How good is the LS3?
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How good is the LS3?
Hi Dave from Wisconsin here.I am just getting into this Vette market and am having a hell of a time trying to decide... on whether to get a 2006 ZO6 or a 2011 with a LS3. I am really scared with all the valve guide issues on the ZO6, thought I might ask some LS3 owners what they thought of their engines. Do they have any similar problems?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Like you I'm new to the corvette world but not new to the LS3. I had one in my 2010 Camaro SS. Love the motor. Very reliable, responds well to mods, lots available aftermarket. These are the reasons I chose my Grandsport over an older Z06. Having said that.... I think the LS7 is a great motor if you go into it knowing it will need head work to be worry free.
My .02
My .02
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Ventura County, Calif
That question is asked periodically here.
Consensus is the LS3 is a great engine, very stout and reliable, responds well to mods, and problems, other than water pumps, are rare.
LS7 is also a great engine once you deal with the head/valve issue.
Consensus is the LS3 is a great engine, very stout and reliable, responds well to mods, and problems, other than water pumps, are rare.
LS7 is also a great engine once you deal with the head/valve issue.
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Like you I'm new to the corvette world but not new to the LS3. I had one in my 2010 Camaro SS. Love the motor. Very reliable, responds well to mods, lots available aftermarket. These are the reasons I chose my Grandsport over an older Z06. Having said that.... I think the LS7 is a great motor if you go into it knowing it will need head work to be worry free.
My .02
My .02
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: The Woodlands TX
What are your intentions with the car? If it's going to be a daily driver with little to no track use, the LS3 will suit you just fine. The LS3 C6 also has the removable top and automatic option, if any of these are appealing to you. LS3 will also get slightly better MPG.
That being said, the power of the LS7 Z06 is intoxicating and will feel significantly faster than the LS3. If you want the more raw and race car feel, go for the Z06. I personally would go for the Z06 if it was a weekend car. But I'm also young and prefer the horsepower over practicality.
LS7's do have the valve issue but they are pretty reliable other wise. LS3's are also pretty bullet proof. If you do go for the Z, I would fork out a little extra money (say around $35K) and get one with slightly lower mileage.
That being said, the power of the LS7 Z06 is intoxicating and will feel significantly faster than the LS3. If you want the more raw and race car feel, go for the Z06. I personally would go for the Z06 if it was a weekend car. But I'm also young and prefer the horsepower over practicality.
LS7's do have the valve issue but they are pretty reliable other wise. LS3's are also pretty bullet proof. If you do go for the Z, I would fork out a little extra money (say around $35K) and get one with slightly lower mileage.
Last edited by ck9887; Jan 1, 2016 at 09:25 PM.
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Thanks! I am not afraid of having the headwork done since the price on the car allows it for my budget. But my scale is all screwed up when I look at a 2006 ZO6 with 88500K versus a 2011 with 37K? I can get the Zfor 26.5K and the 2011 for 30K...I just can't get my ZO6 test drive out of my mind! It gave me goose bumps!
Until you start your car one morning and hear an unusual engine noise lol. Then you're SOL. Probably too late.
If you get the Z, fix the head/valve issue asap and enjoy the car. It is the cheapest supercar performance you can get today basically.
But from a logical standpoint, it makes sense to get the newer, more reliable, less mileage LS3.
But if you're young and want some status, chances are you're gonna get the Z anyway, no matter what any of us say. But we'll be here to help you WHEN you have problems with the car
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S$%^! That is what I was afraid of! It would be a fun car, alot more use in the good weather. It would never see rain and I will not track it....Although I would drove it in a very spirited manner.I am an F1 Freak, so if that gives you any ideas.
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Of course the test drive is amazing, any vette experience is.
Until you start your car one morning and hear an unusual engine noise lol. Then you're SOL. Probably too late.
If you get the Z, fix the head/valve issue asap and enjoy the car. It is the cheapest supercar performance you can get today basically.
But from a logical standpoint, it makes sense to get the newer, more reliable, less mileage LS3.
But if you're young and want some status, chances are you're gonna get the Z anyway, no matter what any of us say. But we'll be here to help you WHEN you have problems with the car
Until you start your car one morning and hear an unusual engine noise lol. Then you're SOL. Probably too late.
If you get the Z, fix the head/valve issue asap and enjoy the car. It is the cheapest supercar performance you can get today basically.
But from a logical standpoint, it makes sense to get the newer, more reliable, less mileage LS3.
But if you're young and want some status, chances are you're gonna get the Z anyway, no matter what any of us say. But we'll be here to help you WHEN you have problems with the car
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You're older so you wanna be enjoying the car on the weekends, not worrying or addressing annoying issues with the car.
I'm not saying all Z's will break but think about it. It's an 06 with over 80k miles.
Even if you do fix the heads/valve problem, that's still 80k of ABUSE the car got. You don't get a Z and drive like miss daisy. People who spent the coin to get that car wanna know what that car was all about.
And you can just modify the LS3 (LT's, exhaust, and tune) and it'll have the same power as a stock Z anyway so you'll have an incredible sounding car, and have the reliability.
Last edited by Z0HS1CK; Jan 1, 2016 at 09:52 PM. Reason: spelling
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Then the GS fits the bill on both counts.
You're older so you wanna be enjoying the car on the weekends, not worrying or addressing annoying issues with the car.
I'm not saying all Z's will break but think about it. It's an 06 with over 80k miles.
Even if you do fix the heads/valve problem, that's still 80k of ABUSE the car got. You don't get a Z and drive like miss daisy. People who spent the coin to get that car wanna know what that car was all about.
And you can just modify the LS3 (LT's, exhaust, and tune) and it'll have the same power as a stock Z anyway so you'll have an incredible sounding car, and have the reliability.
You're older so you wanna be enjoying the car on the weekends, not worrying or addressing annoying issues with the car.
I'm not saying all Z's will break but think about it. It's an 06 with over 80k miles.
Even if you do fix the heads/valve problem, that's still 80k of ABUSE the car got. You don't get a Z and drive like miss daisy. People who spent the coin to get that car wanna know what that car was all about.
And you can just modify the LS3 (LT's, exhaust, and tune) and it'll have the same power as a stock Z anyway so you'll have an incredible sounding car, and have the reliability.
Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: The Woodlands TX
Are you trying to stay under $30K? If not, I would check out Z06's in the $35K range. Many can be found for the price with 40-50k miles.
I think the consensus is.... if you want the more fun, faster of the two, go for the Z. For practicality and everyday driving comfort, go for the LS3.
I think the consensus is.... if you want the more fun, faster of the two, go for the Z. For practicality and everyday driving comfort, go for the LS3.
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2015
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Are you trying to stay under $30K? If not, I would check out Z06's in the $35K range. Many can be found for the price with 40-50k miles.
I think the consensus is.... if you want the more fun, faster of the two, go for the Z. For practicality and everyday driving comfort, go for the LS3.
I think the consensus is.... if you want the more fun, faster of the two, go for the Z. For practicality and everyday driving comfort, go for the LS3.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 46
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Are you trying to stay under $30K? If not, I would check out Z06's in the $35K range. Many can be found for the price with 40-50k miles.
I think the consensus is.... if you want the more fun, faster of the two, go for the Z. For practicality and everyday driving comfort, go for the LS3.
I think the consensus is.... if you want the more fun, faster of the two, go for the Z. For practicality and everyday driving comfort, go for the LS3.
So now we are at 40K too rich for my blood.
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Your wife will hate you and your car if you get that Z lol. You either need more money or you have to look elsewhere man. Sorry to say.
I said GS but really i meant the LS3. The GS value is still pretty strong so i know that's out of your budget. IT would be the best of both worlds it being a widebody and all.
But the base LS3 is just as good.
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A Z is not a budget car. If you do get that car, what about money to fix it when it breaks? Tires? Mods that you will inevitable want to buy??? You're forgetting its an 06, out of warranty with 80k+ miles. OVER 80k lol
Your wife will hate you and your car if you get that Z lol. You either need more money or you have to look elsewhere man. Sorry to say.
I said GS but really i meant the LS3. The GS value is still pretty strong so i know that's out of your budget. IT would be the best of both worlds it being a widebody and all.
But the base LS3 is just as good.
Your wife will hate you and your car if you get that Z lol. You either need more money or you have to look elsewhere man. Sorry to say.
I said GS but really i meant the LS3. The GS value is still pretty strong so i know that's out of your budget. IT would be the best of both worlds it being a widebody and all.
But the base LS3 is just as good.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Killeen Texas
