Ok so a disclaimer so I don't get bogged down with thoughts about swapping the LS4 into my Camaro: I just bought an 06 Impala SS and that's where I intend the LS4 to stay. Especially since I know that the LS4 has a different bell housing bolt pattern, 13mm shorter crank, different accessory setup on the front, no provision to mount a starter on the block, etc. If I decide to put an LS motor into my Camaro, I'll buy a RWD short block at that time.

So what I want to do is get familiar with the LS engine family and do some modifications to the LS4 in my Impala SS. The car will be my daily driver. I know that any work I do to the top end (heads, valvetrain, intake, etc.) is all stuff I could swap over to my Camaro if I decide to put an LS into it later. So what are some of the first things to upgrade to get more out of an LS motor? I know the LS4 is an aluminum block that uses the same cylinder head castings as those on the Corvettes without the special valves. I'll probably start out with simple stuff like air intake, exhaust, and tune. What's the best way for me to tune the engine? My main experiences are with distributor/carb combo cars when it comes to performance. I did get a jet programmer, K&N typhoon series intake, and exhaust upgrades for my 05 Cobalt LS, but that was just to put some lipstick on that pig. Any advice on the world of fuel injection, ECM/ECU, LS engines, etc. will be appreciated.