LS2 vs LS3 differences?
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,537
Likes: 883
From: Republic of Texas
LS2 vs LS3 differences?
I'm looking for a breakdown in the differences between the LS2 and LS3 motors. I haven't driven either extensively but I'm told by those who have that the LS3 drives like it has a LOT more power than the LS2....much more than the ~30hp advertised.
At the moment, I'm looking to upgrade from my blown 97 (recently totaled after a minor accident) to a 2005 model. I will no doubt be tinkering with performance all around including a planned E-force SC, Blower can, full exhaust and possibly some additional internal engine work.
I'm wondering if it's worthwhile to spend the extra $$ for an LS3 car or if minor work will make the LS2 comparable.
At the moment, I'm looking to upgrade from my blown 97 (recently totaled after a minor accident) to a 2005 model. I will no doubt be tinkering with performance all around including a planned E-force SC, Blower can, full exhaust and possibly some additional internal engine work.
I'm wondering if it's worthwhile to spend the extra $$ for an LS3 car or if minor work will make the LS2 comparable.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,216
Likes: 4
From: ---Phoenix, AZ --- Boiler Up, Hammer Down!
I could tell a noticeable difference between my old 2006 LS2 compared to my current 2009 LS3. Extra HP and TQ along with better gearing 2.56 vs. 2.73 makes a difference.
BTW this thread is going to get interesting
.
BTW this thread is going to get interesting
.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 208
Likes: 8
From: Rockford Illinois
St. Jude Donor '13
Not to highjack the thread but this questions goes along with it. Can a 2005-2007 LS2 car be replaced by a LS3 engine without major electrical work? Are they a direct swap?
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Here is a link to a dyno thread that compares the ls2 & ls3 with similar bolt ons.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...-cold-air.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...-cold-air.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,154
Likes: 27
From: West Des Moines Ia
I had an LS2 06 and went to an LS3 09. The LS3 is stronger performance wise but it also gets less gas milage. The LS2 runs smoother, the LS3 runs a little roughter. I am told thats because of a stronger Cam. I will still take the LS3 over the LS2.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,887
Likes: 1,196
From: Ft. Myers FL
I do agree ( and also wish I had one) the LS3's are an upgrade and a superior engine than the LS2. 
However, for ALL the extra horsepower and torque, I must ask, why aren't they faster??? 
Perhaps, the LS3's are what they say, and we poor schmuck LS2's are maybe, underated or maybe even just plain lucky.
I could live with that! 
However, for ALL the extra horsepower and torque, I must ask, why aren't they faster??? Perhaps, the LS3's are what they say, and we poor schmuck LS2's are maybe, underated or maybe even just plain lucky.
I could live with that!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,717
From: Springfield MO
I thought that the LS3 owners(with skinny butts) were getting 32-33 MPG on the highway. What are the LS2 owners getting?
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 208
Likes: 8
From: Rockford Illinois
St. Jude Donor '13
I just drove from NYC to Chicago (900 miles) and got an average of 27.3mpg. Some of that was in 5th gear due to hills, and some was slower (55mph) due to construction.
2005 05 Z51, 6spd.
2005 05 Z51, 6spd.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 389
Likes: 57
From: Western Arkansas
Before I bought my 05, I test drove an 08. The 08 definitely had more "seat of the pants." However, my 05 has the 2.73 rear end gear, and I suspect the 08 had the performance gear. Therefore, I have nothing meaningful to contribute. 
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 5
From: Schererville Indiana
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)
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,964
Likes: 2,680
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,566
Likes: 6
From: Land of 10,000 taxes
the SAE Horsepower scale is not linear, from 0 to 400 it is, but from 400 to 436 it is not, each HP from 400 to 436 is actually twice as large as those under 400 or over 436
at 437 the scale is once again linear on up to infinity
that is why the LS3 feels so much more awesome than it's meager 30 HP rating increase over the LS2 would suggest
Last edited by cadguymark; May 5, 2011 at 11:46 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,119
Likes: 272
From: SC
30 HP is not enough difference to feel a "seat of the pants" difference outright! Gears will! On the track, there is only a couple 10ths of a difference so, it's not a big difference. Sure the LS3 is faster, giving everything else the same. But I bet you can put 87 octain gas in the LS3 and put 94 octain in the LS2 and the LS2 might even feel faster from 0-60. Yes 30 HP can be felt, but not "wow" factor. Now climb into the Z06 from either LS2 or LS3...then you will get the true "seat of the pants" difference!
And yes, I have driven all three many times. As said before, the gears make more of a difference "feel wise", than 30 HP.
And yes, I have driven all three many times. As said before, the gears make more of a difference "feel wise", than 30 HP.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 682
Likes: 0
From: Miami Florida
Checking the numbers for 1/4 mile, using the top 10 stock LS2 vs. the top 10 stock LS3 as recorded here in the list (scroll down)
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...lenge-258.html
LS2
Fastest Speed 115.58
Fastest Time 12.412
Average Speed 114.26
LS3
Fastest Speed 122.05
Fastest Time 12.034
Average Speed 117.02.
Last edited by Cool Rod; May 7, 2011 at 02:40 PM. Reason: Can't count
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,537
Likes: 883
From: Republic of Texas
LS3 Improvements listed here:
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls...s2-vs-ls3.html
Post #3 mentions A variable valve timing setup. If this is true, I'm Defiantly interested.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls...s2-vs-ls3.html
Post #3 mentions A variable valve timing setup. If this is true, I'm Defiantly interested.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 45
From: Castleton VA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
LS3 Improvements listed here:
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls...s2-vs-ls3.html
Post #3 mentions A variable valve timing setup. If this is true, I'm Defiantly interested.
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls...s2-vs-ls3.html
Post #3 mentions A variable valve timing setup. If this is true, I'm Defiantly interested.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,709
Likes: 6
From: Midwest
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".