If you were going to replace your LS1 engine with a crate motor and the only choices were a 400 hp LS2 or a 400 hp LS6, which would you choose and why?

 

LS2, its responds to mods better

 

Would it be for a Z06? I'd probably want to keep a LS6 in a Z just since it is the correct engine. Otherwise, the LS2 would be my choice since with it's larger bore it can accept L92 heads down the road and a little extra displacement never hurt anybody, etc. Stock for stock I believe the LS6 technically makes 5 more hp and is a little higher strung, LS2 probably has a better overall power curve as a result, not sure. Is the price equal between the two?

I didn't vote since it depends on the situation...

 

No, in my case it would replace an LS1.

 

LS2 for sure. You're getting a much better "base" for mods imo.

 

Ah, didn't see the '98 Vette bit in your profile at first, yeah I'd go LS2 as well then unless the LS6 was available for a good bit cheaper for some reason.

 

LS2 I would want the 6.0 Liter... Wouldnt the LS6 have pretty much the same bottem end as My LS1. The LS2 would make more sense if I were to mod it down the road.

 

I've previously had a C5Z for 4 years and I've had two C6s with LS2s. There is no comparison between them when it comes to responsiveness. The LS6 is much more responsive IMO. The LS3 matches the LS5, but the LS2 does not. Put it into a C5, there is no question that I would want the LS6.

 

Need more info. Is this a block to block comparo. If so I would want the extra displacement of the LS2. If were talking fully assembled, being removed from a donor car, then I don't think I would want all of the added pains of having to get electronics and pcm's to communicate with all of the differences between the LS1 and it's electronics and an LS2's. I would think in that case the LS6 would be much more of an easier swap. Iv'e never done this myself so it's just an opinion, based on what I know of the differences between the 2 generations

 

Well, actually it's more of a hypothetical question rather than a practical one. All I'm asking here is which of the two you'd replace a standard LS1 with if you were going to put in a replacement engine.

Yes the LS2 has more displacement, but I've heard before that the LS6 is a more responsive and actually more powerful engine. I've never see any figures to support that though.

So I'm curious, is 400 hp always 400 hp?

 

From what I understand, the LS2 is basically a 6.0L version of the 2001 LS6. In other words, the cam and heads are pretty much the same as the 2001 LS6 but with more displacement. So the LS2's throttle response should feel very similar to an LS6.

 

I have a LS6 in my Z16, but in your situation I would opt for the LS2. Bigger bore allows better valve unshrouding (is that a word?) and ultimately better flowing heads. The added cubes make for more power "under the curve" regardless of peak numbers.

 

There is no replacement for displacement LS2 all the way

 

I thought your heads were better due to the lighter valves, retianers, and springs?

 

Go right on past the LS2 to the LS3 its a much better engine than the LS2.

 

got one in the C6 and love the stock power and it is a great platform for boost. Now if you are going strokers I am thinking about an LS2 ERL 427 for lots of cubes and 20# of boost

 

I'd go right to the LS3 also , it seems to be the most improved of the bunch.

 

The LS6 is much more responsive because of the better intake manifold.

The LS2 is more sluggish... (I've driven countless of both)

That being said I chose LS6, although the LS2 has the benefit of better aftermarket cylinder heads with bigger valves due to it's 4.0 bore.

So.... it depends, are you planning to add heads later, or drop it in and enjoy? If it's the latter then for sure the LS6 is the better engine.