Ls2 vs ls3
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 53
From: Tucson Arizona
I looked for the best C6 convert when I was looking and the LS3 car being 2/5th of a second quicker than a LS2 car 0-60 had little real world value to me. I drive mine on the street and not on the drag strip.
I have owned around 25 vettes and looked at and test drove both LS2 and LS3's and really was unable to discern any real difference in acceleration, performance or steering feel. Either one would be more than adequate in the performance area.
The one thing I did find that really made a noticeable and real difference in C6 drivability were the Z51 and F55 options. I would recommend looking for that in the car as a much higher priority than anything else.
I have owned around 25 vettes and looked at and test drove both LS2 and LS3's and really was unable to discern any real difference in acceleration, performance or steering feel. Either one would be more than adequate in the performance area.
The one thing I did find that really made a noticeable and real difference in C6 drivability were the Z51 and F55 options. I would recommend looking for that in the car as a much higher priority than anything else.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 56
From: Escondido CA
05-09, they are all great...look for the one that you can afford , that floats your boat..
half the fun, is finding a deal, maybe modding..and then getting another vette..i have had 5, and don't regret any of it...just wish i could have kept them all.....
most recent
some others that i miss once in awhile..
good luck
half the fun, is finding a deal, maybe modding..and then getting another vette..i have had 5, and don't regret any of it...just wish i could have kept them all.....
most recentsome others that i miss once in awhile..
good luck
Pro
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 611
Likes: 3
From: Milwaukee WI
St. Jude Donor '13
If you can afford it, buy the ls3. You will feel 35hp difference, which would be comparable to putting long tube headers and tuning on an ls2.
If you intend to mod your c6, ls2 is a great choice if on a budget. You could use the difference in initial cost for mod money. There are bolt-on only ls2 cars running high tens although they are auto trans c6's. A ported fast 102 intake manifold closes the performance gap a good bit between an ls3 and ls2 since the ls2 intake manifold is such a weak design.
If you intend to mod your c6, ls2 is a great choice if on a budget. You could use the difference in initial cost for mod money. There are bolt-on only ls2 cars running high tens although they are auto trans c6's. A ported fast 102 intake manifold closes the performance gap a good bit between an ls3 and ls2 since the ls2 intake manifold is such a weak design.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,706
Likes: 5
From: Toronto Ontario
I went with an 08 because of the LS3 motor, the steering upgrade, center console upgrade, the dual mode exhaust option and it was the first year my favourite colour choice was available.
Even if not for the colour, I would have gravitated to the LS3, but that' sjust me. The LS2s are still great cars and very easy to mod. You really can't go wrong with either.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
Likes: 1,038
From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
I looked for the best C6 convert when I was looking and the LS3 car being 2/5th of a second quicker than a LS2 car 0-60 had little real world value to me. I drive mine on the street and not on the drag strip.
I have owned around 25 vettes and looked at and test drove both LS2 and LS3's and really was unable to discern any real difference in acceleration, performance or steering feel. Either one would be more than adequate in the performance area.
The one thing I did find that really made a noticeable and real difference in C6 drivability were the Z51 and F55 options. I would recommend looking for that in the car as a much higher priority than anything else.
I have owned around 25 vettes and looked at and test drove both LS2 and LS3's and really was unable to discern any real difference in acceleration, performance or steering feel. Either one would be more than adequate in the performance area.
The one thing I did find that really made a noticeable and real difference in C6 drivability were the Z51 and F55 options. I would recommend looking for that in the car as a much higher priority than anything else.
I just bought an '06 3LT with the F55 option and only 8,500 miles on it for a very reasonable price. It's the exact color I wanted, it's in showroom condition, the one previous owner had installed the Corsa exhaust system and I could not be happier.
And no, I'm not going to drag race or anything, but I'm sure going to enjoy driving fast wherever I go. For me the LS2 is more than adequate for my needs.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
Likes: 1,038
From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
The only problem with that truism is that for about the same amount of money, you could either buy a fully loaded, low-mileage '06 3LT with all the options or a basic no-frills, higher-mileage, no options '08 1LT.
That's the problem/question. Is 36 extra hp worth the other trade-offs?
That's the problem/question. Is 36 extra hp worth the other trade-offs?
Last edited by ExRedRacer; Apr 11, 2012 at 05:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,037
Likes: 331
From: Long Island New York
The only problem with that truism is that for about the same amount of money, you could either buy a fully loaded, low-mileage '06 LT3 with all the options or a basic no-frills, higher-mileage, no options '08 LT1.
That's the problem/question. Is 36 extra hp worth the other trade-offs?
That's the problem/question. Is 36 extra hp worth the other trade-offs?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
If you are going to to engine mods down the road, it may be worth it to hold out for the LS3. That being said, whats your priority?
Color
Options
Mileage
Condition
Would you take an 08 in the worst (for you) color or an 07 in the best color if everything else was the same?
Would you take an 30k mile 07 over an 60k mile 08?
Would you take a 3LT/Z51 or F55 07 over an 1LT/Base 08?
Would you take a fair (chips, scratches, stained) condition 08 over a showroom perfect 07?
There is no right or wrong answer for the above, its just to get you to think about your priority.
Color
Options
Mileage
Condition
Would you take an 08 in the worst (for you) color or an 07 in the best color if everything else was the same?
Would you take an 30k mile 07 over an 60k mile 08?
Would you take a 3LT/Z51 or F55 07 over an 1LT/Base 08?
Would you take a fair (chips, scratches, stained) condition 08 over a showroom perfect 07?
There is no right or wrong answer for the above, its just to get you to think about your priority.
Best answer right there. 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 8,214
Likes: 894
My 2006 LS2 Z51 with no internal mods and only a HallTech intake and MagnaFlow mufflers will break the rear tires loose in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears on hard acceleration more than about 1/2 throttle.
If you want bragging rights or plan to mod or track the car, go with the LS3. Otherwise, save your money and go with the LS2. On the street I doubt you'll ever feel the difference.
On Topic: OP pick one its a C6 you'll be happy
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 15,304
Likes: 2,263
From: NorCal
Maybe so - I 'm running stock size run flats.
I think maybe you forgot that the Z51 transmission gears are lower than the normal ones in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Does that make it a "factory freak"? 
You've never spun in 2nd or 3rd? Either you need to drive a little harder, or you've got a factory dog...... Ya might wanna try a tune........
.........or shifting a little faster
You've never spun in 2nd or 3rd? Either you need to drive a little harder, or you've got a factory dog...... Ya might wanna try a tune.................or shifting a little faster
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Thanks for all the great responses. So let me add a little more information for my criteria
1. Im really not concerned with color. Im not a big fan of yellow so thats the only color I'm willing to exclude.
2. After building and tuning cars for so long, I am really only interested in a CAI and a nice sounding exhaust.
3. Price is a factor for me because I MUST have the brand new Taurus SHO as my DD
4. My last car before my son was born was a 1995 MKIV toyota supra that I had a few years ago. I really loved the Targa and the great performance it offered (even though I ripped the stock turbos out and put a turbo in so big you'd think it was a damn watermelon)
5. I don't think I need to blast around town with my foot to the floor, but I still like the IDEA of having more power in the LS3. Which is why I cannot make up my mind
Can someone please explain to me what the Z51 and F55 options are?
1. Im really not concerned with color. Im not a big fan of yellow so thats the only color I'm willing to exclude.
2. After building and tuning cars for so long, I am really only interested in a CAI and a nice sounding exhaust.
3. Price is a factor for me because I MUST have the brand new Taurus SHO as my DD
4. My last car before my son was born was a 1995 MKIV toyota supra that I had a few years ago. I really loved the Targa and the great performance it offered (even though I ripped the stock turbos out and put a turbo in so big you'd think it was a damn watermelon)
5. I don't think I need to blast around town with my foot to the floor, but I still like the IDEA of having more power in the LS3. Which is why I cannot make up my mind
Can someone please explain to me what the Z51 and F55 options are?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
Likes: 1,038
From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Found this somewhere online... The F55 explanation is from forum member Talon90
The Z51 Performance Package brings Corvette Coupe performance very close to the same level as the widely admired Z06. The Z51 offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, and larger, cross-drilled brake rotors for optimum track performance capability while still providing a well-controlled and comfortable ride. Extensive racetrack testing reveals that a C6 equipped with the Z51 suspension almost equals the lap time of a C5 Z06 - marking a major advance in the overall performance of a Corvette Coupe by nearly approximating the extreme performance capabilities of the vaunted Z06 at a remarkable value.
The Z51 Performance Package brings Corvette Coupe performance very close to the same level as the widely admired Z06. The Z51 offers more aggressive dampers and springs, larger stabilizer bars, and larger, cross-drilled brake rotors for optimum track performance capability while still providing a well-controlled and comfortable ride. Extensive racetrack testing reveals that a C6 equipped with the Z51 suspension almost equals the lap time of a C5 Z06 - marking a major advance in the overall performance of a Corvette Coupe by nearly approximating the extreme performance capabilities of the vaunted Z06 at a remarkable value.
Read more at http://www.supercars.net/cars/2727.h...66rB5fZCdGq.99
F55 is the RPO code for one of the suspension options on the Corvette.
1. Base suspension consisting of shocks and transverse composite leaf springs.
2. Z51 which has different shocks and different transverse composite leaf springs.
3. F55 Magnetic selective ride control (MSRC) which consists of magnetorheoligical fluid filled shocks which have electromagnets on the shock body, a controller and a ride control selector for sport and tour modes.
F55 Magnetic selective ride control (MSRC) which consists of magnetorheoligical fluid filled shocks which have electromagnets on the shock body, a controller and a ride control selector for sport and tour modes. The two modes vary the apparent viscosity of the fluid and change the bump and damping properties of the fluid in the shocks to regulate the ride. The F55 also interacts with the active handling system to apply shock variations at the corners that need more or less traction given input from the various sensors polled.
The MSRC suspension is a pretty cool piece of technology. The shocks are filled with a viscous fluid. Suspended within that fluid are iron particles. The outside of the shock body has magnets and sensors on it. The magnets and sensors are connected to a controller. The sensors monitor the motion and frequency of the shocks as the car moves. The controller compares the motion of shocks to a table of values and works to keep the motion within a specific range to provide the best stability and consistency. The sensors take samples from the shocks at 1,000 times per second.
When a value is recorded outside of the expected range the controller confirms the reading and works to adjust the shock to accommodate the difference. It does this by sending electrical impulses to the magnets. The magnetic field is adjusted with current flow so that it excites the metal particles in the fluid. This is called magnetorheological fluid simply meaning that it reacts to magnetism. The excitement of the metal particles causes them to change their alignment in the fluid. When this happens it changes the apparent viscosity of the fluid which causes the shock to firm up or soften depending upon where it is and how the load is measured.
Another tremendous value that the F55 package offers is that it is completely integrated with the active handling system. Unlike the base and Z51 suspension cars. The MSRC is tied in to the AH controller and when the car needs to make adjustments based on the input of the speed, steering wheel position, ABS, wheel speed and yaw sensors, a signal can also be sent to the shock to firm up or soften an area to provide the car with the best possible solution for braking or turning by adding traction and balance or taking away traction and balance to allow the car to more quickly recover from a maneuver.
F55 is the RPO code for one of the suspension options on the Corvette.
1. Base suspension consisting of shocks and transverse composite leaf springs.
2. Z51 which has different shocks and different transverse composite leaf springs.
3. F55 Magnetic selective ride control (MSRC) which consists of magnetorheoligical fluid filled shocks which have electromagnets on the shock body, a controller and a ride control selector for sport and tour modes.
F55 Magnetic selective ride control (MSRC) which consists of magnetorheoligical fluid filled shocks which have electromagnets on the shock body, a controller and a ride control selector for sport and tour modes. The two modes vary the apparent viscosity of the fluid and change the bump and damping properties of the fluid in the shocks to regulate the ride. The F55 also interacts with the active handling system to apply shock variations at the corners that need more or less traction given input from the various sensors polled.
The MSRC suspension is a pretty cool piece of technology. The shocks are filled with a viscous fluid. Suspended within that fluid are iron particles. The outside of the shock body has magnets and sensors on it. The magnets and sensors are connected to a controller. The sensors monitor the motion and frequency of the shocks as the car moves. The controller compares the motion of shocks to a table of values and works to keep the motion within a specific range to provide the best stability and consistency. The sensors take samples from the shocks at 1,000 times per second.
When a value is recorded outside of the expected range the controller confirms the reading and works to adjust the shock to accommodate the difference. It does this by sending electrical impulses to the magnets. The magnetic field is adjusted with current flow so that it excites the metal particles in the fluid. This is called magnetorheological fluid simply meaning that it reacts to magnetism. The excitement of the metal particles causes them to change their alignment in the fluid. When this happens it changes the apparent viscosity of the fluid which causes the shock to firm up or soften depending upon where it is and how the load is measured.
Another tremendous value that the F55 package offers is that it is completely integrated with the active handling system. Unlike the base and Z51 suspension cars. The MSRC is tied in to the AH controller and when the car needs to make adjustments based on the input of the speed, steering wheel position, ABS, wheel speed and yaw sensors, a signal can also be sent to the shock to firm up or soften an area to provide the car with the best possible solution for braking or turning by adding traction and balance or taking away traction and balance to allow the car to more quickly recover from a maneuver.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
I posted a similar thread yesterday with basically the same questions, I should of read this first to avoid duplication. My quest for my first corvette is looking exactly the same LS2 v LS3.
I haven't made up my mind yet, but there are some compelling arguments for both.
I haven't made up my mind yet, but there are some compelling arguments for both.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
So if greater than 75% of the time in the car will be top down cruising, then the base suspension is good enough?
Building on that question, how many people on here who bought corvettes with the same intent of usage, found themselves wishing they had the z51 or F55 suspension because they were driving the car harder than they imagined they would?
Building on that question, how many people on here who bought corvettes with the same intent of usage, found themselves wishing they had the z51 or F55 suspension because they were driving the car harder than they imagined they would?