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LS2 or LS3 C6??

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Old 02-11-2008, 06:38 PM
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budavid
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Default 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!
Old 02-11-2008, 07:01 PM
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slacker1201
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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!
Old 02-11-2008, 07:05 PM
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bunk22
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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.
Old 02-11-2008, 07:06 PM
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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.
Old 02-11-2008, 11:50 PM
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JSB LS3
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an LS2 corvette is not what i would call a slow car....

The LS3 is a bit quicker on a timeslip, but an LS2 car is not going to feel inferior in any way to the driver.
Old 02-12-2008, 12:10 AM
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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.
Old 02-12-2008, 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by budavid
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
That guy is wrong and your feelings are true, it is not correct.
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.


Originally Posted by JSB LS3
The LS3 is a bit quicker on a timeslip
Well in stock trim that's not entirely true either, not yet at least.
Though on a dyno it is dominant.


Originally Posted by nightdriver
Is the LS3 not pretty much just a plain old LS2 with different heads?
No, it's a 6.2L versus 6.0L and there are other minor differences between the two motors as well.
Old 02-12-2008, 05:03 AM
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budavid
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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...
Old 02-12-2008, 11:41 AM
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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.
Old 02-12-2008, 12:02 PM
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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
Old 02-12-2008, 04:17 PM
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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.
Old 02-12-2008, 04:21 PM
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if it wasnt for the LS3, I wouldnt buy a Corvette, I rather drive VW bug than be caught driving that week LS2

enough fuel for an all out LS2 vs LS3 ?

J/K
Old 02-12-2008, 04:25 PM
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LS2 kicks ***.
Old 02-12-2008, 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by C6 DVL
if it wasnt for the LS3, I wouldnt buy a Corvette, I rather drive VW bug than be caught driving that week LS2

enough fuel for an all out LS2 vs LS3 ?

J/K
Old 02-12-2008, 05:06 PM
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Finster07
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Originally Posted by nightdriver
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; 02-12-2008 at 05:08 PM.
Old 02-12-2008, 05:14 PM
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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.
Old 02-12-2008, 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by budavid
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!
This is like saying that the LS1 was weak??!!?!? A dumb statement from a dumb person. Those LS1's and LS2's seem to be doing just fine. My blown LS2 seems to be pretty stong making 548rwhp with just the A&A blower kit and a catback. No other supporting mods, so I suppose mine is pretty much not weak.

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Old 02-12-2008, 05:32 PM
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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.
Old 02-12-2008, 05:45 PM
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saplumr
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Originally Posted by C6 DVL
if it wasnt for the LS3, I wouldnt buy a Corvette
You made a funny.
Old 02-12-2008, 06:27 PM
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Corellian Vette
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Get a LS3. Worth the extra couple of bucks.


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