help on ls2/ls3 differences
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: N.Y./F.L
help on ls2/ls3 differences
My 01 382 stroker is for sale and I'm looking into C6's. I know the Hp difference between an LS2 and a LS3. My question is... should I be that concerned whether it's a LS2 or a LS3? Is there a night and day difference with the 2? There are a few 07's for great $ but don't know if I should hold out for an 08. Many thanks in advance!!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Makena, Maui & NM
Some think the interior looks better with the faux carbon fiber shiny black interior console, I dont agree. The steering has been improved with the '08 and more so in the '09. The A6 tranny shifts a bit quicker too and the M6 manual feels a bit better as well. That's about it. Night and Day? No way.
Team Owner
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From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 45,226
Likes: 892
From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
My 01 382 stroker is for sale and I'm looking into C6's. I know the Hp difference between an LS2 and a LS3. My question is... should I be that concerned whether it's a LS2 or a LS3? Is there a night and day difference with the 2? There are a few 07's for great $ but don't know if I should hold out for an 08. Many thanks in advance!!!!
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,586
Likes: 1,697
From: Converse TX
I had the same issue last spring when I started looking at 08s, should I get into an 07 lots of lots then. What I did was go to my local dealer and drive both an 07 and 08 Coupe, both A6s. What I came away with was that I like CF on the interior for starters with the rest of the interior pretty much the same. The real deal maker for me was the down low torque the LS3 makes over the LS2, plus as already mentioned the A6 in the 08 shifts better and I did not really notice much difference in the handling, both base models. Yes I opted for an LS3, but an 09 and the reason was the local dealers would not deal like the forum and when I got down to making the deal Cyber Gray was out and my wife liked the new color better than CRM we had our eyes on. So I ordered from Reliable picked up our new Vette at the Museum and been happy ever since that I got the latest model GM had to offer. I did order a coupe base suspension and 3LT, but like my C5 stock is never good enough, so I did the Z51 Sways and rotors along with other bling. Get an 08 or 09 you will be glad you did
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Monument CO
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Glassboro New Jersey
Some think the interior looks better with the faux carbon fiber shiny black interior console, I dont agree. The steering has been improved with the '08 and more so in the '09. The A6 tranny shifts a bit quicker too and the M6 manual feels a bit better as well. That's about it. Night and Day? No way.
There were more refinements in 08 then just the LS3, like the steering and trans as posted above. I would go for an 08 or 09.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Makena, Maui & NM
I dunno...how you would "frame" the new LS3 console? "Wrapped center trim plate with Cyber pattern" as told by GM? 
Lets face it, its piano black shiny and has a faux carbon fiber pattern impregnated in the plastic to make it look like carbon fiber. They added chrome trim inserts as well, which I also dislike. Lots like it, some dont. Been thinking of a 2010 and if I do, will put my '07 console in it, unless there is a new console that comes with the 2010. That is possible since its coming with a new electronic switch in leiu of the parking brake.
Lets face it, its piano black shiny and has a faux carbon fiber pattern impregnated in the plastic to make it look like carbon fiber. They added chrome trim inserts as well, which I also dislike. Lots like it, some dont. Been thinking of a 2010 and if I do, will put my '07 console in it, unless there is a new console that comes with the 2010. That is possible since its coming with a new electronic switch in leiu of the parking brake.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 286
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From: Madison MS
I owned a 2005 A4 LS2 before i bought my 2008 LS3 A6. In my opinion, the LS3 is a totally different car. Handles better, more power and throttle response, better shifting tranny. Definitely go for the 08 or 09. Good luck in your search
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,206
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From: Makena, Maui & NM
I agree. The OP said he was aware of the hp difference. Still, its worth saying to note its about .20 faster in the 1/4 mile and you can get the 2.73 axle option for $395.00 (comes with Z51) that is worth about another .10. Not to mention the LS3 appears to make more power out of bolt-ons like headers and cai than the LS2.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3,017
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I agree. The OP said he was aware of the hp difference. Still, its worth saying to note its about .20 faster in the 1/4 mile and you can get the 2.73 axle option for $395.00 (comes with Z51) that is worth about another .10. Not to mention the LS3 appears to make more power out of bolt-ons like headers and cai than the LS2.
Typical headers/CAI LS3 puts down >400rwhp, and add a cam to the equation and you go >480rwhp..The LS2 needs heads/cam/full bolt ons to get there. So if your modding the motor, you save $4000-5000 right there.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,058
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From: Walker MI
I wouldn't have even considered anything less than a Z06 until I drove a 08 coupe, then I realized the 08+ base cars were one hell of a lot of car for the money, enough so that i'd rather have my removable roof than a Z06 in the first place, but no way i'd be happy with a 05-07... drove a few of those trying to talk myself into it, just couldn't it... big difference to me
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
I dunno...how you would "frame" the new LS3 console? "Wrapped center trim plate with Cyber pattern" as told by GM? Lets face it, its piano black shiny and has a faux carbon fiber pattern impregnated in the plastic to make it look like carbon fiber. They added chrome trim inserts as well, which I also dislike. Lots like it, some dont. Been thinking of a 2010 and if I do, will put my '07 console in it, unless there is a new console that comes with the 2010. That is possible since its coming with a new electronic switch in leiu of the parking brake.
Lets face it, its piano black shiny and has a faux carbon fiber pattern impregnated in the plastic to make it look like carbon fiber. They added chrome trim inserts as well, which I also dislike. Lots like it, some dont. Been thinking of a 2010 and if I do, will put my '07 console in it, unless there is a new console that comes with the 2010. That is possible since its coming with a new electronic switch in leiu of the parking brake.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Happiness is Busch in Victory Lane!
St. Jude Donor '09 & '12, '14
Considering LS3 owners rarely use 100% of the power on the street - I would drive both.
LS2 / LS3 can kill you in the blink of an eye with your foot in it...
I think the useless performance specs are just that useless.
Purely track use - I'd look at LS3.
Purely street use - I'd look at my bank account.
LS2 / LS3 can kill you in the blink of an eye with your foot in it...
I think the useless performance specs are just that useless.
Purely track use - I'd look at LS3.
Purely street use - I'd look at my bank account.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,955
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From: Lehigh Valley Pennsylvania
I think the OP is looking for the difference between the two motors, and not the improved steering "feel", better interior, blah, blah.
The primary difference between the two motors is the LS3 has 12 more cubic inches of displacement and L92 heads which flow better than the LS6 heads on the LS2. If you are only going to do bolt ons then opt for the LS3 as mod for mod they will always make an extra 30 hp due to the heads. The cubic inch difference is nominal and at best would account for 5-10 hp. If you are going to do heads and cam, either would be a great choice and make similar hp in full out H/C set ups.
The primary difference between the two motors is the LS3 has 12 more cubic inches of displacement and L92 heads which flow better than the LS6 heads on the LS2. If you are only going to do bolt ons then opt for the LS3 as mod for mod they will always make an extra 30 hp due to the heads. The cubic inch difference is nominal and at best would account for 5-10 hp. If you are going to do heads and cam, either would be a great choice and make similar hp in full out H/C set ups.
Last edited by NormWild; Feb 16, 2009 at 10:06 PM.
Safety Car
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From: Makena, Maui & NM
Team Owner
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From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
No offense Bob, but people say this every time a newer more powerful model comes out. Everytime I "let the horses run free" I run it up to redline in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and if there's enough road - I take it up to....well...nevermind. In such cases, I use all 436 HP. 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,972
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From: N.Y./F.L
Thanks for all your input! I'll have to really give it some thought.. I just have to get my car sold also!! As far as power, it will be a loss to me either way since my C5 puts over 460 to the wheels....Keep the info coming! Thanks