Hi,

I need a new engine and have been looking into upgrading from the LS1 to either an LS2 or LS3.

Is it a bigger step from an LS1 -> LS2 then it is from an LS2 -> LS3 ?

At the moment I am leaning towards an LS2 because of the cost, but if I will miss out a lot by not going for an LS3 I am not so sure anymore.


Anyone with thoughts or experience with similiar decisions (eg. would you choose the same engine again)?

Thanks!

 

Stock power numbers are widely available for all three, only you can decide whether it is worth the price difference.
What is it you think you will be missing out on?
Doing it over I'd stick with an ls1 and turbo it.

 

Unless you have money to burn have you considered a a LQ4 or LQ9? Much cheaper start and the extra money saved could be used to mod it

 

FI is not an option as it adds too much weight up front.

As we all know you can never get enough power :-)

Stock power for either alternative will suffice for a while and I was thinking it might be better to use more money now and maybe have to spend less in the future when upgrading.

HP-goal is 500hp at the flywheel with great driveability.

 

I must use an aluminium block because of weight.

 

The upgrades for all will be about the same price won't they? I mean , a cam is a cam is a cam and headers are headers regardless.

 

Sure the price of upgrades will be the same, all I was implying is that the money saved by going the LQ route could be put into more mods...thus getting more bang for the buck

 

Ok, I was under the impression that an LS1 needs more work done (at least heads and cam) than an LS2 or LS3 (cam only?) to reach 500hp.

 

I would happily add the 40 or 50 lbs for an intercooled SC for the extra 200hp. Then I would do a backflip of joy.

 

Might, but then they are much cheaper to start with. It seems like there must be information we are not privy to. Are you racing or in a situation where weight is regulated? Will 500hp do something 450 will not? For what it's worth (not much) I think I'm going to sell my 6.2 and use the money to buy an ls1 and a t56. Gears are worth more to me than 0.5 L.

 

LS2 is a great option. 24 reluctor means you can use your existing ECM, throttle body, and cable driven accelerator pedal. LS2 is also the favorite block for re-sleeving, if that ever needs to happen. Good heads to port w/out repurchase. Not much work to harness, just knock sensors. Weight savings are excellent, unless you don't street drive and want the FI.

Only downside is they are not as common. In the end, it may come down to availability in your area.

 

Well, that wasn't a good night... I'm usually better at not letting dumb stuff like that get under my skin...

 

Whoa...Rumble. I hope you don't drive like you type!

We all get frustrated and enraged with each other - IT'S AN EPIDEMIC!

You have 1100 posts, he has 44. Many people have helped you, are helping you, and I know you are frustrated. Please learn to be gracious with those you feel are not up to your level. You will be a better person for it, I promise you.

Pastor Brian (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School graduate)

 

Amen.

 

In hindsight, it seems that my aggravation came from kristov's response to this post:
THAT was an entirely reasonable response to the specs posted thus far. Shooting that response down on the basis of previously-unmentioned criteria was (IMS-HO) gratuitous & pointless.

Of course, others will differ - which is 110% OK with me.

 

Rumble - I like your build and your car. I've had some setbacks myself, but nothing like yours. To him that endures...

The OP put the LS2 squarely in the middle of the conversation: LS1->LS2 LS2->LS3. These are all aluminum blocks as you know. The subject, the thread title, the discussion matter is all about aluminum blocks.

Then (I'll dramatically over-emphasize for effect):
An iron block jihadist stated that if you don't convert to iron block jihadism, then the OP is an infidel: convert him or kill him (flame him). Force him to flee to the mountain-top to wait for humanitarian help to fall from the sky. Mock his beliefs.
HCI2000SS - I've read some of your posts and you're a smart guy. I'm way over-stating the case, here. It's a kind thing to alert someone to alternatives which they are not considering. I've been helped that way. But it was a little condescending to imply that you're wasting money and being stupid, if you don't give up aluminum and convert to iron - just my opinion. I'm not trying to pick a fight. The OP has a right to his thread w/out forced conversions or FI. Those few words starting the ball rolling and it may not have been your intent, IMO. e-communication is difficult and I'm guilty, too.

The LS2 being a Gen IV is unique in that it can easily convert to Gen III, or with it's 4.0" bore can go further with Gen IV. This adaptability certainly puts it in the middle like the thread title has it. Purchasing a versatile block may not be wasting money after all.

I have one, it's stock with CAI and SW headers. The hp curve does not fall off! After the Mark Williams 12 bolt install, I'll recover and one day be able to call myself: HCI1989WS6

Peace

 

They are all great engines that produce amazing power with a cam, intake and headers, but the LS3 just has more potential mainly because of the heads. You can upgrade the heads on LS1s and LS2s, but the LS3 comes with great heads. Also, the factory Intake on the LS3 is far superior to the others, so that is 1 less piece to have to upgrade. For me, if budget allows, LS3 hands down.

 

Speedtigger is right, and thats why my new motor is a LS3. kristov you sad FI is out because of the weight? not sure how you figure that.

I had a LS1 Stang and it ran great, dyno'ed around 365 I think, my new LS3 should dyno around 475 to 500 range and still be just as streetable as my old LS1. But now I have a good set of heads, CNC and finished hand ported.

 

GM made a LOT of improvements to the LS2 and beyond blocks/coils/rotating parts/heads etc. Lots of articles if you wish to read up on upgrades. The 4" bore of the 6.0L and larger motors allows LS3 style heads, not an option on the LS1 and smaller bores.

LS2/3 motors have much more potential upside, but like said before you have to pay for it.

 

You can do that with the ls1 with a good set of heads/cam combo