Generation IV Internal Engine - why 418 ls3 over 402 ls2??? advantages?

i am about to buy a stroker short block for my 02 camaro(along with heads,cam,exc.). i was going to get an aluminum 402ci ls2 but i recently saw the 418ci ls3 blocks. now i am rethinking what to get. what are the advantages of a 418ci ls3 over a 402ci ls2 (other than the obvious more displacement)? their isn't much difference in the displacement(dosen't seem like enough to do much). both the shortblocks cost about the same so why get one over the other? if they cost the same then why doesn't everyone get the 418ci instead of the 402ci. is one block better even though they are both aluminum? is it harder to swap an ls3 block into an ls1 f-body than an ls2 block(different senors/wiring?)? yes, i have done a search but i havent found anything that directly answered my question.

anyone?

Displacement, you already know that though.
The 416 cost more due to the block costing more, sometimes that $400 makes all the difference for people

i dont mind paying a little more if it could get me a little more power. are their any more pros/cons?

......crickets.......

416/418 will have a larger bore. That is a plus. For the price diff, there really isnt a better reason to go up. They dont range that much higher like blanco said.

are they as strong of a block? everything the same? sensors and connections?

For the most part you are buying a short block which does not come with many extra features, but yes they are almost basically the same. Not much difference.

the ls3 block has been worked over by GM to be stronger (they are using the new design for the ZR1)

i have been reading up on the differences as well, and something came up about bad oiling. thats why the vette has the dry sump. i dont know how accurate this is. im still looking into it. im on the border for a LS2 or LS3 too.

I recently purchased a 416 stroker from Scoggin and couldn't be happier with it.

LS3!!! thats a no brainer

If the price difference isn't an issue for you, then there is nothing to consider. LS3 all the way. Very easy call.

It's all in what you do to build the motor, the block in a since is dumn. It's mostly the cam and heads that are going to make you your power. So if you match the right heads and cam to the motor you are building it should be a monster.. I am currently building a 408ci LQ9 6.0L for my Camaro and I am going to use the heads that I already have on the car (Trick flow 215cnc heads). I have been working with some of the best in the buisness to help me get this motor together and hit my goals I have set. I had to change a few things up to get to where I need to be but you know how it is!! You have to pay to play!! Good luck with your choice!!

i have been reading up on the differences as well, and something came up about bad oiling. thats why the vette has the dry sump. i dont know how accurate this is. im still looking into it. im on the border for a LS2 or LS3 too.

I have only heard rumors about it having oiling issues on a roadcourse racing circuit due to higher RPMs and high G's in the corners. The LS3 does not have a dry sump. Only the LS7/LS9 in the vette now. So, those are for higher perf cars that are really made for road course and such, not really built for straight line.

Dont put too much faith into internet rumors. Even if it is "proven", how many times has it happened? Is it fully documented? Did it happen to the person in question, or just someone they knew? See how easily a story falls apart?

I've got a 418 LS3 going in my build... The motor ran strong in the Camaro it was in. I got to ride in it prior to buying it and I can't wait to get it running in my Monte Carlo.

In addition to the extra cost of the block, I am pretty sure you will have to do some CPU upgrades as well.

i have a ls3 416 in my 2000 firebird, and i love it!!!!!! 10.46 at 129 na!!!

In addition to the extra cost of the block, I am pretty sure you will have to do some CPU upgrades as well.


No ECU changes needed. When you build your short block you select the correct crankshaft reluctor wheel and the correct sprocket for your camshaft for the cam sensor and you will have zero issues with the ECU.

I have heard that the LS3 strokers are not good for boost because the longer rod puts it higher up in the piston, which in return you don't have as much meat there in the top of the piston. Does anyone know if this is true or not? I currently can't decide which one for my boosted application because of this rumor or not.

Basically all stroked applications are like that. Dont trust all the internet heresay

i have a ls3 416 in my 2000 firebird, and i love it!!!!!! 10.46 at 129 na!!!

Wow! Any details on your build, please?

possibly getting a 418 and with tfs 235s.. need help choosing a really stout hyd roller cam

the bigger bore (LS3) will allow for better flow and more power i was gunna do a 402 and for my goals which is around 600whp LS3 seems like the better choice

yeah im ting a ls3 i know they make more power. just wondering if need change cam or anything like that.. wanna get close to 600 rwhp as possioble..still yet streetable...some

yup same thing im lookin to do

600 rwhp out of an ls3 is a big task , are you guys running e85?

no dont want to get into all the e85 crap.. i mean if i dont get 600 thats fine but 570-580 would be ideal also.

with the right heads and cam its pretty easily achievable no e85 for me either

What wouod it cost for a 418 build?

Dietcoke as over 600 RWHP in his Camaro5 w/TSP LS3 429 with TSP small bore LS7s and a big cam.(to me)

IMO 600RWHP is probably going to be not as streetable as a more realistic figure. Remember, If you can't get 500HP to the ground, well. you know. LOL> I'd rather have a better mannered car than dyne bragging rights. Besides....... someone else will ALWAYS have more money than you.

probably the real reason for dry sump in the newer vettes is GROUND CLEARANCE.

I ended up going for a dry sleaved ls2 block. It didn't cost all that much and it allowed for a larger bore.

600hp is still not terribly unstreetable texas speed short block is like 5 grand heads and cam 2400 thats a very rough estimate