General Motors won't officially unveil its 2008 Chevrolet Corvette C6 for four days, but images have already surfaced online of the new car. The entry-level 'Vette gets a new LS3 engine for the 2008 model year, offering 30 more horsepower than the 2005-2007 LS2 version.
The 2008 Corvette will deliver 430 horsepower, features interior improvements, and rides on new five-spoke wheels. Other mechanical changes have also been made, but we'll have to wait for further details to arrive
It would seem unlikely that torque would remain the same, I'm guessing we will see at least 20 or 30 more ft lbs of torque. (and that's what I would be most excited about if I was getting an 08, as torque means more to someone like me who drives his Corvette daily and doesn't get to go WOT too often in rush hour traffic)
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According to the current way they designate HP, the LS2 would fall between 410-420HP, so 430 isn't that much of a bump at the engine. Could come from that new airbox configuration, similar to the LS7 and using a LS7 style baffled exhaust. Similar HP boost were seen in the Fbodies in the 4th gen by similar(cheap) means. If the block it's self isn't changed, how do they justify giving it a different designation(LS3)? Could we all have an LS3 if we just did the parts swap?
According to the current way they designate HP, the LS2 would fall between 410-420HP, so 430 isn't that much of a bump at the engine. Could come from that new airbox configuration, similar to the LS7 and using a LS7 style baffled exhaust. Similar HP boost were seen in the Fbodies in the 4th gen by similar(cheap) means. If the block it's self isn't changed, how do they justify giving it a different designation(LS3)? Could we all have an LS3 if we just did the parts swap?
this is what has puzzled me since the beginning. from the pics it looks like its still a 6.0 liter but you can't tell from the pics
According to the current way they designate HP, the LS2 would fall between 410-420HP, so 430 isn't that much of a bump at the engine. Could come from that new airbox configuration, similar to the LS7 and using a LS7 style baffled exhaust. Similar HP boost were seen in the Fbodies in the 4th gen by similar(cheap) means. If the block it's self isn't changed, how do they justify giving it a different designation(LS3)? Could we all have an LS3 if we just did the parts swap?
While I think the current LS2 may be underrated - there is no good data to prove the supposition that the LS2 makes 410-420 HP - just rumor with some poorly controlled data and no evidence from GM itself. Most of this 410-420 started from people using the old 10-15% power loss rule or a fixed HP loss rule - both of which are useless due to non-comparible dyno-to-dyno variance and the fact that none of use use an engine dyno to know the true HP of the LS2. With that in mind, it is unlikely the LS3 will gain a meager 10 HP over the LS2... Mathematics suggest that if the LS3 were as efficient as the LS2 (66.7 HP/L), the 0.2L bump in displacement would offer at least a 13-14 HP bump in performance. However, we do know the LS3 has much better heads than the LS2 (similar to the LS7) making it likely closer to the LS7 efficiency (72.1 HP/L) thus generating 30-40 HP over the LS2 is far more likely.
This whole idea that GM is forced to use the SAE standard on the LS3 is also flawed... (i.e. that the 400 HP value was underrated but the 420 HP value of the LS3 is truthful) There is no rule requiring GM to use the SAE standard on the LS3 - NONE! They can choose to adopt the SAE standard or not. Pplease check the internet or go to SAEs website if you doubt me.
this is what has puzzled me since the beginning. from the pics it looks like its still a 6.0 liter but you can't tell from the pics
I know we'll have to wait and see, but they may have went with the 403 HP L92/L76(the heads and intake are in mass production and will swap onto an LS2)engine and the cai and exhaust boosts it to 430bhp.
According to the current way they designate HP, the LS2 would fall between 410-420HP, so 430 isn't that much of a bump at the engine. Could come from that new airbox configuration, similar to the LS7 and using a LS7 style baffled exhaust. Similar HP boost were seen in the Fbodies in the 4th gen by similar(cheap) means. If the block it's self isn't changed, how do they justify giving it a different designation(LS3)? Could we all have an LS3 if we just did the parts swap?
While I think the current LS2 may be underrated - there is no good data to prove the supposition that the LS2 makes 410-420 HP - just rumor with some poorly controlled data and no evidence from GM itself. Most of this 410-420 started from people using the old 10-15% power loss rule or a fixed HP loss rule - both of which are useless due to non-comparible dyno-to-dyno variance and the fact that none of use use an engine dyno to know the true HP of the LS2. With that in mind, it is unlikely the LS3 will gain a meager 10 HP over the LS2... Mathematics suggest that if the LS3 were as efficient as the LS2 (66.7 HP/L), the 0.2L bump in displacement would offer at least a 13-14 HP bump in performance. However, we do know the LS3 has much better heads than the LS2 (similar to the LS7) making it likely closer to the LS7 efficiency (72.1 HP/L) thus generating 30-40 HP over the LS2 is far more likely.
This whole idea that GM is forced to use the SAE standard on the LS3 is also flawed... (i.e. that the 400 HP value was underrated but the 420 HP value of the LS3 is truthful) There is no rule requiring GM to use the SAE standard on the LS3 - NONE! They can choose to adopt the SAE standard or not. Pplease check the internet or go to SAEs website if you doubt me.
It's the thought of other improvements that make me think, I might, just wait it out. Although deals on 07's are going to be sweet, that's a fact that will be hard to pass up. Gonna be tough.
While I think the current LS2 may be underrated - there is no good data to prove the supposition that the LS2 makes 410-420 HP - just rumor with some poorly controlled data and no evidence from GM itself. Most of this 410-420 started from people using the old 10-15% power loss rule or a fixed HP loss rule - both of which are useless due to non-comparible dyno-to-dyno variance and the fact that none of use use an engine dyno to know the true HP of the LS2. With that in mind, it is unlikely the LS3 will gain a meager 10 HP over the LS2... Mathematics suggest that if the LS3 were as efficient as the LS2 (66.7 HP/L), the 0.2L bump in displacement would offer at least a 13-14 HP bump in performance. However, we do know the LS3 has much better heads than the LS2 (similar to the LS7) making it likely closer to the LS7 efficiency (72.1 HP/L) thus generating 30-40 HP over the LS2 is far more likely.
This whole idea that GM is forced to use the SAE standard on the LS3 is also flawed... (i.e. that the 400 HP value was underrated but the 420 HP value of the LS3 is truthful) There is no rule requiring GM to use the SAE standard on the LS3 - NONE! They can choose to adopt the SAE standard or not. Pplease check the internet or go to SAEs website if you doubt me.
I first read about it in a GM authorized book about the C6. It stated that for advertising purposes GM used the 400hp/400tq figures because it sounded better. They went on to say the motor actually makes 412-415hp. Before you fire up your flame throwers just remember I'm only reporting what I read - not stating it as fact.
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2008 Ls3[mergedx2]
At least with an 05 it can still pass for an 08, but not with mine. 
(Enough Said)
