Just Cruise

What would be a better engine to buy price isnt a concern.

silver408z

The ls3 has more potential. Its rated more power than a ls6. If I were doing a stock style replacement I would do a ls3

flynbyu2

I've driven corvettes with both those engines. The LS3 makes power very seamlessly. The LS6 makes the power very violently.

I like the feel of the LS6.

madmatt9471

LS3 - more cubes to start with and the latest block technology - Rectangular ports too on the heads!

Thanks,Matt

76 VETTE

dagon138

Apparently the common view in the Road Racing section is that the LS6 stands up a bit better on the twisty stuff than the LS3.

LT1driver

why is ls6 more durable??

ColeTrain'sC5

The LS3 has more potential since it's got bigger cubes but the LS6 is a great engine. So is the LS1. GM knows how to build a small block

SCM_Crash

One of the major advantages of the LS3 is the head technology. LS3 heads flow far better than LS6 heads, and they're cheaper too. The computer is also more precise for LS3s due to the better resolution 58x wheel. For the most part, the LS3 is a better motor. Combine the LS3 with a dry sump system and you've got a track monster. The C6 GS (6-speed) is the only LS3 (that I know of) that comes with a dry-sump system. If I were going to buy a C6 for the track, this would be the car I'd start with.

I have had 2 C5 Z06s and they are FANTASTIC. Not only does the car do as you command, but it talks back and lets you know the feedback you need when driving on the track. The C5Z is raw in both suspension and motor. Just the feeling from the throttle, the sound of the engine, the feel in the wheel... You know what is going on with the car.

The C6's, not so much. However, what they lack in feel they make up for in technology. The LS3 is beast of a motor too. Not as raw, but makes more power very easily.

The LS3 needs a dry sump system to work better in the turns. The oiling system on the LS3 lacks where the LS6 rocks. A stock LS6 will handle being beaten on all day at the track because of this.

You can't really say one is more durable than the other without specifying in what manner. Stock for stock, the LS6 is going to do extremely well and will be very reliable on the track. But when you start adding power, the LS3 has better internals and will hold the power longer (assuming you fix the oiling issues).

I completely agree. The LS6 is very raw. Many have said that they liked the feeling of the LT1 over the LS1 for that same reason. Personally, I love the brute force feeling I get when I romp through 2nd on the freeway on-ramp.