Besides the heads and cam what are the other differences that add power to the LS6 cars. I have a 99 FRC so I know the intake is also different, from my understanding it doesn't make a huge difference anyways. Are the bottom ends the same or are pistons etc. different.

 

difference in heads, valves, camshaft intake manifold, catalitic convetors, mufflers, and yes difference in bottom end as well..........made some changes to effect oiling and piston cooling and crankcase 'windage' issue. These are some of the differences.

 

The LS6 block is different in the design and added strength of the main bearing bulkheads. The LS6 has has better , larger openings in the bay-to-bay window areas for better oil control ( less oil whipping)and a minimum 400-500 higher useable rpm operating range.

The LS6 harmonic dampeners are 2.6 lbs less in weight by using an aluminum hub. The rod cap bolts are stronger by way of a new heat treating process.

The LS6 has a 15% higher brake-mean-effective-pressure so new stronger pistons were designed with Mahle 142 alloy. This alloy has more copper and nickle which offers more strength and less expansion at high temps , which really helps control piston the cylinder dimensional stability ( and oil control) than the LS1. In mid-April of 2001 another similar piston was introduced to the production line in the LS6 that had even closer cylinder bore tolerance and a anti friction poylmer coating on the skirt ( which was some weeks later added to the 2001M/Y LS1 as well). This new piston eliminated cold start piston slap complaints but because of the use of Mahle 142 alloy it also helped durability and control oil.

The cam shaft used in the LS6 is more aggressive and smaller base circle but also is rifle drilled for less operating mass and uses a camshaft reclutor just ahead of the rear journal .Note* In 2002-'04 M/Y the base circle was again reduced to add more lift. Everyone is aware of the sodium filler valves , ect .

In the 2001 M/Y LS6 the valve spring wire material is different ( added vanadium) and has a more oval shaped wire than round and is also wound tighter than the LS1 for increased spring rates at seat and over the nose . This is not generally known.

The heads have several areas of improvement in revised ports and combustion chambers, note worthy was the increase in compression to 10.5:1 and D ports .

The intake you mention was obvious but it alone adds 10hp. There are many other differences in the LS6, but you get the idea .

 

Diff=40 Clysdales This Buds for me

 

I get the idea. alot more changes then I was aware of. Thanks

 

Wow! Thanks for all the info!
Any idea the difference in an '04 LS1 vs. LS6?

I know the later model LS1's borrow the block and intake manifold from the LS6.
Curious as to what else is different (other than I'm guessing heads and cam).

 

On the LS6 intake - throttle body and mass air meter the same? Or is there a difference there also?

 

i hope ur asking someone else because he's been gone 13yrs.

 

The throttle body's have the same part #