LS2 vs LS3
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 137
From: SoCal CA
LS3 and dont look back. Its a superior powerplant in every sense especially since you said you want max HP. The potential of the LS3 is way above an LS2's. Ask any Corvette performance shop anywhere and they will tell you.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,587
Likes: 873
If your goal is mpg, neither engine will save you much at all.
Since your goal is power, go LS3. I've got both and my LS3 is my build up car. I have to say though that on the low end, the Ls2 "feels" like it has more grunt. The square port heads are great in the mid-upper rpm ranges, but feel slightly anemic to the LS2. TBH, a LS3 sub 2500 rpm will still make more power than a civic so I think at highway rpm, you are fine.
Since your goal is power, go LS3. I've got both and my LS3 is my build up car. I have to say though that on the low end, the Ls2 "feels" like it has more grunt. The square port heads are great in the mid-upper rpm ranges, but feel slightly anemic to the LS2. TBH, a LS3 sub 2500 rpm will still make more power than a civic so I think at highway rpm, you are fine.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 99
Likes: 7
Many Thanks To All
I greatly appreciate everyone comments.
I think for what I want overall, the LS3 is the best choice for me.
I have found exactly what I want.
Car has only 15K miles and is a little higjer than I want to spend but hey it is my dream car and its only money.
Hopefully negotiations work out.
Thanks Again
Scott
I think for what I want overall, the LS3 is the best choice for me.
I have found exactly what I want.
Car has only 15K miles and is a little higjer than I want to spend but hey it is my dream car and its only money.
Hopefully negotiations work out.
Thanks Again
Scott
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,959
Likes: 526
OH NO !!!!.....
....not another one of these threads.......
. Money has it that if someone had their engine swapped overnight without them knowing it from a LS-3 to an LS-2....or vice-versa.....they wouldn't even notice the difference next time they drove it.......
....not another one of these threads........ Money has it that if someone had their engine swapped overnight without them knowing it from a LS-3 to an LS-2....or vice-versa.....they wouldn't even notice the difference next time they drove it.......
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 253
From: Oconomowoc Wisconsin
You are chosing the best color combo in a C6 Convertible. How do I know, because I have a 2013 Velocity Yellow/Black. I get more comments on this car than any other Corvette that I have owned, which has been a total of 8.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,237
Likes: 220
From: Akron Ohio
2017 Corvette of Year Finalist
2016 C5 of Year Finalist
I just blew my LS2 and the shop doing the surgery recommended I go with an LS3. They claim its a huge difference, so we shall see.
Please disregard the ford cover on the fender
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 874
From: Bay Area CA
Besides what has already been mentioned, the LS3 block is 20% stronger, along with stronger rod bolts and a better ring package.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,582
Likes: 137
From: SoCal CA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 968
Likes: 322
All Corvettes with the LS3 engines have the improved steering rack and programing that comes with it. This to me is more important than the extra horse power difference much better steering feel and drivability.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
The '08's had the first change, but the final change was on the '09's.
Instructor
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 235
Likes: 21
If your 50+ mile to work is littered with stoplights and BtoB traffic, you'll never know the MPG difference anyway. Mods for more power seem to never stop, so once you bolt on the first one, your MPG numbers will continue to fall as you tend to "enjoy" the car more.
If you start with the LS3 car, you "might" be able to enjoy the car with less mods.
I assume you won't be racing every day on your workday trips, so buy the car that fits your other needs and don't worry about MPG.
If you start with the LS3 car, you "might" be able to enjoy the car with less mods.
I assume you won't be racing every day on your workday trips, so buy the car that fits your other needs and don't worry about MPG.
this is spot on^^
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 874
From: Bay Area CA
In 2008 the steering had better feedback compared 2007. In 2009, the steering became variable ratio steering which is more sensitive for low speed lock lock to lock, i.e. parking lot or tight maneuvering.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Aug 23, 2018 at 05:43 PM.
