This week’s Dyno Blast segment features a 3rd generation Chevrolet Camaro IROC Z powered by an LS1 V8 on the dyno. This engine is said to be modified with only a unique camshaft package, shorty headers and an LS6 intake manifold, but I would guess that it also has a full exhaust system based on the sound of this Camaro while the strong dyno numbers would lead me to believe that it is also well tuned.
After this LS1 Camaro made its dyno blast (and sounded wicked doing so), the cameraman zooms in on the screen and we can see that the result of those modifications allow this F-Body to put down 373 horsepower to the wheels along with 353lb-ft of torque. Those numbers are significantly better than the stock 3rd gen power numbers and when assuming an 18% power loss, this LS1 is making around 440 horsepower at the back of the engine. Needless to say, this relatively stock looking IROC Camaro could catch some folks off guard in a short dash from a stoplight – provided that the other driver paid no attention to the hearty grumble.
Crank up your speakers and enjoy! Get Dyno Blasted in the forum.>>
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
