In addition I'm sure the gas mileage is lower due to the gears. But who cares about that. 
Ls3 versus ls2 question.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,015
Likes: 2,709
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
We traded a 2006 A6 (LS2) for an identical 2009 A6 (LS3), except that the 2009 also has the performance axle that was not available in 2006.
The improvment in performance is striking. The improvement of those 36 hp plus the axle, feels greater than the improvement of 50 hp and two extra gears when we went from a 2001 A4 (performance axle) to the 2006 A6.
The improvment in performance is striking. The improvement of those 36 hp plus the axle, feels greater than the improvement of 50 hp and two extra gears when we went from a 2001 A4 (performance axle) to the 2006 A6.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 1,193
From: La Center WA
Of those who've driven C6s with both engines, some say they can feel a difference and others say they can't. On paper, the published acceleration numbers are so close that actual results probably depend more on the driver than on the engine. Quite honestly, my opinion is that the primary advantages of the LS3 over the LS2 are bragging rights and the availability of RPO NPP dual-mode exhaust (which adds yet another 6 horsepower).
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,123
Likes: 0
From: East Hampton Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
5yr100K powertrain warranty on the 08s is appealing if you keep it stock.
06s only had 03/36K warranties.
What i was always curious was if an 06 Z51 was about equal with an '09 non-Z51 in the everyday driving feel for accel/torque.
Kinda comparing an orange and a tangerine, but I always was curious.
Yeah, the 09 is worth the 5K, all other things being equal between the 2 cars.
06s only had 03/36K warranties.
What i was always curious was if an 06 Z51 was about equal with an '09 non-Z51 in the everyday driving feel for accel/torque.
Kinda comparing an orange and a tangerine, but I always was curious.
Yeah, the 09 is worth the 5K, all other things being equal between the 2 cars.
Last edited by vette4jr; Jan 22, 2011 at 09:35 PM.
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 238
Likes: 1
From: swedeboro new jersey
Look at the fast list. I think there is a difference stock vs stock, which ever trans you choose. According to the list, once mods begin, it becomes a driver's race. Its seems lately, many people have been talking down on about the LS2, but keep in mind, the LS2 was a stout platform back then and now. The larger cubes in the LS3 (6.2) and the heads, allow the car to really breath, once you add a cam and accompaning mods. The LS2 will really become a monster with just a tune, because you can can stop the computer from retarding the timing. Without a tune, the LS2 can be a real dog in the heat. My buddy's LS3 is stock and auto. We run neck in neck and I am stock base 06, no tune. If he were a m6 Z51, he would probably beat me. I really thought about trading my 06 in on a 08-09, but figured a set of TFS heads and cam would be a lot cheaper.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,706
Likes: 5
From: Toronto Ontario
I'm in the process of upgrading my 01 to an 08+ after test driving a few different C6s. I always thought that the LS2 cars didn't feel that much different than my LS1, but the difference between my LS1 and the LS2s I drove versus the LS3s were quite striking. Plus, as mentioned, the steering is much improved on the LS3 models. I liked the interior better in the 08 and up cars as well as the paddle shifter response with the A6.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,304
Likes: 4
From: foothills of Northern California
We traded a 2006 A6 (LS2) for an identical 2009 A6 (LS3), except that the 2009 also has the performance axle that was not available in 2006.
The improvment in performance is striking. The improvement of those 36 hp plus the axle, feels greater than the improvement of 50 hp and two extra gears when we went from a 2001 A4 (performance axle) to the 2006 A6.
The improvment in performance is striking. The improvement of those 36 hp plus the axle, feels greater than the improvement of 50 hp and two extra gears when we went from a 2001 A4 (performance axle) to the 2006 A6.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Tallassee Alabama
Just an idea but how about the LS2. Save the 5 Grand and add an intake, tune, and maybe even another little something. If you are not satisfied with the handling you still have 4 to 4 1/2 grand to make it even better than the LS3 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,886
Likes: 173
From: Scottsdale AZ
St. Jude Donor '11
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
I am happy with my 08 C6, here is my dumb azz Q. The only thing that I did not get was a window sticker. So I do not know exactly what I do have, would someone please tell me. I know I have nav,hud,side airbags,xm radio, memory seats, heated also,ccr exhaust,spoiler, billet mesh @front rear an sides, basically all except the select ride button & six disk cd changer.btw it's manual.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 11,081
Likes: 29
From: Murfreesboro TN
I am happy with my 08 C6, here is my dumb azz Q. The only thing that I did not get was a window sticker. So I do not know exactly what I do have, would someone please tell me. I know I have nav,hud,side airbags,xm radio, memory seats, heated also,ccr exhaust,spoiler, billet mesh @front rear an sides, basically all except the select ride button & six disk cd changer.btw it's manual.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Olathe Kansas
I wish I had found this forum before purchasing my latest vehicle. I was a 'vette owner a number of years back (last one was a C4) and decided the garage was just crying for a new toy. After searching around and doing what I thought was the proper amount of due diligence I settled on an '06 Coupe which I think has all the options (3LT, A6, Nav, Selective ride, dual tops).
Bottom line is I love the car, but had I known about this forum and been able to take advantage of all of the knowledge available here, I might have gone ahead and spent the extra money to pick up an '08 or '09.
Just a note of thanks to all of the experts here who are willing to share information to help those of us who have less experience in the Corvette world.
Bottom line is I love the car, but had I known about this forum and been able to take advantage of all of the knowledge available here, I might have gone ahead and spent the extra money to pick up an '08 or '09.
Just a note of thanks to all of the experts here who are willing to share information to help those of us who have less experience in the Corvette world.