2008 vs 2009 ls3
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Heel & Toe
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From: PRESCOTT AZ
2008 vs 2009 ls3
Please can anyone tell me the mechanical improvements between the C6 2008 and 2009 LS3 AT vehicles . I've been told the 2009 is vastly improved but can't find out how. Thank you
Team Owner
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St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
According to the Corvette Black Book, Bosch ABS, traction control, and active handling were new. All models included variable ratio power steering. Steel steering column shafts replaced aluminum for more precise control.
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In 2008 over 2007, there were several mechanical changes: LS3 engine, Tremac 6060 6 sp,, improved auto paddle shifting, improved steering box, NPP exhaust, etc.
ABS, Traction control and active handling are on 2008's.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Mar 27, 2020 at 08:38 PM.
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Please explain. My 08 has all of these except for the steering box upgrade.
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When I was shopping for C6's I was determined to buy an 08 or newer because of all of the upgrades over the earlier years, and most especially the LS3 over the LS2. I'm glad to know that I have most of the important ones. Low speed steering isn't really a concern for me.
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In addition to the above noted changes, the '09's had improved internal breathing in the block, the exhaust angle changed slightly to accommodate the change in the rear cradle, the wheel hubs are different which is part of the ABS, traction control, and active handling change, the F55 mag ride module/programming is different, the water pump & T-stat & radiator & upper hose were new, the throttle body was also changed. A couple of new interior colors became available along with two new paint colors. A bluetooth phone connection and steering wheel audio controls became standard. In late '08 production, an optional wheel was deleted and replaced with a design that carried over to the '09 MY. And probably the least significant change was the crossed flag emblems had the surround as a bright finish vs the matte finish on '08's.
The '08 was sorta like a morphodite. It had a lot of the same components of the both the '07 and '09 at the same time and some were exclusive to the '08. Many of the changes were required to work on the '09 ZR1, but may not have been fully tested and/or just not ready for the '08 production year.
Knowing now what the changes were between the '08 that I ordered in '07 and the '09's, if I were looking today, I'd definitely want the '09, primarily for the improved F55.
The '08 was sorta like a morphodite. It had a lot of the same components of the both the '07 and '09 at the same time and some were exclusive to the '08. Many of the changes were required to work on the '09 ZR1, but may not have been fully tested and/or just not ready for the '08 production year.
Knowing now what the changes were between the '08 that I ordered in '07 and the '09's, if I were looking today, I'd definitely want the '09, primarily for the improved F55.
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In addition to the above noted changes, the '09's had improved internal breathing in the block, the exhaust angle changed slightly to accommodate the change in the rear cradle, the wheel hubs are different which is part of the ABS, traction control, and active handling change, the F55 mag ride module/programming is different, the water pump & T-stat & radiator & upper hose were new, the throttle body was also changed. A couple of new interior colors became available along with two new paint colors. A bluetooth phone connection and steering wheel audio controls became standard. In late '08 production, an optional wheel was deleted and replaced with a design that carried over to the '09 MY. And probably the least significant change was the crossed flag emblems had the surround as a bright finish vs the matte finish on '08's.
The '08 was sorta like a morphodite. It had a lot of the same components of the both the '07 and '09 at the same time and some were exclusive to the '08. Many of the changes were required to work on the '09 ZR1, but may not have been fully tested and/or just not ready for the '08 production year.
Knowing now what the changes were between the '08 that I ordered in '07 and the '09's, if I were looking today, I'd definitely want the '09, primarily for the improved F55.
The '08 was sorta like a morphodite. It had a lot of the same components of the both the '07 and '09 at the same time and some were exclusive to the '08. Many of the changes were required to work on the '09 ZR1, but may not have been fully tested and/or just not ready for the '08 production year.
Knowing now what the changes were between the '08 that I ordered in '07 and the '09's, if I were looking today, I'd definitely want the '09, primarily for the improved F55.
In 2008, the new LS3 block design included revised bulkheads to improve block structure and bay to bay breathing. In 2009, the ZR1 had further block improvements and strengthening, but not to the base models.
What internal block changes were made in 2009 for the base?
Yes, in 2009 the new water pump design added bolt bosses to accommodate the ZR1's super charger.
The changes from 2007 to 2008 were much greater than 2008 to 2009. In 2008, the steering box, NPP exhaust, LS3 engine, Tremac 6060 6sp., auto transmission with paddles and improved shifting were changed along with interior trim improvements. In 2009, only minor changes were made as you already mentioned. No performance changes.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; Mar 28, 2020 at 01:40 PM.
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Actually Vette_DD was correct when saying the ABS, AH, and TC was new (changed or different, depending what word you choose to use) between the '08 and '09 MY. Just because you can't see or feel a difference, doesn't mean it didn't change the performance.
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You must have gotten one of those special pre-production models. And that pull down handle is actually a hold down to keep the top from flying off at speed. They eliminated it on the 2008 so we just don’t drive with the top on anymore 