Is the ls3 worth it???
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 552
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From: El Paso, TX
Is the ls3 worth it???
So I'm wondering if it's worth losing z51 3lt and about 30k miles to get a ls3.
I have a 2007 z51 3lt with 50k. Plans if I keep it are fast 102, kooks headers, CAI, and tune.
Should I trade mine for an 08 2lt with base suspension and 78k? It should be about an even trade maybe a $1000. Mods I would do with this car is headers, CAI, and tune.
I
I have a 2007 z51 3lt with 50k. Plans if I keep it are fast 102, kooks headers, CAI, and tune.
Should I trade mine for an 08 2lt with base suspension and 78k? It should be about an even trade maybe a $1000. Mods I would do with this car is headers, CAI, and tune.
I
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 552
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From: El Paso, TX
Specifically I'm wondering about the added power of the ls3. I test drove one the other day, but it's hard to get a feel for the power in a short 10-15 min test drive. I didn't feel much of a difference in the short test drive. I know a tune will wake it up though.
Team Owner
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From: Southern Utah
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: Chino CA
LS2 reportedly actually has 411hp. LS3 has 430hp. I doubt the average driver can feel 19hp. Cannot imagine giving up nice options and more importantly, 30,000 miles for an additional 19hp
Last edited by HBsurfer; May 13, 2016 at 10:13 PM.
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From: Newnan Georgia
2016 C6 of Year Finalist
I have an LS3(and have driven several LS2s) and all things being equal, I wouldn't do it if I were you. If it was the other way around and you were moving into a lower mileage car, I would say go for it. But no way I would give up a 50k mile car for an almost 80k mile car. The 3LT wouldn't matter to me either way. I guess it really depends on how much you like your car now.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2016
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From: El Paso, TX
I have an LS3(and have driven several LS2s) and all things being equal, I wouldn't do it if I were you. If it was the other way around and you were moving into a lower mileage car, I would say go for it. But no way I would give up a 50k mile car for an almost 80k mile car. The 3LT wouldn't matter to me either way. I guess it really depends on how much you like your car now.
Team Owner
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From: Chirper Island
I'm one of the few who can apples to apples tell you exactly what the difference there is between an LS2 and an LS3.
It is very large.
My '05 is so much more fun with the LS3 than the LS2. The power difference IS very noticeable. It does idle much more roughly than the LS2, however.
It is very large.
My '05 is so much more fun with the LS3 than the LS2. The power difference IS very noticeable. It does idle much more roughly than the LS2, however.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
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Hence the LS-3 has a great flowing intake manifold, while the LS-2 sonic welded mess is holding the motor back by 10hp isntead. So 411, plus 10hp, plus 15 to 20HP you can pick up on a tune, and your making more HP that the stock LS-3 isntead (got to love the higher compression of the LS-2 motor).
As for the Z51 option package, factory it was around $1500 upgrade, but to pull it off with parts swapping after the fact, your looking close to $4K instead.
Really, the only what I could see this playing out with a car swap to any advantage, is if you sold your car and got a loaded GS/Z06 instead.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Bay Area CA
LS3 10.7 vs LS2 10.9 compression ratios.
LS3 improvements:
Better flowing air intake and intake manifold, LS7 fuel injectors, LS6 cam, dry sump manuals with forged steel crank and slightly stronger block.
Both good engines, but the main advantage over the LS2 is the better flowing heads and slightly larger displacement.
LS3 improvements:
Better flowing air intake and intake manifold, LS7 fuel injectors, LS6 cam, dry sump manuals with forged steel crank and slightly stronger block.
Both good engines, but the main advantage over the LS2 is the better flowing heads and slightly larger displacement.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; May 14, 2016 at 11:58 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Saint John's, Florida
I have an 08 LS3 with 31k miles. Never owned an LS2
IMHO I would keep the LS2 low mile Z51.
I think the Z51 and low clock (mileage) is worth more than the higher mileage LS3 unless the LS2 is an 05. Then the age would factor in. I'm not an 05 hater, just trying to factor age into the equation.
The auto/manual situation is your call on importance.
The fact that you are going to mod for power well just do a little more modding to the LS2.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
IMHO I would keep the LS2 low mile Z51.
I think the Z51 and low clock (mileage) is worth more than the higher mileage LS3 unless the LS2 is an 05. Then the age would factor in. I'm not an 05 hater, just trying to factor age into the equation.
The auto/manual situation is your call on importance.
The fact that you are going to mod for power well just do a little more modding to the LS2.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Last edited by 65 Drivr; May 14, 2016 at 09:04 PM.
Race Director
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NOrmally i would say LS3 and i would if you were considering the GS but if i were you, i'd stay with your current car. Jumping into the 08 will just allow you to say, "yeah it has the LS3". Which doesn't sound as great as saying, "yeah it's a zr1 with the LS9" etc.
Your car now has lower miles. Personally, i'd just throw a supercharger on it. Or cam it if you can't swing the money for the SC.
Your car now has lower miles. Personally, i'd just throw a supercharger on it. Or cam it if you can't swing the money for the SC.
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