LS2 vs LS3 differences?
#41
Le Mans Master
Gearhead: Jim Talking to the drag strip hounds in our club, I was told that typical times for the LS2 A6 were around 13.5 @ 106 mph, LS3 A6 w/performance axle around 12.7 @ 114 mph.
Now I've seen stock LS3 A6's turn in the very low 12's right out of the box. What I'm talking about is average and in most cases "advertised" speeds. The M6's usually all are advertised to turn .2 secs. faster. Real numbers at the track vary all over the place, but, LS3's usually on average turn at least .2 seconds fasters than LS2. I know, I have a fairly good running LS2.
#42
Racer
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The LS3 also has different heads, intake manifold, cam and higher pressure fuel injectors. The LS2s are also prone to oil leaks this was fixed with a more robust gasket package in the LS3. A swap could be done but the whole computer would also have to be replaced as well.
Last edited by Jet Streaming; 05-08-2011 at 10:22 AM.
#43
Supporting Vendor
Thread Starter
The LS3 also has different heads, intake manifold, cam and higher pressure fuel injectors. The LS2s are also prone to oil leaks this was fixed with a more robust gasket package in the LS3. A swap could be done but the whole computer would also have to be replaced as well.
#44
Race Director
I'm looking for a breakdown in the differences between the LS2 and LS3 motors.
I haven't driven either extensively but I'm told by those who have that the LS3
drives like it has a LOT more power than the LS2....much more than the
~30hp advertised.
At the moment, I'm looking to upgrade from my blown 97
(recently totaled after a minor accident) to a 2005 model.
I haven't driven either extensively but I'm told by those who have that the LS3
drives like it has a LOT more power than the LS2....much more than the
~30hp advertised.
At the moment, I'm looking to upgrade from my blown 97
(recently totaled after a minor accident) to a 2005 model.
The 08 model was the 1st year for the LS3 V8.
I traded an 05 for an 08 and yes the 08 does
feel more powerful than the advertised 36hp.
Especially if you pull the fuse.
#45
Racer
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Well 2001 and some early 02s had a ring oil blow by issue. In general however the LS2 has some known rear seal oil leak issues as well as around the heads, the upper head leaks are an easy fix however and quite common even on the LS1s due to the gasket material that was used at the time.
#46
Supporting Vendor
Thread Starter
Well 2001 and some early 02s had a ring oil blow by issue. In general however the LS2 has some known rear seal oil leak issues as well as around the heads, the upper head leaks are an easy fix however and quite common even on the LS1s due to the gasket material that was used at the time.
#47
Bit of a newbie here, but, I am looking to get a 2010/2011 Grand Sport with the manual tranny and dry sump set up. What differences does the LS3 that are hand built have with the regular LS3 and LS2's?
I know the 08+ base coupes and GS's have the Tremec 6060 for the manuals... what did the base Vette's have before for the manual transmission?
I know the 08+ base coupes and GS's have the Tremec 6060 for the manuals... what did the base Vette's have before for the manual transmission?
#48
Racer
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Location: Arkansas
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St. Jude Donor '11
Ok here's an opinion that won't find a big following here...
IMHO, anything over 300hp is more than enough to have some reasonably spirited fun driving on public roads. Having 400hp vs 436hp makes a difference on the strip or a road course but not that much difference for daily driving. How many people warn that turning off the nannies, ( which limit performance ), is irresponsible while driving on public roads, yet make the difference between the LS2 / LS3 seem like night and day?
An interesting comparison would be LS2(nannies off) vs LS3(nannies on)
IMHO, anything over 300hp is more than enough to have some reasonably spirited fun driving on public roads. Having 400hp vs 436hp makes a difference on the strip or a road course but not that much difference for daily driving. How many people warn that turning off the nannies, ( which limit performance ), is irresponsible while driving on public roads, yet make the difference between the LS2 / LS3 seem like night and day?
An interesting comparison would be LS2(nannies off) vs LS3(nannies on)
Forgive my ignorance but what are "nannies"?
#49
Le Mans Master
Well 2001 and some early 02s had a ring oil blow by issue. In general however the LS2 has some known rear seal oil leak issues as well as around the heads, the upper head leaks are an easy fix however and quite common even on the LS1s due to the gasket material that was used at the time.
There was no LS2 or LS3 in 2001. You are thinking of the LS6 in the C5 Z06,where some had to be reringed due to blow by. And it was corrected in the 02-04 Z06.
The standard motor in '01 was the LS1,which had no oil issues.
#50
Drifting
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Traction control system - limits rear wheel spin by limiting the power to them.
Active handling system - Attempts to keep the car from getting sideways by limiting power and applying brakes to individual wheels as necessary.
They are controlled by the button on the center console. See your owners manual for details.
Active handling system - Attempts to keep the car from getting sideways by limiting power and applying brakes to individual wheels as necessary.
They are controlled by the button on the center console. See your owners manual for details.
#51
Pro
More info on the Manual Trannies please.....
LS2 has T56?????
LS3 has TR6060 and substantially smoother linkage! Love to LS3 trannie/ linkage combo!
I actually had a long post to share but hit a bad key and lost all of it!!! Maybe I will recreate some at a later date?
LS2 has T56?????
LS3 has TR6060 and substantially smoother linkage! Love to LS3 trannie/ linkage combo!
I actually had a long post to share but hit a bad key and lost all of it!!! Maybe I will recreate some at a later date?
Last edited by gsx1300r; 06-29-2011 at 07:59 AM. Reason: added potential ls2 trannie type
#52
Safety Car
I been looking for a c6 for some time 05-08. Im coming from a TBSS with the ls2. It seems to be hard to find a 08 for under 30. Should i hold off and try to wait to get a ls3 or a ls2 one should be fine. I plan on doing full bolts over time with either one.
#53
Funny topic... Broke the number 5 piston on my 2007 C6 LS2 the other day after running 530 rwhp via an e-force 599 kit. Had plenty more HP but ran the injectors to 101 duty cycle. Nonetheless, no stroker, simply building the LS2 with top of the line everything, and dropping the compassion to 9.5 as thats better for boost. So if you plan to add horsepower I would suggest LS3 as the LS2 has had problems with the number 5 and 7 piston breaking...
#54
The Consigliere
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Funny topic... Broke the number 5 piston on my 2007 C6 LS2 the other day after running 530 rwhp via an e-force 599 kit. Had plenty more HP but ran the injectors to 101 duty cycle. Nonetheless, no stroker, simply building the LS2 with top of the line everything, and dropping the compassion to 9.5 as thats better for boost. So if you plan to add horsepower I would suggest LS3 as the LS2 has had problems with the number 5 and 7 piston breaking...
Stock injectors?
#56
Drifting
New GS owner here. I took my GS to BIR a week ago after doing the breakin and what I like about the LS3 is no heat soak. I had a 4.6 mustang with Kenne Bell that put down 390 rwhp on a dynojet. It's nice not to have to run a power adder to run fast. Plus the GS handles better, tranny's better, whole car is better.
I was looking at the E-Force blower, but think I'll wait for awhile.
I was looking at the E-Force blower, but think I'll wait for awhile.
#57
The injectors are 52lbs ones which came with the kit. We are installing 60lbs ones now. Also had a mustang with the TR6060 transmission and cant say I was impressed as they have serious second gear synco issues. I believe there was also a recall?
#58
Pro
IMO - pay what you need to get the LS3 Corvette over the LS2 especially if you will be making Power Modifications. The $$$ outlay will be well worth it. Winter and the C7's are coming SOON. Depending on your driving desires - LS7's start getting somewhat close to your price range in in the next 12 months too. (MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!)
#59
The LS2 produces 400 bhp@6000rpm and 400 lbf·ft@4400rpm from a slightly larger displacement of 5,967 cc (5.967 L; 364.1 cu in). The LS2 uses the "243" casting heads used on the LS6 (although without the sodium filled valves), a smaller camshaft, and an additional 18 cubic inches. The compression of the LS2 was also raised to 10.9:1 compared to the LS1s 10.25:1 and the LS6s 10.5:1
the LS3 was introduced as the Corvette's new base engine for the 2008 model year. It produces 430bhp (321Kw)@5900rpm and 424lb-ft (575Nm)@4600rpm without the optional Corvette exhaust and is SAE certified. The block is an updated version of the LS2 casting featuring a larger bore of 4.06 in (103 mm) creating a displacement of 6,162 cc (6.162 L; 376.0 cu in). It also features higher flowing cylinder heads sourced from the L92, a more aggressive camshaft with 0.551" lift, a 10.7:1 compression ratio, a revised valvetrain with 6 mm (0.24 in) offset intake rocker arms, a high-flow intake manifold and 47 lb/hr fuel injectors from the LS7 engine.
The L76/L92/LS3 cylinder heads use 2.165 in (55.0 mm) intake valves, and 1.59 in (40 mm) exhaust valves. The large valves, however, limit maximum rpm - 6000 in the L76 (with AFM), and 6600 in the LS3 (with hollow stem valves).
Hope this answers the questions u guys had.
the LS3 was introduced as the Corvette's new base engine for the 2008 model year. It produces 430bhp (321Kw)@5900rpm and 424lb-ft (575Nm)@4600rpm without the optional Corvette exhaust and is SAE certified. The block is an updated version of the LS2 casting featuring a larger bore of 4.06 in (103 mm) creating a displacement of 6,162 cc (6.162 L; 376.0 cu in). It also features higher flowing cylinder heads sourced from the L92, a more aggressive camshaft with 0.551" lift, a 10.7:1 compression ratio, a revised valvetrain with 6 mm (0.24 in) offset intake rocker arms, a high-flow intake manifold and 47 lb/hr fuel injectors from the LS7 engine.
The L76/L92/LS3 cylinder heads use 2.165 in (55.0 mm) intake valves, and 1.59 in (40 mm) exhaust valves. The large valves, however, limit maximum rpm - 6000 in the L76 (with AFM), and 6600 in the LS3 (with hollow stem valves).
Hope this answers the questions u guys had.
#60
Le Mans Master
I'm looking for a breakdown in the differences between the LS2 and LS3 motors. I haven't driven either extensively but I'm told by those who have that the LS3 drives like it has a LOT more power than the LS2....much more than the ~30hp advertised.
At the moment, I'm looking to upgrade from my blown 97 (recently totaled after a minor accident) to a 2005 model. I will no doubt be tinkering with performance all around including a planned E-force SC, Blower can, full exhaust and possibly some additional internal engine work.
I'm wondering if it's worthwhile to spend the extra $$ for an LS3 car or if minor work will make the LS2 comparable.
At the moment, I'm looking to upgrade from my blown 97 (recently totaled after a minor accident) to a 2005 model. I will no doubt be tinkering with performance all around including a planned E-force SC, Blower can, full exhaust and possibly some additional internal engine work.
I'm wondering if it's worthwhile to spend the extra $$ for an LS3 car or if minor work will make the LS2 comparable.
For discussion sake, make the difference 3 tenths is that difference in performance worth the difference in price.
Please note: the 05 has the weakest rear of all C6s and a few other problems. If you are considering a blower then you should also be thinking of other upgrades that may be necessary with the addition of the blower.
I would suggest that you make a list, check the cost and then add the price of each car. Good luck