LS2 vs LS3
08-21-2018, 07:53 AM
#22
Safety Car
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.
08-21-2018, 09:07 AM
#24
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.
08-21-2018, 10:14 AM
#25
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
08-21-2018, 02:32 PM
#26
Good luck. Don't forget to show pics if / when you buy. 
08-21-2018, 03:07 PM
#28
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.......
08-21-2018, 03:36 PM
#29
Burning Brakes
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.
08-21-2018, 04:19 PM
#30
Melting Slicks
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
08-23-2018, 04:59 AM
#33
Safety Car
08-23-2018, 11:18 AM
#34
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.
08-23-2018, 04:49 PM
#35
Race Director
Member Since: Sep 2007
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C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
The '08's had the first change, but the final change was on the '09's.
08-23-2018, 05:34 PM
#37
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^^
08-23-2018, 05:42 PM
#39
Safety Car
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; 08-23-2018 at 05:43 PM.
