TheRadioFlyer

I'm looking for a breakdown in the differences between the LS2 and LS3 motors. I haven't driven either extensively but I'm told by those who have that the LS3 drives like it has a LOT more power than the LS2....much more than the ~30hp advertised.

At the moment, I'm looking to upgrade from my blown 97 (recently totaled after a minor accident) to a 2005 model. I will no doubt be tinkering with performance all around including a planned E-force SC, Blower can, full exhaust and possibly some additional internal engine work.

I'm wondering if it's worthwhile to spend the extra $$ for an LS3 car or if minor work will make the LS2 comparable.

Purdue

I could tell a noticeable difference between my old 2006 LS2 compared to my current 2009 LS3. Extra HP and TQ along with better gearing 2.56 vs. 2.73 makes a difference.

BTW this thread is going to get interesting .

chris12.8

Raazor

driven both. noticeable HP difference for sure. had to blow my LS2 to cure the issue.

Medicdiver

Not to highjack the thread but this questions goes along with it. Can a 2005-2007 LS2 car be replaced by a LS3 engine without major electrical work? Are they a direct swap?

LoganVette

Here is a link to a dyno thread that compares the ls2 & ls3 with similar bolt ons.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...-cold-air.html

PaulB

I had an LS2 06 and went to an LS3 09. The LS3 is stronger performance wise but it also gets less gas milage. The LS2 runs smoother, the LS3 runs a little roughter. I am told thats because of a stronger Cam. I will still take the LS3 over the LS2.

Mike Campbell

I do agree ( and also wish I had one) the LS3's are an upgrade and a superior engine than the LS2. However, for ALL the extra horsepower and torque, I must ask, why aren't they faster???
Perhaps, the LS3's are what they say, and we poor schmuck LS2's are maybe, underated or maybe even just plain lucky. I could live with that!

JoesC5

I thought that the LS3 owners(with skinny butts) were getting 32-33 MPG on the highway. What are the LS2 owners getting?

Medicdiver

I just drove from NYC to Chicago (900 miles) and got an average of 27.3mpg. Some of that was in 5th gear due to hills, and some was slower (55mph) due to construction.

2005 05 Z51, 6spd.

jmoffett

Before I bought my 05, I test drove an 08. The 08 definitely had more "seat of the pants." However, my 05 has the 2.73 rear end gear, and I suspect the 08 had the performance gear. Therefore, I have nothing meaningful to contribute.

ceastham1

ls3

Cybernetic Medic

Ok here's an opinion that won't find a big following here...

IMHO, anything over 300hp is more than enough to have some reasonably spirited fun driving on public roads. Having 400hp vs 436hp makes a difference on the strip or a road course but not that much difference for daily driving. How many people warn that turning off the nannies, ( which limit performance ), is irresponsible while driving on public roads, yet make the difference between the LS2 / LS3 seem like night and day?

An interesting comparison would be LS2(nannies off) vs LS3(nannies on)

Gearhead Jim

My experience exactly.

cadguymark

there is a simple explanation for that that is little known:

the SAE Horsepower scale is not linear, from 0 to 400 it is, but from 400 to 436 it is not, each HP from 400 to 436 is actually twice as large as those under 400 or over 436

at 437 the scale is once again linear on up to infinity

that is why the LS3 feels so much more awesome than it's meager 30 HP rating increase over the LS2 would suggest

iridelow

30 HP is not enough difference to feel a "seat of the pants" difference outright! Gears will! On the track, there is only a couple 10ths of a difference so, it's not a big difference. Sure the LS3 is faster, giving everything else the same. But I bet you can put 87 octain gas in the LS3 and put 94 octain in the LS2 and the LS2 might even feel faster from 0-60. Yes 30 HP can be felt, but not "wow" factor. Now climb into the Z06 from either LS2 or LS3...then you will get the true "seat of the pants" difference! And yes, I have driven all three many times. As said before, the gears make more of a difference "feel wise", than 30 HP.

Cool Rod

No.

Checking the numbers for 1/4 mile, using the top 10 stock LS2 vs. the top 10 stock LS3 as recorded here in the list (scroll down)

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...lenge-258.html

LS2
Fastest Speed 115.58
Fastest Time 12.412
Average Speed 114.26

LS3
Fastest Speed 122.05
Fastest Time 12.034
Average Speed 117.02.

TheRadioFlyer

LS3 Improvements listed here:

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/new-ls...s2-vs-ls3.html

Post #3 mentions A variable valve timing setup. If this is true, I'm Defiantly interested.

mneblett

I didn't see a mention of VVT -- and in any case, the LS3 doesn't have it.

BSSN

The LS3 is simply the next step up. Like the LS1 to the LS2.

The powerband is meatier, the engine is fundamentally "stronger", and it packs more punch.

Of course it uses more fuel. It makes more power and isn't radically different in efficiency.

What you are not listing is that the car is not just an engine. To get an LS3, you need to get an '08. When getting an '08, you get the TR6060 transmission, better steering feel, and a host of other "little things" that amount to much more than "30bhp".