Advice
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
Advice
Hi so I recently got a 2005 c6 manual ls2 corvette the car has 23k miles on it and I’m looking at building the car. This is my first ls motor I have worked with and just looking for some advice on building the motor correctly and trying to get the most bang for my buck. The car has sentimental value and I already know the ls2 is not the best motor compared to the 3 and the 7 but I still wanna build this one. so I’m just looking for some advice on quality parts and brands that I should look into or even a good build list
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 17,328
Likes: 6,508
From: Melbourne, FL
LS2 motors would be legends if they came from a my other manufacturer. The fact that Chevy was like "we can make it even better" and made the LS3 is the only reason people say anything negative about the LS2.
That said, be aware that you can make way more power in that car than you can actually put down and use traction wise in these cars, narrow body especially.
That said, be aware that you can make way more power in that car than you can actually put down and use traction wise in these cars, narrow body especially.
Last edited by FAUEE; Jul 5, 2025 at 07:29 PM.
Instructor
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 158
Likes: 32
From: Oklahoma City, OK
You can go 2 ways, power first or supporting mods first. LS2 is a great platform to work with, so don't listen to others on that one. If you are going power first the easiest and most bang for buck will be an ECS or A&A supercharger kit IMO.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
I’m the original owner of an 06 coupe. Had a E-Force installed 8 years ago which cranks out almost 600 HP with only a few more engine mods The LS2 has been rock solid and trouble free even after the S/C was installed. I believe the LS2 is an excellent motor and I have zero complaints. A small difference but I prefer the LS2 chain tensioner versus the newer one in the LS3. Bottomline the LS2 is a very solid platform and capable of producing more HP than you can hook up without some serious rubber.
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Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
I’m the original owner of an 06 coupe. Had a E-Force installed 8 years ago which cranks out almost 600 HP with only a few more engine mods The LS2 has been rock solid and trouble free even after the S/C was installed. I believe the LS2 is an excellent motor and I have zero complaints. A small difference but I prefer the LS2 chain tensioner versus the newer one in the LS3. Bottomline the LS2 is a very solid platform and capable of producing more HP than you can hook up without some serious rubber.
Instructor
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 158
Likes: 32
From: Oklahoma City, OK
thats good to hear and again I’m still learning this motor so if I say anything wrong please correct me just trying to learn as much as possible with that I’m also trying to learn from people who have built them what are some good brands they trust for heads,cams,intake and a good tune
Personally most of my stuff is Texas Speed parts, custom cam through TSP, their PRC heads, one of their intake manifolds, etc. but that is the direction I went as my tuner has had good luck with TSP stuff and that was his recommendation.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
For brand preference you are going to get everyone's opinion based on who they used. You are going to need a tune for this stuff being done, my recommendation is getting with your tuner and making a game plan for parts that way, unless you are fluent with LS tuning via HPT.
Personally most of my stuff is Texas Speed parts, custom cam through TSP, their PRC heads, one of their intake manifolds, etc. but that is the direction I went as my tuner has had good luck with TSP stuff and that was his recommendation.
Personally most of my stuff is Texas Speed parts, custom cam through TSP, their PRC heads, one of their intake manifolds, etc. but that is the direction I went as my tuner has had good luck with TSP stuff and that was his recommendation.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,461
Likes: 1,149
From: Wayne Township WI
LS2's a fine engine w/ plentiful parts available providing a host of ways towards upgrading.
Something to consider if modding's the rearend w/ an '05.
'05's drag raced were notorious for exploding rearends under stress.
By '06 extra reinforcement braces had been added to the casting eliminating this risk.
Morale of story?
IF upgrading HP and/or HD useage w/ an '05, installing an '06+ rearend you're golden.
Something to consider if modding's the rearend w/ an '05.
'05's drag raced were notorious for exploding rearends under stress.
By '06 extra reinforcement braces had been added to the casting eliminating this risk.
Morale of story?
IF upgrading HP and/or HD useage w/ an '05, installing an '06+ rearend you're golden.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,753
Likes: 210
From: North Western Connecticut
LS2's a fine engine w/ plentiful parts available providing a host of ways towards upgrading.
Something to consider if modding's the rearend w/ an '05.
'05's drag raced were notorious for exploding rearends under stress.
By '06 extra reinforcement braces had been added to the casting eliminating this risk.
Morale of story?
IF upgrading HP and/or HD useage w/ an '05, installing an '06+ rearend you're golden.
Something to consider if modding's the rearend w/ an '05.
'05's drag raced were notorious for exploding rearends under stress.
By '06 extra reinforcement braces had been added to the casting eliminating this risk.
Morale of story?
IF upgrading HP and/or HD useage w/ an '05, installing an '06+ rearend you're golden.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,721
Likes: 5,609
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I have 2005 LS2 which I have Dyno and very pleased with power, kept everything stock except for Air Filter those clip broke on the box, and went with AirRaid system.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 882
Likes: 747
From: SW Desert
Sounds like a nice find with only 23K on the clock. I'd say get a good maintenance baseline as a first step. Change all fluids, belts and filters IF maintenance history is unknown. Tire date codes ok? Then while you drive the car and enjoy it for a bit "as is" watch a few of the Toys4Life vids and get an idea of what mods you may want to accomplish. Headers are a good first addition (and pretty much required to take advantage of most mods) along with a cat delete (if no emissions testing) and a good tune to really wake up the LS2 while not setting you back the enormous coin that major mods will require. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-know-vid.html
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 22,334
Likes: 1,683
From: South Carolina
As others have correctly stated the LS2 is awesome...Unlike the ls3 cars though the air intake is a restriction on the 05-07 Vettes... If I recall correctly.. so put one of those on the list....an air intake alone will make a difference especially with an exhaust and tune you couldn't pee the difference between the two engines...
I've had both and really could not tell the difference between the two on the street...
Good luck and enjoy your Corvette
I've had both and really could not tell the difference between the two on the street...
Good luck and enjoy your Corvette