I found that going from a 70mm to a 75mm or 80mm throttle body gave a noticeable increase in power, but going too large can cause drivability issues or reduce low-end torque.
- Compatibility: Make sure the throttle body matches your intake manifold and engine wiring harness. The 3 bolt pattern limits your options compared to the more common 4 bolt setups, so I double-checked fitment before purchasing.
- Material and Build Quality: Aluminum throttle bodies are lightweight and durable. I avoided cheaper cast throttle bodies that might warp or have rough interiors, which can reduce airflow efficiency.
- Electronics and Sensors: Some throttle bodies come with built-in sensors or require specific connectors. I ensured that my new throttle body either matched my existing wiring or came with an adapter.
- Brand Reputation: I leaned towards well-known brands with positive reviews from the LS community to avoid headaches down the road.
My Experience With Max HP Gains
After installing an upgraded 75mm 3 bolt throttle body on my LS1, I noticed smoother throttle response and roughly a 10-15 horsepower gain at the top end. Paired with an upgraded intake manifold and exhaust, it helped push my engine closer to its performance limits. However, I also learned that simply changing the throttle body without supporting mods won’t produce dramatic gains.
Additional Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Throttle Body
- Tune your engine’s ECU after installation to optimize fuel and timing for the increased airflow.
- Consider upgrading other components like the intake manifold, camshaft, and exhaust to complement the throttle body.
- Keep an eye on your engine’s air/fuel ratio to avoid running lean or rich.
- Regularly clean your throttle body to maintain performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 3 bolt LS throttle body was an important step in my LS engine build. It’s a relatively simple upgrade that, when combined with other mods, can yield solid horsepower improvements. Just remember to pick the right size, ensure compatibility, and be prepared to tune your setup for the best results. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your LS engine’s potential.
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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