Replace my ls2?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 470
Likes: 15
From: Corona CA
Replace my ls2?
I have 177K on my 2006 ls2 A6. I'm thinking of a spring project to pull the ls2 and put in a ls3. I've done rebuilds on semi's as a kid and I replaced my tranny myself a few years ago so I know my way around a car, but I've never pulled an engine or swapped one.
1. Summit sells a complete ls3 crate $6200. Is this the way to go?
2. I have my own programmer so I can flash a ls3 tune, but other than the better flowing manifolds, is this needed?
3. Any know issues with fitment of accessories?
4. Any major obstacles I'm not thinking of?
1. Summit sells a complete ls3 crate $6200. Is this the way to go?
2. I have my own programmer so I can flash a ls3 tune, but other than the better flowing manifolds, is this needed?
3. Any know issues with fitment of accessories?
4. Any major obstacles I'm not thinking of?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,882
Likes: 760
From: Huntsville AL
You have 177k miles on the one you have. Do you want to spend a lot of time and money to get something a little more stout? Only you can say. I love my LS2 and i would replace it with another one just like it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 470
Likes: 15
From: Corona CA
I'm not replacing just for the heck of it. Been getting more tapping and knocking lately. Using more oil and idles rougher. Figured I'd replace it next year and get another 10 years out of the car.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,232
Likes: 315
From: Bridgewater New Jersey
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 24,982
Likes: 2,691
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
I've seen GM crate LS3's on parts dealer websites this month, so I think they're still available. But not sure how long that will continue.
There was also a complete accessory kit (alternator, etc) cheaper than buying the parts separately.
We went from a 2006 LS2 A6 to a 2009 LS3 A6. The difference in power was surprising. The 2009 also got the performance axle ratio, but the engine itself seems great.
If we keep our C6 (now at 89k miles) long enough to run out the engine, we will probably replace with a crate LS3 if available.
There was also a complete accessory kit (alternator, etc) cheaper than buying the parts separately.
We went from a 2006 LS2 A6 to a 2009 LS3 A6. The difference in power was surprising. The 2009 also got the performance axle ratio, but the engine itself seems great.
If we keep our C6 (now at 89k miles) long enough to run out the engine, we will probably replace with a crate LS3 if available.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 26,203
Likes: 4,327
From: Chirper Island
I replaced my 2005 A4 LS2 with an LS3. It had developed a lifter issue; sounds about what you are dealing with at about the same miles (175,000).
I opted to go with a crate LS3 because it was going to cost almost the same to rebuild my existing motor, a crate LS2 or a crate LS3. The $6,200 is right in the same ball park as what I paid plus the labor. I had a few other issues at the same time that needed to be dealt with, so by the time I was done, I got a beefier radiator (which I recommend), a new A/C, and a few other minor things replaced. The exhaust had to retrofitted, as well (minor issue).
I have about 45,000 miles on the LS3 and could not be happier.
The added power is great. It idles rougher than the LS2, but no problem, once it was tweaked (normal from what I understand for the LS3). It also sounds better. 
I'd be happy to answer any questions, if you like.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,104
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
It would provide nearly the same result by rebuilding the short block and using LS3 heads and intake manifold, since those are the main components that provide the difference in power. You could also use the GM "hot cam" in the process to pick up some extra power for cheap. You'd have no other possible side issues to deal with.
Removing/replacing the engine can be done in your garage with a cherry picker and just take your time. Mark or label stuff as you disassemble/disconnect it, as there are a lot more things to deal with than a '55 Chevy.
Removing/replacing the engine can be done in your garage with a cherry picker and just take your time. Mark or label stuff as you disassemble/disconnect it, as there are a lot more things to deal with than a '55 Chevy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 220
From: Akron Ohio
2017 Corvette of Year Finalist
2016 C5 of Year Finalist
i faced the same options when my ls2 blew. i ended up having my ls2 compleltely rebuilt including cam because i didnt feel like trying to explain the ls3 in an 05 everytime i put the car in the shop for whatever reason. also not sure but doesnt the ls3 hold slightly more oil? meaning if u put the car in the shop for an oil change and forget to mention its an ls3 could be a problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 220
From: Akron Ohio
2017 Corvette of Year Finalist
2016 C5 of Year Finalist
It would provide nearly the same result by rebuilding the short block and using LS3 heads and intake manifold, since those are the main components that provide the difference in power. You could also use the GM "hot cam" in the process to pick up some extra power for cheap. You'd have no other possible side issues to deal with.
Removing/replacing the engine can be done in your garage with a cherry picker and just take your time. Mark or label stuff as you disassemble/disconnect it, as there are a lot more things to deal with than a '55 Chevy.
Removing/replacing the engine can be done in your garage with a cherry picker and just take your time. Mark or label stuff as you disassemble/disconnect it, as there are a lot more things to deal with than a '55 Chevy.
pulled the motor myself in my garage and no im not a mechanic, and yes it was my first time ever doing it . my motivation was the shops wanting 3k just to pull an reinstall the motor. 
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,540
Likes: 79
From: Houston, Tx
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
i faced the same options when my ls2 blew. i ended up having my ls2 compleltely rebuilt including cam because i didnt feel like trying to explain the ls3 in an 05 everytime i put the car in the shop for whatever reason. also not sure but doesnt the ls3 hold slightly more oil? meaning if u put the car in the shop for an oil change and forget to mention its an ls3 could be a problem.
