Corvette LS2 vs G8 LS2
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,871
Likes: 15
From: Detroit's West Side MI
Corvette LS2 vs G8 LS2
I'm still learning the details of the LSx family, so I have a quick question: is the LS2 the same between the 2005 - 2008 'vette and the G8? I am looking at a nice price on one from a 2009 G8 and want to make sure there are no surprises.
All I found with search was information on the L76 intake, which seems to be fine.
This is for a motor swap, therfore wiring, electronics, accessories, etc. are not an issue. I assume they are different.
The casting numbers are:
12568952
0821 (although I can't tell what this is from the pic)
6.0L is also cast above the flywheel.
No photos of the heads, unless that's what 0821 is.
Of obvious concern to me is the head casting (243) and the block - they didn't have a cast iron version, did they?
Thanks!
All I found with search was information on the L76 intake, which seems to be fine.
This is for a motor swap, therfore wiring, electronics, accessories, etc. are not an issue. I assume they are different.
The casting numbers are:
12568952
0821 (although I can't tell what this is from the pic)
6.0L is also cast above the flywheel.
No photos of the heads, unless that's what 0821 is.
Of obvious concern to me is the head casting (243) and the block - they didn't have a cast iron version, did they?
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7,050
Likes: 945
From: DFW TX
I'm still learning the details of the LSx family, so I have a quick question: is the LS2 the same between the 2005 - 2008 'vette and the G8? I am looking at a nice price on one from a 2009 G8 and want to make sure there are no surprises.
All I found with search was information on the L76 intake, which seems to be fine.
This is for a motor swap, therfore wiring, electronics, accessories, etc. are not an issue. I assume they are different.
The casting numbers are:
12568952
0821 (although I can't tell what this is from the pic)
6.0L is also cast above the flywheel.
No photos of the heads, unless that's what 0821 is.
Of obvious concern to me is the head casting (243) and the block - they didn't have a cast iron version, did they?
Thanks!
All I found with search was information on the L76 intake, which seems to be fine.
This is for a motor swap, therfore wiring, electronics, accessories, etc. are not an issue. I assume they are different.
The casting numbers are:
12568952
0821 (although I can't tell what this is from the pic)
6.0L is also cast above the flywheel.
No photos of the heads, unless that's what 0821 is.
Of obvious concern to me is the head casting (243) and the block - they didn't have a cast iron version, did they?
Thanks!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,871
Likes: 15
From: Detroit's West Side MI
Some addition searching reveals that the L76 had less HP, 361 vs. 400 in the 'vette. If this is simply due to the cam, that would be fine...
The intake manifold is supposed to flow the same as the LS3, so that wouldn't be a bad thing, would it?
The intake manifold is supposed to flow the same as the LS3, so that wouldn't be a bad thing, would it?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
Exactly.People tend to call the G8 GT's motor an LS2 because it's an aluminum 6.0L V8 just like the LS2 is but they're not exactly the same.
The G8 GT has L92/LS3 style (rectangle port) heads and an L76 intake manifold on it and I've never actually confirmed/verified it but I don't even think that the basic short block/bottom end is actually identical to an LS2 6.0L either (but I could be wrong on that one).
It came in automatic only and came with Active Fuel Management/Displacement on Demand but many owners do away with that once they modify it/install an aftermarket cam in it.
And yes the G8 GXP does have an actual (415hp) LS3 6.2L in it and was available as both a manual or automatic, they're somewhat rare too.
Both cars are awesome sport sedans, you can't go wrong with either one.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
There is A LOT of potential hiding inside of those G8 GT motors. With the right cam (doing away with the Active Fuel Management crap), some properly ported/polished heads, torque converter, tuning and tires those cars can run pretty damn strong and still carry the entire family out for ice cream.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
Found this:
L76 (Car)
Generation: IV
Type: 6.0L All Aluminum V8
Platform: Car
First Year: 2008 (in cars)
Purpose: Cross between truck L76 and LS3 for Pontiac G8 GT
Notable Features:
Based on the Vortec 6.0L V8 L76 found in the Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado and Suburban, and the GMC Sierra and Yukon XL, the 2008+ Pontiac G8 GT L76 has many unique, car-specific modifications and features in this application; many borrowed from the LS3.
High-Flow cylinder heads with offset rockers and larger valves than truck L76
No VVT
Active Fuel Management Calibrated For Pontiac G8 GT Passenger Car
Structural Cast Aluminum Oil Pan Specific To G8
Intake Manifold From LS3 Corvette Application
Induction System Specific To G8
Advanced Electronic Throttle Control Similar To LS2 & LS3 V8
Smaller Ignition Coils From LS3 V8
E38 Engine Control Module
58X Ignition System
Structural Cast Aluminum Oil Pan Specific To G8
To facilitate the Active Fuel Management system not used in all L76 applications, an oil return valve was added to the pan.
Intake Manifold From LS3 Corvette Application
Packaging the L76 under the lower hoodline of the G8 GT passenger car required a lower intake system than is used by the engine in truck applications, and so the thoroughly developed intake from the LS3 is used with the car L76.
Electronic Throttle Control from LS3 Corvette Application
The advanced and sophisticated electronically controlled throttle control and integrated cruise control used on the LS3 is also used on the car L76.
High-Flow Cylinder Heads
The Gen IV car L76 is fitted with high-flow cylinder heads that have offset intake rockers like those in the LS3 and LS7. They also have larger valves than the truck Vortec L76 heads used in trucks & SUV’s.
The L76 uses the same Gen IV E38 Engine Control Module, and 58X Ignition System as other Gen IV V8s as introduced on the 2006 LS2. It also uses the smaller individual coil-near-plug ignition originally developed for the LS2, LS3, and LS7. The new coils are smaller and lighter than those used on previous “L76” V8s, and while they are still mounted on the rocker covers, they attach with a new mounting.
Generation: IV
Type: 6.0L All Aluminum V8
Platform: Car
First Year: 2008 (in cars)
Purpose: Cross between truck L76 and LS3 for Pontiac G8 GT
Notable Features:
Based on the Vortec 6.0L V8 L76 found in the Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado and Suburban, and the GMC Sierra and Yukon XL, the 2008+ Pontiac G8 GT L76 has many unique, car-specific modifications and features in this application; many borrowed from the LS3.
High-Flow cylinder heads with offset rockers and larger valves than truck L76
No VVT
Active Fuel Management Calibrated For Pontiac G8 GT Passenger Car
Structural Cast Aluminum Oil Pan Specific To G8
Intake Manifold From LS3 Corvette Application
Induction System Specific To G8
Advanced Electronic Throttle Control Similar To LS2 & LS3 V8
Smaller Ignition Coils From LS3 V8
E38 Engine Control Module
58X Ignition System
Structural Cast Aluminum Oil Pan Specific To G8
To facilitate the Active Fuel Management system not used in all L76 applications, an oil return valve was added to the pan.
Intake Manifold From LS3 Corvette Application
Packaging the L76 under the lower hoodline of the G8 GT passenger car required a lower intake system than is used by the engine in truck applications, and so the thoroughly developed intake from the LS3 is used with the car L76.
Electronic Throttle Control from LS3 Corvette Application
The advanced and sophisticated electronically controlled throttle control and integrated cruise control used on the LS3 is also used on the car L76.
High-Flow Cylinder Heads
The Gen IV car L76 is fitted with high-flow cylinder heads that have offset intake rockers like those in the LS3 and LS7. They also have larger valves than the truck Vortec L76 heads used in trucks & SUV’s.
The L76 uses the same Gen IV E38 Engine Control Module, and 58X Ignition System as other Gen IV V8s as introduced on the 2006 LS2. It also uses the smaller individual coil-near-plug ignition originally developed for the LS2, LS3, and LS7. The new coils are smaller and lighter than those used on previous “L76” V8s, and while they are still mounted on the rocker covers, they attach with a new mounting.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,871
Likes: 15
From: Detroit's West Side MI
Awesome information, guys. Thanks a million.
I think I'll pass on the one for sale, although LS1LT1's post made me really think about it...
The biggest concern is the LS3 heads, actually. For my application the oiling issues seen by those motors on the track are prohibitive.
I think I'll pass on the one for sale, although LS1LT1's post made me really think about it...
The biggest concern is the LS3 heads, actually. For my application the oiling issues seen by those motors on the track are prohibitive.
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