LS6 or LS2 in a first gen, preferences?
#1
On The Tree
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LS6 or LS2 in a first gen, preferences?
I'm looking at 1st Gen CTS-V's and see that the LS6 and LS2 are rated the same. Is there any preference between the two motors? Which would you go for and why? I'd love an '09+ but the $$ just isn't there right now.
#2
TECH Fanatic
In stock form, you'd be hard pressed to detect much of a difference ... both are GREAT motors.
Modded, the LS2 might give you just a bit more performance because of the increased displacement, but one can always be made to one-up the other depending on how much money you're willing to plunk down.
My $0.02.
Modded, the LS2 might give you just a bit more performance because of the increased displacement, but one can always be made to one-up the other depending on how much money you're willing to plunk down.
My $0.02.
#3
I have an 07 and even though many don't like the LS2 (claimed Truck motor) it is the Gen 4 design that allows the LS3 Heads be upgraded to. The Gen 3 motors (LS1/6) have tremendous potential but are limited in Airflow characteristics. For a Blown application they are just fine though. The 07 (at least mine) also had the latest version of the rear end that seems to be more forgiving of abuse than the early ones. Any of these in a low mileage find are excellent and you won't regret it. IMO, the only thing better than mine would be a new one!!!!!
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#8
LS1Tech Sponsor
Both motors will be close, so I would just shop based on the overall vehicle, not just which motor it has. Whichever is the best bang for the buck!
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Im gunna chime in here and ask a related question. My ls6 04 V has 115k miles is stock for now (minus cai) and is perfect. I bought a 05 corvette parts car for the body parts and wound up with an extra 33k mile ls2. I was thinking about slapping on some l92 heads and ls3 top end cam etc and tossing that in my v. This is my dd (going to be) would there be a substantial difference between this and a cammed/bolt on ls6? Im all ears thanks.
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I think the LS6 will feel faster because it has more of a top end rush compared to its midrange. LS2 is going to be more even pulling, more sneaky fast. I notice the same thing on some motorcycles, some will feel faster than others, then you line them up and my low-revving torquey 1300 walks away easily.
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LS2 is known to put more power down, even stock for stock, across the entire band. Both engines are nasty and put the same hp and tq figures, just that the LS2 puts it a tiny bit stronger across the entire band.
[edit]
And what I'm saying is... it would come down to being a driver's race, obv... but how would the LS6 pull an LS2?
#17
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I went from 11.56 @ 117 with heads cam ls1(same disp. as ls6)
to a 10.89 @123 with the same heads cam with just a stock block ls2 swap
LS2 if you can all the way... and as far as that dyno comparison up top the ls2 has a smaller .525 lift cam in it I think and the ls6 should have the .550 cam if i remember right. Put that same .550 cam in the ls2 and it should have the 5.7 beat all the way.
Oh I also want to add i went from 21 mpg to 22 mpg with the ls2 swap, my data log showed I was 6% less TPS at 70mph...less load helped MPGs I'm thinking
to a 10.89 @123 with the same heads cam with just a stock block ls2 swap
LS2 if you can all the way... and as far as that dyno comparison up top the ls2 has a smaller .525 lift cam in it I think and the ls6 should have the .550 cam if i remember right. Put that same .550 cam in the ls2 and it should have the 5.7 beat all the way.
Oh I also want to add i went from 21 mpg to 22 mpg with the ls2 swap, my data log showed I was 6% less TPS at 70mph...less load helped MPGs I'm thinking
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The 04's and 05's I have driven are usually between 60k and 80k and definitely were no match for my car. They felt tired.
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I'll add this just to make your decision even more dfficult.
I've owned an '05 and now an '04 - both LS6 cars. Both reasonably low-mile stock cars.
I'd swear the '04 pulls harder.
Every car is a bit different.
I've owned an '05 and now an '04 - both LS6 cars. Both reasonably low-mile stock cars.
I'd swear the '04 pulls harder.
Every car is a bit different.