LS2 or LS3?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
LS2 or LS3?
After years of dreaming I'm finally going to get my first vette. My question is does it matter which engine I get since I'm going to heavily mod it anyways? Are there any other differences between the 05-07 and 08-present that would make me want a newer model?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 139
From: Port St Lucie Florida
Get the LS3 more refinments, the 05 have a weaker rear end.
Supporting Lifetime
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Syracuse NY
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Don't disregard a nice 2006-07 LS2 if the price is right. There's absolutely nothing "wrong" with that engine, the LS3 has a bit more power from the factory . . . but if you are going to mod it, you can quickly negate that advantage. Keep an open mind an an eye on your wallet.
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Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,278
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From: Rochester, NY
Don't disregard a nice 2006-07 LS2 if the price is right. There's absolutely nothing "wrong" with that engine, the LS3 has a bit more power from the factory . . . but if you are going to mod it, you can quickly negate that advantage. Keep an open mind an an eye on your wallet.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,706
Likes: 5
From: Toronto Ontario
I say LS3 too but for me, it went further than just what motor was in the car. I liked the upgraded interior, the availability of the 4LT custom leather-wrap package, the NPP dual mode exhaust, the updated A6 programming and the improved steering feel that came on the 08 and up models.
The LS2 will still a great option though. It just depends on what you like and your budget. You will come out a winner either way.
Keep us posted!
The LS2 will still a great option though. It just depends on what you like and your budget. You will come out a winner either way.
Keep us posted!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Don't disregard a nice 2006-07 LS2 if the price is right. There's absolutely nothing "wrong" with that engine, the LS3 has a bit more power from the factory . . . but if you are going to mod it, you can quickly negate that advantage. Keep an open mind an an eye on your wallet.
of course most are going to say get the LS3 because it is the newer and more powerful of the 2 engines. If I were in your shoes, I would leave my options open, especially since you are going to heavily mod the car, the 30 or so extra HP on the LS3 is not going to matter if you start adding supercharger or other heavy mods.
With the proper tune and mods, the LS2 is just as good.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,813
Likes: 287
From: Toronto Ontario Canada
Price, color and options should be the deciding factor for you. They are both good engines. Since you are going to mod it there is really little difference here.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,408
Likes: 1
From: Allen Park MI
Ya, 30 horsepower is hard to get.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Sure is fun getting back in the sports car scene. My last one was a firebird with the LT-1 to give an idea of how long it's been.
My plan for the car is to immediately change the cam to a supercharger friendly (but still nasty) cam, intake, head porting, and 4.10 rear end.