Increased Compresson
    The LS6’s aluminum cylinder heads are cast with smaller pent-roof combustion chambers than the LS1 versions. This increases the compression ratio from 10.1:1 to 10.5:1, improving thermal efficiency and increasing horsepower. The intake and exhaust ports in the LS6 head are refined and more precisely cast to contribute to the engine’s overall increase in volumetric efficiency.
High-Profile Camshaft
    The LS6-specific camshaft, made from steel-billet, contributes more than any other single component to the LS6’s horsepower increase over the standard LS1. In simple terms, the LS6 cam opens the valves quicker and higher to allow more air/fuel mixture into the combustion chambers. Cam lift increases from the LS1’s 12.7mm to 13.3mm.
Stronger Valve Springs
    To accommodate valve operation with the high lift/high duration cam, the LS6’s valve springs are stiffer and sturdier. Although made from the same steel wire as the LS1 springs, the LS6 versions are wound tighter for a high rate.