C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

LS3 vs Z06

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 01:26 PM
  #1  
w140amg's Avatar
w140amg
Thread Starter
Intermediate
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Germantown Maryland
Default LS3 vs Z06

I have read several posts and it appears LS3s are responsive to mods.

Will a:
2008 LS3 6 speed coupe (NPP+Z51) with headers (Kook or LG pro longtubes), CAI and a tune keep up with a Z06? How much HP increase can I expect with headers, CAI, and a tune?

Will I need a cam? Which cam is recommended (would like to keep it as a daily driver) and how much more power with the 3 mods mentioned above? Trying to be in the Z06 territory with only bolt ons, if at all possible.

Seems like it's not worth touching the heads.

Thanks!!

Last edited by w140amg; Oct 4, 2008 at 01:43 PM. Reason: forgot npp+Z51
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 01:31 PM
  #2  
LS2-Zomb!e's Avatar
LS2-Zomb!e
Safety Car
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,332
Likes: 0
From: Kuwait
Default

No, Z06 avarage RWHP is +440
You'll need more than Headers and a tune! you'll gain like 45 RWHP (Maybe!) from all the above
wanna keep up with the monster Z? get a decent Cam and UD Pulley plus all goodies you mentioned!
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 01:48 PM
  #3  
achilds's Avatar
achilds
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 3
From: Goleta California
Default

Here we go again. You are going to get the Z06 boys all riled up! The fact is that just matching or exceeding the Z06 hp is only part of the story. The rest is the suspension, brakes, lighter weight, bigger wheels, more torque, dry sump oil system. Sure you can mod a c6, even a lowly LS2 like mine to out hp a STOCK LS7, but don't forget the Z can be modded also and most likely the ones you run across at the track will have at least a tune, CAI and headers. Personally given employee pricing and low interest rates I would much rather have an unmodded Z06 with an intact warranty, than a modified LS3 any day of the week. You will spend at least 5K modding your LS3 to get close to a stock Z, you might as well spend another 10 to 15 and just get a Z.

Oh and to answer your original question, no not with just headers, CAI and tune.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 01:49 PM
  #4  
EuroRod's Avatar
EuroRod
Race Director
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 18,396
Likes: 169
Default

FYI: I've only seen one Z06 on the track. With drag radials, the car ran a 12.2 with an experienced driver. Outside temp this day in March of this year was 60. I have a friend with an 08 automatic car that ran a 12.34 last weekend with outside temps aroiund 80, on the same track. The 08 is bone stock with stock tires. Personally, I suspect that the LS3's are making more horsepower than advertised, and with a few bolt ons should et with sub-12 second times.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 02:01 PM
  #5  
w140amg's Avatar
w140amg
Thread Starter
Intermediate
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Germantown Maryland
Default

In life, I learned to be happy with what I have. I just want to be close to a stock Z06. I bought my 08 3LT for $51,XXX at 0% interest. I could not justify (having a tight budget) spending another 15-18K for a Z06. And the fixed roof.

I think I'll end up with the 1-7/8 headers w/cats + stock npp exhaust, CAI, and tune. $4-5K in mods I can do. And I'd like to keep stock MGP so I would prefer not to touch the engine.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 02:12 PM
  #6  
joe11204's Avatar
joe11204
Procharged F1X 7.18 @ 197
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 8
From: Staten Island NY
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Default

Originally Posted by w140amg
I have read several posts and it appears LS3s are responsive to mods.

Will a:
2008 LS3 6 speed coupe (NPP+Z51) with headers (Kook or LG pro longtubes), CAI and a tune keep up with a Z06? How much HP increase can I expect with headers, CAI, and a tune?

Will I need a cam? Which cam is recommended (would like to keep it as a daily driver) and how much more power with the 3 mods mentioned above? Trying to be in the Z06 territory with only bolt ons, if at all possible.

Seems like it's not worth touching the heads.

Thanks!!
I can tell you for a fact that I got a run for my money against an 08 c6 Vert (At the track). The C6 had a Vararam, 160 stat, LG LT headers, High Flow Cats, 3.42 rear and tuned by Chuck Cow.

Last edited by joe11204; Oct 4, 2008 at 02:15 PM.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 02:20 PM
  #7  
achilds's Avatar
achilds
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 3
From: Goleta California
Default

Originally Posted by joe11204
I can tell you for a fact that I got a run for my money against an 08 c6 Vert (At the track). The C6 had a Vararam, 160 stat, LG LT headers, High Flow Cats, 3.42 rear and tuned by Chuck Cow.
A modded auto with a 3.42 is going to run pretty well. You still beat them with a stock Z06, which just drives the point home. Equal drivers and an LS3 with CAI, headers and tune isn't going to out run a stock Z.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 02:24 PM
  #8  
achilds's Avatar
achilds
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 3
From: Goleta California
Default

Originally Posted by EuroRod
FYI: I've only seen one Z06 on the track. With drag radials, the car ran a 12.2 with an experienced driver. Outside temp this day in March of this year was 60. I have a friend with an 08 automatic car that ran a 12.34 last weekend with outside temps aroiund 80, on the same track. The 08 is bone stock with stock tires. Personally, I suspect that the LS3's are making more horsepower than advertised, and with a few bolt ons should et with sub-12 second times.
Yeah your probably right, those Z's are overhyped they probably don't even make 505 hp and the LS3 is pobably making way more hp than advertised even though they are both tested to the same standards. This subject has been beaten to death, check out the fast lists for the LS2, LS3, LS7's your answers lie in the facts presented there.
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 02:26 PM
  #9  
joe11204's Avatar
joe11204
Procharged F1X 7.18 @ 197
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 8
From: Staten Island NY
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Default

Originally Posted by achilds
A modded auto with a 3.42 is going to run pretty well. You still beat them with a stock Z06, which just drives the point home. Equal drivers and an LS3 with CAI, headers and tune isn't going to out run a stock Z.

Your correct. I ran against this guy when he was stock and then with mods. His mods made a huge difference to his car. Stock Z06 will beat his car. But those C6 with the A6 respond well to mods.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 02:34 PM
  #10  
Fore58's Avatar
Fore58
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,047
Likes: 887
From: Tampa Florida
Default

An 08 with supporting bolt-ons and a cam would be close on the track. Let's see:

Cam install with tune special - $1795
Headers w/cats, another special - $1700 complete
CAI - $400

Aproximate Total - $4000

Average rwhp depending on the cam - 430-465
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 02:37 PM
  #11  
joe11204's Avatar
joe11204
Procharged F1X 7.18 @ 197
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 8
From: Staten Island NY
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Default

Originally Posted by achilds
Yeah your probably right, those Z's are overhyped they probably don't even make 505 hp and the LS3 is pobably making way more hp than advertised even though they are both tested to the same standards. This subject has been beaten to death, check out the fast lists for the LS2, LS3, LS7's your answers lie in the facts presented there.
Not so fast. Checkout the the Z06 fast list.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1794944

.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 02:57 PM
  #12  
walterm32's Avatar
walterm32
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 23
Default

One of the biggest factors people seem to forget it what heat will do to a stock tuned car. If a stock z06 and this modded LS3 vette are sitting in line waiting to make a pass at the dragstrip and getting hot while doing so, the stock z06 will start pulling timing MUCH more aggressively and reduce HP alot. If both cars are given the time to cool way down and pull right up to the starting line without heating up, the LS3 gets walked no matter what(unless the z06 driver can't drive worth a crap). The modded LS3 is a fast car but still not fast enough.

Eurorod said he saw an experienced z06 driver run 12.2 on DR's and then a LS3 run pretty much the same et in 20' hotter weather. Either you meant the z06 ran 11.20's or your "experienced" driver can't drive worth a crap. In 60' weather a z06 with DR's should be in the low to mid 11's.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 03:04 PM
  #13  
joe11204's Avatar
joe11204
Procharged F1X 7.18 @ 197
Supporting Lifetime Gold
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 8
From: Staten Island NY
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Default

Originally Posted by walterm32
One of the biggest factors people seem to forget it what heat will do to a stock tuned car. If a stock z06 and this modded LS3 vette are sitting in line waiting to make a pass at the dragstrip and getting hot while doing so, the stock z06 will start pulling timing MUCH more aggressively and reduce HP alot. If both cars are given the time to cool way down and pull right up to the starting line without heating up, the LS3 gets walked no matter what(unless the z06 driver can't drive worth a crap). The modded LS3 is a fast car but still not fast enough.

Eurorod said he saw an experienced z06 driver run 12.2 on DR's and then a LS3 run pretty much the same et in 20' hotter weather. Either you meant the z06 ran 11.20's or your "experienced" driver can't drive worth a crap. In 60' weather a z06 with DR's should be in the low to mid 11's.


100%.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 03:11 PM
  #14  
gengiskhan's Avatar
gengiskhan
Intermediate
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Default

with bolts on its close depends on driver with a cam the ls3 wins i know this for a fact
if someone with a zo6 wants to record a run i have the ls3 with cam ....in houston
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 03:18 PM
  #15  
walterm32's Avatar
walterm32
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 23
Default

Originally Posted by gengiskhan
with bolts on its close depends on driver with a cam the ls3 wins i know this for a fact
if someone with a zo6 wants to record a run i have the ls3 with cam ....in houston
I don't think many here would dispute that a cammed LS3 should win that race.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 03:28 PM
  #16  
robz's Avatar
robz
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,308
Likes: 157
From: NJ
Default

Originally Posted by walterm32
One of the biggest factors people seem to forget it what heat will do to a stock tuned car. If a stock z06 and this modded LS3 vette are sitting in line waiting to make a pass at the dragstrip and getting hot while doing so, the stock z06 will start pulling timing MUCH more aggressively and reduce HP alot. If both cars are given the time to cool way down and pull right up to the starting line without heating up, the LS3 gets walked no matter what(unless the z06 driver can't drive worth a crap). The modded LS3 is a fast car but still not fast enough.

Eurorod said he saw an experienced z06 driver run 12.2 on DR's and then a LS3 run pretty much the same et in 20' hotter weather. Either you meant the z06 ran 11.20's or your "experienced" driver can't drive worth a crap. In 60' weather a z06 with DR's should be in the low to mid 11's.
This guy speaks the truth.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 03:29 PM
  #17  
Slvr08Z51's Avatar
Slvr08Z51
Pro
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 717
Likes: 1
From: DFW 942whp/938tq
Default

You have to remember the rear ratios as well as the transmission ratios in an 08 Z51 car are much shorter than the Z06's.. I have a full bolt on 08 Z51 car in DFW (frisco). It puts down very similiar #'s to a stock Z06. I would love to run a stock Z06 to see how they measure up.. Anyone in DFW w/ a Z06 that wants to play?? Looser buys dinner at the closest Twin Peaks or Hooters!!

Get notified of new replies

To LS3 vs Z06

Old Oct 4, 2008 | 04:08 PM
  #18  
sodapop's Avatar
sodapop
Instructor
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: new port richey fl
Default

My ls3 with haltec & tune against z06 with also haltec & tune. Mine is a6 and he said I scared him to death. I killed him at the line but he caught me. Results, mine 12.1, his 11.7. He said if he had to do it all over he wouldn't be shifting gears and he'd be about $20,000.00 richer. Both stock tires. This was also before my a6 tune. Haven't run since.
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 04:10 PM
  #19  
achilds's Avatar
achilds
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 3
From: Goleta California
Default

Originally Posted by Slvr08Z51
You have to remember the rear ratios as well as the transmission ratios in an 08 Z51 car are much shorter than the Z06's.. I have a full bolt on 08 Z51 car in DFW (frisco). It puts down very similiar #'s to a stock Z06. I would love to run a stock Z06 to see how they measure up.. Anyone in DFW w/ a Z06 that wants to play?? Looser buys dinner at the closest Twin Peaks or Hooters!!
In the quarter the Z51 tranny will make you take one more shift than the Z and that won't help you!
Old Oct 4, 2008 | 04:16 PM
  #20  
bunk22's Avatar
bunk22
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi Texas
Default

Originally Posted by EuroRod
FYI: I've only seen one Z06 on the track. With drag radials, the car ran a 12.2 with an experienced driver. Outside temp this day in March of this year was 60. I have a friend with an 08 automatic car that ran a 12.34 last weekend with outside temps aroiund 80, on the same track. The 08 is bone stock with stock tires. Personally, I suspect that the LS3's are making more horsepower than advertised, and with a few bolt ons should et with sub-12 second times.
One run by one Z06 tells everyone pretty much jack squat about the capability of a C6Z.



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:56 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE