C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Ls3 or ls6

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 5, 2010 | 04:36 AM
  #1  
ignatkor's Avatar
ignatkor
Thread Starter
Pro
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From: Navarre Florida
Default Ls3 or ls6

I'm planning on trading my a4 01 vert for a 6 speed vette, C5z or ls3 08-10.I love both cars and having difficult time making up my mind. Does ls3 engine respond better to simple mods such as Lt's cat back, CAI, tune? What would be pros and cones of choosing c5z vs ls3 in your opinion? I'm sure I'm not the first one to ask this but which car is faster stock for stock 02-04 c5z or Ls3 6 speed with z51? I' m guessing they should be close but still would like to know if anyone has experience racing ls3 6 speed(on a drag-strip or a track) or owning both cars.
Thanks

Last edited by ignatkor; Dec 5, 2010 at 04:44 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2010 | 08:20 AM
  #2  
WKMCD's Avatar
WKMCD
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 13,760
Likes: 75
From: Haymarket VA
Default

The LS3's respond very well to bolt-ons. It's common to pickup 40-45RWHP with just LT's, a CAI and a good tune. Not going to do that with an LS6 or an LS2 for that matter.

Last edited by WKMCD; Dec 5, 2010 at 08:25 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2010 | 02:47 PM
  #3  
zeevette's Avatar
zeevette
Race Director
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
Default

You'd be starting with a better base engine with the LS3. It's got better heads, and more displacement, so it's got a big edge right off the bat. The issue is the difference in the two cars that support the motors. A 08-up cpe./vert is alot more plush comfort-wise, than a C5Z. If you want more of a race car for the street, get the Z, but you can always mod the C6 to equal the handling of a C5Z. I personally prefer the body styling of the FRC to a coupe, but everybody has their own favorite.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2010 | 04:55 PM
  #4  
Ikester's Avatar
Ikester
Race Director
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Default

Originally Posted by ignatkor
What would be pros and cones of choosing c5z vs ls3 in your opinion?
Con: With the LS3 you have to get a C6 gen body
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2010 | 08:22 PM
  #5  
nj02vette's Avatar
nj02vette
Race Director
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 21
From: Marlton. Increasing performance one speeding ticket at a time! NJ
Default

LS3 is a better starting platform, hands down.

However, what you're comparing isn't apples to apples.

An 08+ C6 is going to cost you signifigantly more than an 02-04 C5 Z06.

Not in the same ballpark, not by a long shot. For the price difference, you could almost put a forged and supercharged LS3 into a C5 Z06.
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2010 | 01:29 AM
  #6  
jd86L98's Avatar
jd86L98
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 766
Likes: 42
From: Laguna Beach CA
Default

A buddy of mind just picked up a 1lt 2008 six speed, we went for a ride in his and then I took him for a ride in my 2001 Z51 Vert 435rwhp with upgraded sways, shocks, tunnel plate, Z06 alignment and Verdestein tires. To me, my car felt so much more planted than a stock C6, and I am basically setup like a stock C5 Z06. After today I will not be upgrading to anything less than a C6 Z06. Plus parked side by side the stance of my lowered triple black Vert looked much better. However, I don't drive mine everyday if I did the C6 is more refined for everyday driving. This was the third C6 I've driven in and mine has out handled each one of them (2005 Z51 w/Nitto Ivo, 2008 Z51A6, 2008 base six speed). Hence next Vette is C6Z06. Good luck with your decision
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2010 | 12:47 PM
  #7  
skyavonee's Avatar
skyavonee
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,355
Likes: 113
From: Los Angeles
Default

Originally Posted by nj02vette
LS3 is a better starting platform, hands down.

However, what you're comparing isn't apples to apples.

An 08+ C6 is going to cost you signifigantly more than an 02-04 C5 Z06.

Not in the same ballpark, not by a long shot. For the price difference, you could almost put a forged and supercharged LS3 into a C5 Z06.
Very valid point. LS3 is better, but for the price of an 08+, you can easily purchase and build a far superior C5Z for the track/strip.
Reply
Old Dec 7, 2010 | 07:57 PM
  #8  
mph1972's Avatar
mph1972
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Default

I think the LS3 is a beast waiting to be unleashed with a tune and some simple bolt ons, but it looks like ever other standard C6 on the highway.

The LS6 is wrapped around a sweet and unique body in that of the FRC! I could careless it edging me a few HPs, because I have a badge that doesn't come on the others...ZO6! I love it! By far the VETTE of VETTEs to me!
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-5

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 02:55 AM
  #9  
Bill Dearborn's Avatar
Bill Dearborn
Tech Contributor
25 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,031
Likes: 9,789
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Default

Depending on how you are planning using the car the LS6 durability is much better than the LS3. On the street or strip the LS3 is fine. People have had serious issues with the LS3 on a road course. That is one of the reasons the GS 6 speed manual has a dry sump oiling system.

Bill
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 06:24 AM
  #10  
Wicked Weasel's Avatar
Wicked Weasel
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Default

Originally Posted by Bill Dearborn
Depending on how you are planning using the car the LS6 durability is much better than the LS3. On the street or strip the LS3 is fine. People have had serious issues with the LS3 on a road course. That is one of the reasons the GS 6 speed manual has a dry sump oiling system.

Bill


This is was what I was thinking as soon as I opened the thread although most people will never be on a road course to worry about it.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2010 | 08:59 AM
  #11  
AU N EGL's Avatar
AU N EGL
Team Owner
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Default

Originally Posted by Bill Dearborn
Depending on how you are planning using the car the LS6 durability is much better than the LS3. On the street or strip the LS3 is fine. People have had serious issues with the LS3 on a road course. That is one of the reasons the GS 6 speed manual has a dry sump oiling system.

Bill


LS6. the LS3 is not fond of HIGH G corners, acceleration or braking without a dry sump.

LS3 with a dry sump would be ideal.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Ls3 or ls6





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:29 AM.

story-0
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-8
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE