LS2 or LS3 C6??
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Manama
LS2 or LS3 C6??
I have a small question regarding the LS2 and LS3, I heared a guy saying that the LS2 is a week engine, and this is the reason why the LS3 was made.. I feel that it is not correct, I found an LS2 C6 in showroom condition with 9k miles on it, manual 6spd for 38k$
and I'm not sure if it is a good choice after what he told me..
in other words, if you had the choice to choose between LS2 vette and LS3 vette, which is better to get?? from the reliability point of view?? only!
and I'm not sure if it is a good choice after what he told me..
in other words, if you had the choice to choose between LS2 vette and LS3 vette, which is better to get?? from the reliability point of view?? only!
Lifetime NCM Member #2497
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Indiana
Cruise-In 9-10-11-12 Veteran
It all depends on your budget. When I was looking I chose the ls3. I wanted the newest engine and the 6-speed manual was new and of course it met my budget. From everything that I have heard and read the ls3 is superior (since I live in the midwest I have only been able to put 250 miles on mine since Nov.). The ls2 is a very good engine with very minimal problems that I have heard of or seen. If it is in your budget I personally would choose the ls3, but as you and I know you will not be able to pick up an 08 with an ls3 for $38,000 unless someone has really driven it. Just my thoughts. Good luck!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
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From: Corpus Christi Texas
According to the 1/4 mile list, the LS2 isn't the weakest 
If it were me and I were in the market, an LS7 would fit the bill. If not, the next best thing is the LS3...it makes great power with just cai, headers, tune.
If it were me and I were in the market, an LS7 would fit the bill. If not, the next best thing is the LS3...it makes great power with just cai, headers, tune.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,032
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From: Dallas TX
The LS3 is a definite improvement, but the LS2 is a strong motor in it's own right. Hell, it was improvement over the LS1 and that was a great motor back in the day.
That said, I got my '08 Vette coupe brand new with 2LT, Z51, and comp gray wheels for $43.4k. If you're going to pay $38k for a used one, you might as well cough up a few grand more and get one brand new. JMHO.
That said, I got my '08 Vette coupe brand new with 2LT, Z51, and comp gray wheels for $43.4k. If you're going to pay $38k for a used one, you might as well cough up a few grand more and get one brand new. JMHO.
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 197
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From: Lakewood Colorado
Is the LS3 not pretty much just a plain old LS2 with different heads? If so (which I think it is) just buy it and swap the heads out at a later time for around $1200.00..... also, what year did they add the 100,000 powertrain warranty, 06 or 07, dont remember, but either way if you are looking for reliabilty, you will get it with either motor.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,217
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From: Short Hills, NJ
The LS2 is a great and extremely reliable/dependable motor and has accomplished a lot of great things over it's short 3+ model year lifespan but the LS3 just takes it all that much further and is the hot motor of the future IMO.
Bottom line, can't go wrong with either one.
Well in stock trim that's not entirely true either, not yet at least.
Though on a dyno it is dominant.
No, it's a 6.2L versus 6.0L and there are other minor differences between the two motors as well.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Manama
thanks folks, I got the idea..
about going to an LS3, well I'll be taking a small loan for the LS2 (if I decide to buy it), so going to the mid 40's won't be a good idea..
but all I needed is to know about the reliability and the roumers I heared about the LS2.
thanks guys...
about going to an LS3, well I'll be taking a small loan for the LS2 (if I decide to buy it), so going to the mid 40's won't be a good idea..
but all I needed is to know about the reliability and the roumers I heared about the LS2.
thanks guys...
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CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
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From: Tucson Arizona
The LS2 a "weak" engine....I don't think so. The LS2 is an excellent engine. If 1/4 mile times are any indication, the last time I checked the bone stock category the LS3 engine still hadn't shown its over-whelming superiority over the LS2, in fact far from it.
The LS3 is purportedly a slightly 'better' engine but the primary reason it's in the Corvette is because of cost-cutting measures by GM. Both the LS2 and the LS3 are excellent power plants.
The LS3 is purportedly a slightly 'better' engine but the primary reason it's in the Corvette is because of cost-cutting measures by GM. Both the LS2 and the LS3 are excellent power plants.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,757
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From: Middletown DE
I bought my 07 (LS2) new back in May after deciding not to wait for the 08's (LS3) to come out, and lately have been feeling a little "LS3 Envy" with all the dyno #'s and bolt-on results posted up on here.....All of that just went out the window after installing my LG headers this past weekend......I love the car all over again; The sound, the power, Awesome!.....No more "LS3 Envy" 
Bottom line, get the best deal you can.....You're not making a mistake either way
Bottom line, get the best deal you can.....You're not making a mistake either way
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Manama
ok, tomorrow I'm flying to Dubai, I hope taht I'll meet the lady (owner of a 6speed manual
)
and she is moving as she said
so I guess I can push on her to lower the price to somewhere arround (36000-34500)$
thanks for the Advice.
)and she is moving as she said
so I guess I can push on her to lower the price to somewhere arround (36000-34500)$ thanks for the Advice.
?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 663
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From: Arvada CO
Is the LS3 not pretty much just a plain old LS2 with different heads? If so (which I think it is) just buy it and swap the heads out at a later time for around $1200.00..... also, what year did they add the 100,000 powertrain warranty, 06 or 07, dont remember, but either way if you are looking for reliabilty, you will get it with either motor.
The LS-2 is an excellent, proven motor. In 2007, you got the 100,000 mile warranty. That said, it's all about your budget. I have a 2007. I will not spend the money at this point and trade up to a 2008 because I can install LS-3 heads, intake, and mild cam (like nightdriver did) for a lot less money. If you can't fit a 2008 in your budget, you would not regret buying an LS-2 vette.
Last edited by Finster07; Feb 12, 2008 at 05:08 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 11,732
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From: SC
The LS2 has plenty of room to grow with you over time if you want some extra hp. All you need are a few bolt-ons anyway and your reaching LS3 stock power levels. Heads/cams are proven reliable mods so even after upgrading you can feel confident the motor will remain rock solid.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
I have a small question regarding the LS2 and LS3, I heared a guy saying that the LS2 is a week engine, and this is the reason why the LS3 was made.. I feel that it is not correct, I found an LS2 C6 in showroom condition with 9k miles on it, manual 6spd for 38k$
and I'm not sure if it is a good choice after what he told me..
in other words, if you had the choice to choose between LS2 vette and LS3 vette, which is better to get?? from the reliability point of view?? only!
and I'm not sure if it is a good choice after what he told me..
in other words, if you had the choice to choose between LS2 vette and LS3 vette, which is better to get?? from the reliability point of view?? only!
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 438
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City Missouri
How terrible to be stuck with an LS2...
The LS3 is the evolution of the LS2/LS7 development so we probably wouldn't have an LS3 without the LS2 to build on.
Don't forget the lowly, 400hp LS2 C6 stomped the 500 hp Ford GT500 in various head to head road tests those first few years...so if that's a weak motor it's one I can live with.
The LS3 is the evolution of the LS2/LS7 development so we probably wouldn't have an LS3 without the LS2 to build on.
Don't forget the lowly, 400hp LS2 C6 stomped the 500 hp Ford GT500 in various head to head road tests those first few years...so if that's a weak motor it's one I can live with.
