1BadMoFo

Hey all, I am in the market for a C6, trying to spend no more than 30K out the door.

At this price point, there are very few manual LS3's within a couple hundred miles of me, but a fair amount of 2005-07's available.

So, was there any specific reason that the LS2 was only used for 3 years, and then the LS3 came out? I'm going to try hard to find the right LS3, but really just wondering if I am putting too much thought into the difference between the two. I have had 3 different LS1 powered cars and all of them were incredible so I'm sure I would be perfectly happy with the LS2.

Any feedback would be appreciated. TIA.

Vette_DD

Boosted engine size and HP? 364 cubic inch engine to 376 cubic inch engine and 400 HP to 430 HP.

1BadMoFo

Yeah I am aware of the power difference. Thanks.

USA1LBvert

Well this thread should set off a wild fire. Lol. I think the statement above says it all. I myself have an 06 with the ls2 and I am more than happy. Seems like the ls3 has a better intake and heads. The ls2 is very stout and takes very well to power upgrades. Have driven the ls3 and I did not feel that seat of the pants difference. Lots on here do say the trans is better on the 06 and up but I can’t verify that myself.

HOXXOH

If you're not into any sort of competition, the engine won't make a difference. The other differences between the '06-'07 and the '08+ are not enough to notice.

FatsWaller

Not a bad summary of LS engines here: https://www.corvsport.com/complete-h...of-ls-engines/

_zebra

the 06-07s still used the t56, and the tr6060 came out with the LS3 in 08.
slap some LS3 heads/intake on the LS2, and you'll have a cheap power bump.

Turbo6TA

Yup ...

1BadMoFo

ok, so no specific negative reason for the change. That is what I was hoping.

BuckeyeRay

I was in the same boat, but I held out for the LS3. Mainly it's a reliability issue for me: the research I did (talked to some Corvette mechanics, YouTube, this forum) led me to believe that the LS2 is somewhat less reliable than the LS3. There may not be anything there, but I didn't want to take any chances, or any more than necessary lol! Got my higher mileage 08 for 27k.

cadyshac

I can't answer why LS2 only lasted 3 years but I have had LS2,3,7 & T56, TR6060 and have nothing bad to say about any of them. Both the T56 and TR6060 are famous for being "notchy" when cold and making those first couple of shifts from 1st to 2nd but that's it, (well my LS7 hasn't blown up yet so there's that I guess)
Good luck, I wouldn't be afraid to get the right LS2 vette.

Chatman

I think that other variables should be more important, like Z51 or other options. Heck, I would even put color over whether LS2 or 3.

ruxvette

Lots of folks have put well over 100,000 miles on their LS2's. I think HOXXOH posted a picture of his turning over 100,000 miles at 100 MPH.
Sure. there are exceptions but if you do proper maintenance the LS2's will last.

BuckeyeRay

Survivor bias lol!
I look at it this way: if the LS2 has a 2% chance of having an issue and the LS3 has a 1% chance (I'm making these numbers up out of thin air), why take the chance? Like I said, there may not be anything there.

6 Shooter

Bigger and better 🏁

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/ve...te-ls3-engine/

1BadMoFo

I am with you buckeye, I just feel that they made the change for a reason, but I haven’t seen anything negative yet so I am pumped.

I have a lead on an 07 that looks really nice so far, only 31K miles. Base though. No mag ride, or NPP exhaust or Z51 package. Or was it Z16 then?

Sorry, had a few cars already, but not a C6.

1BadMoFo

great article. thx

BMF_C6

Just turned 121K on my 05 M6 LS2 with no substantial issues to date except the normal LS items over the years.

4SUMERZ

I have an 06 LS2 with 120K mikes, no issues at all, and still with original HB.

JasonAndrew

I'll have to disagree. I had an 05, and when I test drove my 12, night and day difference on the 6 speed. It shifted much better.