Ls2 vs ls3
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Ls2 vs ls3
So as I continue my hunt for a c6 I keep finding some pretty nice deals on the 2005-2007 models with the ls2. Basically what I'm wondering is, will I kick myself for not spending extra bucks and going with a model that has the ls3, I'm really thinking that I'll be purchasing a six speed so I'm not concerned about an auto trans. Stock for stock does anyone know/ feel the difference?
Thanks for the help guys!
-will
Thanks for the help guys!
-will
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 6,612
Likes: 493
From: brooklyn ny
My cousin had the 08 I have the 06... You really won't feel the difference in power. Where you will feel a slight difference is in the gear changes. The 08 is smooth and easy while the 06 is a bit notchy. There is a difference in the steering as well but truth is I couldn't feel it. Truth is the ls3 is a great motor but so is the ls2. You will be happy with either. My advice is if you can afford the ls3 then buy it... If you don't want to spend the extra 5 grand or so then grab the ls2 and I don't think you will have a single regret.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,888
Likes: 4,342
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
This article in Wikipedia provides a lot of good informaion on the LS series engines from GM including differences between the LS2 and LS3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_LS_engine
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 21
From: Arlington VA
Just posted this in another thread:
Did my homework and went with the 2007.
1) Saved atleast $5000 compared to a equally equipped/milage 2008.
2) Was able to get a 3LT car, with glass top & chrome wheels.. which looks much better than a more expensive 1LT no option 2008.
3) Drove an '07 & '08 back to back.. for what I'm doing on a public street the difference in HP and acceleration wasnt going to matter.
4) '08 definitely shifted better.. but the steering felt pretty much the same (if any).
5) Cars look absolutely identical from the exterior. Absolutely identical. I cant stress that enough.
I also knew this was a car I was planning to keep for a few years.. before trading it in on a used '08+ Z06 or maybe even going for 1 year old next generation C7. If you were planning on keeping your C6 for quite a few years (or looking to hit the track).. then I'd agree the LS3 car is the better way to go. If you just want the Corvette looks/ride/performance (or dont plan to keep the car long).. the LS2 delivers pretty much the same performance with a much cheaper price.
Did my homework and went with the 2007.
1) Saved atleast $5000 compared to a equally equipped/milage 2008.
2) Was able to get a 3LT car, with glass top & chrome wheels.. which looks much better than a more expensive 1LT no option 2008.
3) Drove an '07 & '08 back to back.. for what I'm doing on a public street the difference in HP and acceleration wasnt going to matter.
4) '08 definitely shifted better.. but the steering felt pretty much the same (if any).
5) Cars look absolutely identical from the exterior. Absolutely identical. I cant stress that enough.
I also knew this was a car I was planning to keep for a few years.. before trading it in on a used '08+ Z06 or maybe even going for 1 year old next generation C7. If you were planning on keeping your C6 for quite a few years (or looking to hit the track).. then I'd agree the LS3 car is the better way to go. If you just want the Corvette looks/ride/performance (or dont plan to keep the car long).. the LS2 delivers pretty much the same performance with a much cheaper price.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,113
Likes: 8
From: Pottsboro; Sometimes Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '12
I know I drove a 2007 Z06 for a forum member who was considering buying it (and did). I could sense the steering ratio difference between it and my 2010 Z06. I don't know if the reason if wider tires or what. But I DID notice it. I did not notice it in my LS3 Vert and a LS2 I had driven is reason for stating this.
I also did NOT notice any shifting difference between the T56 and my T6060.
I had a LS3 ('09) Vert....I had previously driven a '06 w/LS2. On back roads I COULD tell the difference. But, routine city/hwy driving you will NOT notice the difference.
If your going to mod the engine I would say go LS3. If your not going to, either one. Hope this helps.
I also did NOT notice any shifting difference between the T56 and my T6060.
I had a LS3 ('09) Vert....I had previously driven a '06 w/LS2. On back roads I COULD tell the difference. But, routine city/hwy driving you will NOT notice the difference.
If your going to mod the engine I would say go LS3. If your not going to, either one. Hope this helps.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 967
Likes: 1
the LS2 is fun to work on too
by this i mean if you like adding CAI's, headers, and what not, it responds really well
get what is in your price range
or keep in mind once the C7 comes out the later C6's will start tanking a little more price wise
i do say if you like the NAV, Chrome wheels, try to get them
by this i mean if you like adding CAI's, headers, and what not, it responds really well
get what is in your price range
or keep in mind once the C7 comes out the later C6's will start tanking a little more price wise
i do say if you like the NAV, Chrome wheels, try to get them
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 959
Likes: 3
From: Hartford CT
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.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 2
From: Westlake Village, Ca
not even a question the LS3 and yes you will kick your self in the head for not spending the extra money on the LS3 . Any mod you do the the LS2 you can do to the LS3 , and the LS3 would still net you more power.
If your looking to get Pu**y than a 2005 will do just fine , but if your a performance guy first , you will get the LS3 . No questions asked.
Last. I have a buddy who has a bone stock LS2 2006 C6 and another buddy who has a 2009 LS3 C6. They have never ran them from a dig but I can tell you from 40-120 mph the LS3 cars puts a good 2-3 cars on the LS2 car
If your looking to get Pu**y than a 2005 will do just fine , but if your a performance guy first , you will get the LS3 . No questions asked.
Last. I have a buddy who has a bone stock LS2 2006 C6 and another buddy who has a 2009 LS3 C6. They have never ran them from a dig but I can tell you from 40-120 mph the LS3 cars puts a good 2-3 cars on the LS2 car
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
So as I continue my hunt for a c6 I keep finding some pretty nice deals on the 2005-2007 models with the ls2. Basically what I'm wondering is, will I kick myself for not spending extra bucks and going with a model that has the ls3, I'm really thinking that I'll be purchasing a six speed so I'm not concerned about an auto trans. Stock for stock does anyone know/ feel the difference?
Thanks for the help guys!
-will
Thanks for the help guys!
-will
From my C5 days, I learned, buy the fastest car in STOCK form you can afford and be done with it. I got a C5 coupe, loved the car, but always wanted the C5Z LS6.. modded my C5 to the hilt but it still was never a C5Z LS6....so when it came to C6...I went straight to the C6Z which was fastest car in stock form I could afford (used).
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 14,475
Likes: 785
From: Las Vegas NV
not even a question the LS3 and yes you will kick your self in the head for not spending the extra money on the LS3 . Any mod you do the the LS2 you can do to the LS3 , and the LS3 would still net you more power.
If your looking to get Pu**y than a 2005 will do just fine , but if your a performance guy first , you will get the LS3 . No questions asked.
Last. I have a buddy who has a bone stock LS2 2006 C6 and another buddy who has a 2009 LS3 C6. They have never ran them from a dig but I can tell you from 40-120 mph the LS3 cars puts a good 2-3 cars on the LS2 car
If your looking to get Pu**y than a 2005 will do just fine , but if your a performance guy first , you will get the LS3 . No questions asked.
Last. I have a buddy who has a bone stock LS2 2006 C6 and another buddy who has a 2009 LS3 C6. They have never ran them from a dig but I can tell you from 40-120 mph the LS3 cars puts a good 2-3 cars on the LS2 car
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 15,300
Likes: 2,262
From: NorCal
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.
