C6 Options?
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
C6 Options?
Hey all. I'm looking to pick up a C6 as my second car and pretty much as a daily driver. The problem I have is that all the 08+ LS3s in my range are auto, and many 05-07 models in my range are manual. I prefer manual, as it seems the vast majority do here, but I also prefer the LS3. What am I really losing out going one way or another?
I spend most of that drive on the interstate, with about ten minutes of it on roads that I would consider friendly enough for manual stop and go.
I spend most of that drive on the interstate, with about ten minutes of it on roads that I would consider friendly enough for manual stop and go.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,495
Likes: 1,163
From: Northern Wisconsin
You don't have to lose out on anything. If you want an LS3 with a manual at your price, then just keep looking for one. You will eventually find what you want and will be glad you waited.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 2,633
From: Draper Utah
Pro Tip - If you desire a manual you'll never be happy with an automatic.
Unless you need the car immediately just wait and keep looking for what you really want and to save up a little more money. As a general rule manual C6's bring a 5%-10% premium over automatics for a number of reasons, the two biggest is they are more desirable as they age into becoming toys and they are more rare so the selection pool is much smaller. Good luck.
Unless you need the car immediately just wait and keep looking for what you really want and to save up a little more money. As a general rule manual C6's bring a 5%-10% premium over automatics for a number of reasons, the two biggest is they are more desirable as they age into becoming toys and they are more rare so the selection pool is much smaller. Good luck.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Sometimes it's good to hear things like this. Reminds some people like myself not to rush. Thank you.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Pro Tip - If you desire a manual you'll never be happy with an automatic.
Unless you need the car immediately just wait and keep looking for what you really want and to save up a little more money. As a general rule manual C6's bring a 5%-10% premium over automatics for a number of reasons, the two biggest is they are more desirable as they age into becoming toys and they are more rare so the selection pool is much smaller. Good luck.
Unless you need the car immediately just wait and keep looking for what you really want and to save up a little more money. As a general rule manual C6's bring a 5%-10% premium over automatics for a number of reasons, the two biggest is they are more desirable as they age into becoming toys and they are more rare so the selection pool is much smaller. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,337
Likes: 5,108
From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Pro Tip - If you desire a manual you'll never be happy with an automatic.
Unless you need the car immediately just wait and keep looking for what you really want and to save up a little more money. As a general rule manual C6's bring a 5%-10% premium over automatics for a number of reasons, the two biggest is they are more desirable as they age into becoming toys and they are more rare so the selection pool is much smaller. Good luck.
Unless you need the car immediately just wait and keep looking for what you really want and to save up a little more money. As a general rule manual C6's bring a 5%-10% premium over automatics for a number of reasons, the two biggest is they are more desirable as they age into becoming toys and they are more rare so the selection pool is much smaller. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,337
Likes: 5,108
From: Charles Town WV
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I couldn't disagree more with this. The ls2 is a great platform but the ls3 is leaps and bounds better, especially if you plan to mod it. 6.0 vs 6.2, cathedral port vs square port... trust me the ls3 is worth the extra price/wait. Take it from someone who has experience with both.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
I'd rather have a manual LS2 over an auto LS3. You can easily add a few HP to a LS2 to make up the difference, changing from an auto to a manual going to be a lot more expensive.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 5
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Can attest to this... I settled for an auto LS3 car... and dont get me wrong, I love it, its been a blast but... 3 years in and I'm already looking into a manual swap. If you want a manual LS3 car, wait for the right deal or till it makes sense to buy one. I anticipate this markets gonna tank soon (although who ever thought it would do what its done so who really knows). I would say hold out, youll be happier in the long run. Nothing against the auto, the 6l80e is a killer unit but... still not as fun as rowing gears.
I think I'll wait for the right options post '08. This was some really good input all around.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 5
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I couldn't disagree more with this. The ls2 is a great platform but the ls3 is leaps and bounds better, especially if you plan to mod it. 6.0 vs 6.2, cathedral port vs square port... trust me the ls3 is worth the extra price/wait. Take it from someone who has experience with both.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,292
Likes: 2,196
From: San Antonio, TX
I agree with others saying wait until the right car comes along.
4 things I wouldn't settle for would be: color, body style (wide body vs. narrow), engine, transmission.
Everything else can be upgraded or modified later on. ( I suppose the engine could be modified too, but meant more like HUD, Exhaust, Wheels, etc.)
4 things I wouldn't settle for would be: color, body style (wide body vs. narrow), engine, transmission.
Everything else can be upgraded or modified later on. ( I suppose the engine could be modified too, but meant more like HUD, Exhaust, Wheels, etc.)
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 1,133
From: North Myrtle Beach SC
I couldn't disagree more with this. The ls2 is a great platform but the ls3 is leaps and bounds better, especially if you plan to mod it. 6.0 vs 6.2, cathedral port vs square port... trust me the ls3 is worth the extra price/wait. Take it from someone who has experience with both.
OP is looking for a daily driver. Only difference is 30 hp. About 20 to the rear wheels.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,574
Likes: 1,652
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
If you find everything you want except is an LS2, don't rule it out. Who gives a rat's *** what shape the intake ports are. It is a 3200lb/400HP car.
I have driven an LS2 for 15+ years and 97.000+ miles and I can attest that it has plenty of power, is extremely reliable and is modifiable if you so choose.
I have driven an LS2 for 15+ years and 97.000+ miles and I can attest that it has plenty of power, is extremely reliable and is modifiable if you so choose.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,574
Likes: 1,652
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-ls2-guys.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,131
Likes: 1,303
From: North Little Rock, AR
Everyone will have an opinion on LS2 vs LS3. Is the LS3 platform an improvement yes. Would it be a deal breaker for me no. When I was looking for my vette I was in the 2006 to 2010 range and had a very specific checklist. Wound up with the 2006 LS2 and could not be happier.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,187
Likes: 1,215
From: Las Vegas Nevada
There are currently 255 '08 to '13 Vettes with manual shift available on autotrader.com. That is just one of many sites you can search online. In your initial search, DO NOT restrict yourself to "X" miles from you.
Check everything available that fits your want list. You will get a valuable education regarding value and availability. Then, you will know more about what you really want.
Check everything available that fits your want list. You will get a valuable education regarding value and availability. Then, you will know more about what you really want.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,275
Likes: 6,469
From: Melbourne, FL
My thoughts, buy a manual LS3 car. Don't expect to be able to wait and get what you want for less. Inflation is out of control, and if you find a car you like, up your budget. These will never be cheaper than they are now. Poor fiscal policies are dictating that.
Up your budget, buy what you want, live happy.
Up your budget, buy what you want, live happy.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 337
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From: New York