Michael Hooks

Alright I need some help.

I am about top buy a C6 corvette but do not know how to chose between the 2005-2007 LS2 and the 2008+ LS3. I am planning on heavily modifying the car (H/C/I, built motor, and later on forced induction). I was wondering if I should save some money on the cheaper LS2 and get modding or buy will I be disappointed down the road I didn't hold out for the LS3? Is the 2 tenths of a liter really going to make a difference when I am all said and done?

Thanks.

z288uup

I say go for the LS3.

Ataractic

If your planning extensive mods, new engine/trans/diff I'd say get the LS2 and throw all new parts in to your hearts content. Why pay extra money for an LS3 if you're going to swap in a built LS7? I'm exaggerating, but hopefully you get my point.

yellowzron

LS3 if you plan forced induction later down the line.

Hameister

Use the link below. You'll see an exact description of the difference between the LS2, and the LS3.

It's far more than .2 of a liter. You can choose which engine is best for your needs based on the mods you plan on making.

Good luck!

http://www.corvettemuseum.org/specs/2008/

EDIT: More specifics

"Engine – A new, 6.2L LS3 small-block V-8 is the standard engine in Coupe and Convertible models. It is rated at 430 horsepower (321kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (586 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system; with the new, optional two-mode exhaust system, power ratings increase to 436 horses / 325 kW and 428 lb.-ft. / 592 Nm. As a result, the standard Corvette is true supercar, capable of 190 mph. The LS3 with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the fastest automatic-equipped Corvette ever, with 0-60 mph capability of 4.3 seconds.

This new iteration of the storied small-block family features a revised, larger-bore cylinder block – 4.06-inch / 103.25 mm vs. the previous 6.0L's 4.00-inch / 101.62 mm bores – high-flow, LS7/L92-style cylinder heads; larger-diameter pistons; revised camshaft and camshaft timing; revised valvetrain with offset intake rocker arms; high-flow intake manifold; high-flow fuel injectors from the Z06's LS7 engine; and a new engine beauty cover.

The LS3 features an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron cylinder liners. In addition to its larger bores, which help create a 376-cubic-inch displacement, the block casting also features revisions and machining in the bulkheads that enhance its strength and improved bay to bay breathing. But while the bore of the 6.2L engine is increased when compared with the previous 6.0L engine, the engine's stroke remains at 3.62 inches (92 mm). The pistons for the larger 6.2L engine also are new and are designed for its high-rpm performance capability.

Breathing for the new 6.2L engine is accomplished via new, high-flow cylinder heads. They're based on the large port/large valve design found on the LS7 engine and other GM L92 engines, with larger-capacity, straighter intake ports. The design optimizes intake flow to the combustion chamber and the exhaust ports are also designed for better flow.

Complementing the larger-port design of the heads are commensurately sized valves. The intake valve size alone increases from 2.00 inches (50.8 mm) to 2.16 inches (55 mm) – an increase of nearly 9 percent. The intake valves feature lightweight hollow stems, which enable the engine's 6,600-rpm capability. The exhaust valves also are large, measuring 1.60 inches (40.4 mm) in diameter.

To accommodate the engine's large valves and enable more direct intake port flow, the intake-side rocker arms are offset 6 mm between the valve tip and the push rod. Actuating the valves is a new camshaft, with intake-side lobes providing more than a 5-percent percent in increase in lift, from 0.521-inch to 0.551-inch (13.25 mm to 14 mm). Exhaust-valve lift remains unchanged from the LS2. The camshaft timing was revised to optimize performance with the higher-lift intake cam profile.

Ensuring the cylinder heads receive all the air they can handles falls to a new, acoustically tuned intake manifold. The composite design is manufactured with a “lost core” process that improves runner to runner variation and reduces airflow losses. An acoustic foam material is used to reduce radiated engine noise; it is sandwiched between the outer top of the manifold and an additional “skull cap” acoustic shell. Also new beauty covers atop the engine shield the rocker covers and also feature a noise-reducing, acoustically tuned insert to provide a more refined engine sound."

airmed2

That's good information

lowes48

Little misleading! You can always upgrade your LS2 heads for trick flow and have a better head than the ls3 stock head. Install a fast 102 and again have a better intake than the stock ls3 intake so save your money for go fast parts!

Hameister

Misleading? What?

Please explain to me what is misleading about posting LS3 facts from G.M., and then suggesting that the OP make a decision based on his own requirements?

Some of you guys are so quick to become defensive of the LS2, that any mention of the LS3 refinements, spurs a negative reaction.

dennis50nj

Very easy to decide just checkout the performance list on what they run once modded, find what mods are close to what you want to do, both engines are great, decide what kind of racing your doing and pick the trans and engine package, the trans seems to be a big determining factor
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...challenge.html

BWF07

I think misleading was a poor choice of words. I think what is meant is if the OP plans on heavy mods including heads cam and so no the difference between a stock LS3 and a stock LS2 really does not matter all that much.

Hameister

That makes sense.
That's exactly why I suggested the OP make a decision based on what mods he intends to apply.

mysloride

That IS good INFO.

With a LS3 you don't need a FAST intake to make great power
With a LS3 you don't need aftermarket heads to make great power

IMO...buy the latest model you an get in your budget range.

The HP #'s that are thrown around this forum are mind blowing. They will totally cloud the fact that these cars are extremely fast in stock form.

An LS3 with a good exhaust and tune will put down 410-430 RWHP

That will get you in the high 11's once you get your traction issues under control. That is frigging FAST.

I just did a two stage build on my 2011 GS.

I ran a 12.6 1/4 mile bone stock with a 2.5 60 ft and spun the tires through 2sd gear and a little of third on POS GY run flats (389 RWHP)

I did exhaust, CAI and Dyno tune and made 431 RWHP. I borrowed a set of hard old worn out drag radials and first pass ran ran a 11.98 with a 2.2 60 ft
Best pass of the night was a 11.87 with a 2.1 60 ft

I have since done a cam and re-tune and bought a new set of Hoosiers, but need the weather to get better to know my times.

What I am trying to say is get the newest lowest mileage Vette you can get and then with a very few mods, the right tires and learning how to drive it, you can have a 11 Sec. car that you can go coast to coast in comfort and style

B-Vette

I currently have a 2007 with the LS2 but I'd look for a LS3 just because there are more options for modifications.

boraxman

There's more to the 08 up than just the motor/

simplegto

The LS3 power maker is in the heads so if you go after market heads it makes little difference. Save a few grand on the car and use it for parts.

1rusty1

It all depends on what you are looking for. I don't care much about HP and all my mods are for appearance. The LS2 is plenty.

If HP is what I was going for, I would jump to the top of the food chain and grab a hellcat or C7 Z06.

Red08

Misleading? These are factual differences between the LS2 and LS3. Please explain what is misleading... misleading implies not entirely true.

iToast

If you're going to build the motor, then it doesn't really matter which motor you get. Heads, intake, cam, etc. will all be replaced. At that point, it won't matter much if it's ls2 or ls3.