Ls2 vs ls3
04-15-2012, 01:27 PM
#101
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St. Jude Donor '13
But regarding your dyno numbers, your LS3 was supposed to have that extra 36 Hp at the crank. With a typical 10% drivetrain loss, that works out 39.6 HP at the crank. That's close enough I suspect it could be explained by normal engine-to-engine variations or run-to-run variations on the dyno.
04-15-2012, 04:34 PM
#104
So as I continue my hunt for a c6 I keep finding some pretty nice deals on the 2005-2007 models with the ls2. Basically what I'm wondering is, will I kick myself for not spending extra bucks and going with a model that has the ls3, I'm really thinking that I'll be purchasing a six speed so I'm not concerned about an auto trans. Stock for stock does anyone know/ feel the difference?
Thanks for the help guys!
-will
Thanks for the help guys!
-will
04-15-2012, 11:10 PM
#105
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CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03,'04,'05,'07,08,'09,'10,’17
Those who went from the 300 HP LT1 to the 330 HP LT4 raved about the increased performance.
Another good comparison would be LS1 to 2001 LS6 which was an increase from 350 HP to 385 HP - a 35 HP bump. Very similar to the LS2 to LS3 bump. Those that went from an LS1 to LS6 (even the 385 HP version) raved about the increased performance.
04-16-2012, 01:29 AM
#106
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Those who went from the 300 HP LT1 to the 330 HP LT4 raved about the increased performance.
Another good comparison would be LS1 to 2001 LS6 which was an increase from 350 HP to 385 HP - a 35 HP bump. Very similar to the LS2 to LS3 bump. Those that went from an LS1 to LS6 (even the 385 HP version) raved about the increased performance.
However, there was a noticable difference in performance between LT4 and LT1 in identical car, this was documented rather well at the time, including GM underrating LT4 by at least 10 ponies
04-16-2012, 07:46 AM
#107
Team Owner
As you can tell from my post #72, I love our LS3. And it certainly feels like it has more than 36 extra HP.
But regarding your dyno numbers, your LS3 was supposed to have that extra 36 Hp at the crank. With a typical 10% drivetrain loss, that works out 39.6 HP at the crank. That's close enough I suspect it could be explained by normal engine-to-engine variations or run-to-run variations on the dyno.
But regarding your dyno numbers, your LS3 was supposed to have that extra 36 Hp at the crank. With a typical 10% drivetrain loss, that works out 39.6 HP at the crank. That's close enough I suspect it could be explained by normal engine-to-engine variations or run-to-run variations on the dyno.
04-16-2012, 08:29 AM
#109
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When I started shopping I was looking for a C5, one owner, low mileage.
I ended up with a 09C6 with less than 2300 miles
Just be sure and get what you want, dont settle or you will not be happy
Bert
Roll Tide!
I ended up with a 09C6 with less than 2300 miles
Just be sure and get what you want, dont settle or you will not be happy
Bert
Roll Tide!
04-16-2012, 08:57 AM
#111
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St. Jude Donor '12
This forum always amuses me... to see people debate over the difference between an LS2 (400HP) vs. an LS3 (430HP) , and a majority say go with the LS3 which is fine I tend to lean that direction.... now start the same thread but compare the LS3 to the LS7, and many say they can't justify the price difference (which is more ) , however now we are comparing 505 HP vs. 430 HP. Bigger price difference, but bigger power difference
Sorry, I digress... as you were gentelmen
Sorry, I digress... as you were gentelmen
I had the same thought....
04-16-2012, 09:11 AM
#113
Burning Brakes
Like I siad something doesn't add up. The LS3 seems to have quite a hardware advantage for only 30 more rated HP.
04-16-2012, 10:55 AM
#116
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So with a few responses I've read that the ls2 power didn't have the wow factor on some people, so let me put it this way. Right now I'm driving a 265 horse power 2011 Taurus sel which weighs about 4,000lbs. Am I going to get into an ls2 c6 and feel like I expected more? Or does the ls2 still pin ya to the seat?!
I truly would like to save money for a few mods that I would like to do but In the long run if the ls3 truly so much better, it might be worth the wait... Basically I would have to wait a little longer in order to be able to comfortably afford it...but then again I'm spending more money again..
-will
I truly would like to save money for a few mods that I would like to do but In the long run if the ls3 truly so much better, it might be worth the wait... Basically I would have to wait a little longer in order to be able to comfortably afford it...but then again I'm spending more money again..
-will
Last edited by willmkent; 04-16-2012 at 10:58 AM.
...Yes it does.
04-16-2012, 11:20 AM
#118
Team Owner
If it was between the LS2 and the LS3 for me and I couldnt get an LS3.............I would go for an LS6. 
JUST as much power as the LS2 and they just sound better. Granted they are in a C5 so you will be going back a style but those things sound better (to me anyway), use the same heads (243s), get a larger cam (other than the 01 which is pretty much the same as the LS2), a better intake than the LS2, and they feel more race-like to me than the LS2, which I can say felt a little lazy in my friends car/cars.
If you plan to mod than the engine doesnt matter because sooner or later you will end up replacing it. Simple bolt ons and the most power you can get that way the LS3 is the clear winner. That being said the LS2 is a hell of an engine.
JUST as much power as the LS2 and they just sound better. Granted they are in a C5 so you will be going back a style but those things sound better (to me anyway), use the same heads (243s), get a larger cam (other than the 01 which is pretty much the same as the LS2), a better intake than the LS2, and they feel more race-like to me than the LS2, which I can say felt a little lazy in my friends car/cars.
If you plan to mod than the engine doesnt matter because sooner or later you will end up replacing it. Simple bolt ons and the most power you can get that way the LS3 is the clear winner. That being said the LS2 is a hell of an engine.
