LS2 vs LS3 differences?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 846
Likes: 3
From: Las Vegas NV
The LS3 is simply the next step up. Like the LS1 to the LS2.
The powerband is meatier, the engine is fundamentally "stronger", and it packs more punch.
Of course it uses more fuel. It makes more power and isn't radically different in efficiency.
What you are not listing is that the car is not just an engine. To get an LS3, you need to get an '08. When getting an '08, you get the TR6060 transmission, better steering feel, and a host of other "little things" that amount to much more than "30bhp".
The powerband is meatier, the engine is fundamentally "stronger", and it packs more punch.
Of course it uses more fuel. It makes more power and isn't radically different in efficiency.
What you are not listing is that the car is not just an engine. To get an LS3, you need to get an '08. When getting an '08, you get the TR6060 transmission, better steering feel, and a host of other "little things" that amount to much more than "30bhp".
Last edited by Dendk; Nov 8, 2011 at 11:17 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 76
From: Great River NY
My friend and I went to Raceway Park in Englishtown on July 30. His car is an '07 coupe, A6, CAI, headers and exhaust, 160 degree stat, 1.8 rocker arms, 100lb. valve springs, and a tune from one of the best shops in the tri-state area. My car is a bone-stock '08 coupe, A6, 2.73 gears. Air temp was 92 degrees. His best was 12.62 @ 113.89; my best was 12.74 @ 113.49. I think on a cooler day, I could run him down, as my coolant temp was over 220 degrees at the track that day( I believe the computer starts pulling timing advance when the temp hits 196).
8th Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: La Mesa California
Ok here's an opinion that won't find a big following here... 
IMHO, anything over 300hp is more than enough to have some reasonably spirited fun driving on public roads. Having 400hp vs 436hp makes a difference on the strip or a road course but not that much difference for daily driving. How many people warn that turning off the nannies, ( which limit performance ), is irresponsible while driving on public roads, yet make the difference between the LS2 / LS3 seem like night and day?
An interesting comparison would be LS2(nannies off) vs LS3(nannies on)
IMHO, anything over 300hp is more than enough to have some reasonably spirited fun driving on public roads. Having 400hp vs 436hp makes a difference on the strip or a road course but not that much difference for daily driving. How many people warn that turning off the nannies, ( which limit performance ), is irresponsible while driving on public roads, yet make the difference between the LS2 / LS3 seem like night and day?
An interesting comparison would be LS2(nannies off) vs LS3(nannies on)
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 5
From: Schererville Indiana
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,513
Likes: 86
From: Rocheport Missouri
About a month ago I traded my 07 coupe (LS2) for an 09 (LS3) convertible. I have to be honest, I don't notice that much of a difference in power. I am not sure if the vert is geared differently though and I am a pretty conservative driver. I do have the dual-mode exhaust on the newer one and that makes the car louder and seemingly faster when I mash the throttle but quite honestly both cars are way "faster" than I can handle. I find that both can easily get to 100MPH+ on my short entrance ramp to the interstate and that's not even with the pedal to the floorboards! I love the power but unless you are going to put the car on a track or a dyno, I am not sure its quantifyable.
That said, the 09 steers easier and quicker (jury is still out on whether I like that) and like others have said there are some interior changes that make the car nicer.
I say buy what you can afford. I love the vert but I regret the purchase because the payments are much higher than the 07 coupe. The 07 was a fine car and the LS2 worked flawlessly. I hope the LS3 gives me the same durability.
That said, the 09 steers easier and quicker (jury is still out on whether I like that) and like others have said there are some interior changes that make the car nicer.
I say buy what you can afford. I love the vert but I regret the purchase because the payments are much higher than the 07 coupe. The 07 was a fine car and the LS2 worked flawlessly. I hope the LS3 gives me the same durability.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands Texas
