Ls2 v. Ls3
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 182
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From: Houston
Ls2 v. Ls3 Hopefully looking at getting a C6 sometime this year and wanted some feedback that would justify spending the extra money for an 08 LS3 as opposed to saving a few grand and getting the LS2.
Obviously there's power difference, but if I recall correctly, I read something about the LS3's having some kind of torque management system that were robbing the LS3's of their potential down low. Can someone please chime in on this? Also, didnt the transmission change in 08? And whats the benefits of the new transmission?
I heard all new C6s are coming with the Z51 package but I dont think this was true until 09...
As far as the different trim levels, are 08 and 09 the same?
Thanks for the input.
Obviously there's power difference, but if I recall correctly, I read something about the LS3's having some kind of torque management system that were robbing the LS3's of their potential down low. Can someone please chime in on this? Also, didnt the transmission change in 08? And whats the benefits of the new transmission?
I heard all new C6s are coming with the Z51 package but I dont think this was true until 09...
As far as the different trim levels, are 08 and 09 the same?
Thanks for the input.
The 08+ auto got the a6 in them. The ls2 has torque management. I think 08 they added blue tooth option. In 08 z51 was still an option, not sure on 09. My dad has an 08 ls3 a6 and its fun. Still haven't played with the paddle shifters yet.
The A6 started in 2006. Starting in 08, the M6 is different, it shifts like butter onced warmed up.
Bone stock times for the LS3 haven't met expectations because TM does seem to be hitting them more than the LS2. MPH is higher though.
The 08 has a bit nicer steering and interior than 06/07. The more you will mod the car, the more sense it makes to consider the LS2 and use the money towards mods. The M6 LS3 gets to 410 - 425 RWHP with headers, CAI, and a tune. That's hard to beat.
Bone stock times for the LS3 haven't met expectations because TM does seem to be hitting them more than the LS2. MPH is higher though.
The 08 has a bit nicer steering and interior than 06/07. The more you will mod the car, the more sense it makes to consider the LS2 and use the money towards mods. The M6 LS3 gets to 410 - 425 RWHP with headers, CAI, and a tune. That's hard to beat.
Staging Lane
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 96
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From: Belen, NM
14 more cubes, better heads, better intake, improved steering are some of the main mechanical differences. If you are going to mod the Vette, then the torque management can be taken out in a tune.
If you are going to mod the engine with a CAI, headers and tune. You will get to about 400rwhp on the LS3. With the same mods on the LS2, you will make about 360rwhp.
I think it really depends on what your power goals are. If you want the max power with bolt ons or want to add a cam and so forth later, get the LS3. You can get to 500rwhp. With max bolt ons, HCI on a LS2 you will get to about 475-480rwhp. If you do not plan on modding you can save the cash and just get an LS2.
If you are going to mod the engine with a CAI, headers and tune. You will get to about 400rwhp on the LS3. With the same mods on the LS2, you will make about 360rwhp.
I think it really depends on what your power goals are. If you want the max power with bolt ons or want to add a cam and so forth later, get the LS3. You can get to 500rwhp. With max bolt ons, HCI on a LS2 you will get to about 475-480rwhp. If you do not plan on modding you can save the cash and just get an LS2.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 182
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From: Houston
Well I'm thinking just intake, exhaust, and tune will be sufficient. I wasn't aware the torque management could be tuned out so easily. So the ls2's have torque management also? It's just not interferring as much on the ls2's or what?
Hell, I think I would be happy with a cat back & tune on an ls3...not to mention the slicker shifting gearbox... Does it hold up better to some abuse?
Also, what exactly changed with the steering?
Hell, I think I would be happy with a cat back & tune on an ls3...not to mention the slicker shifting gearbox... Does it hold up better to some abuse?
Also, what exactly changed with the steering?
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Both the LS2 and LS3 have TM. Both can have it mostly tuned out.
Catback's on a basically stock LS3 don't add any real power. it's just about being louder.
Steering feel in the 08 is a little more "connected" to the road. It's an improvement, but its not a night and day difference IMO.
If you are going with a CAI and a tune, get the LS3.
Catback's on a basically stock LS3 don't add any real power. it's just about being louder.
Steering feel in the 08 is a little more "connected" to the road. It's an improvement, but its not a night and day difference IMO.
If you are going with a CAI and a tune, get the LS3.
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If you want to heavily mod (larger shortblock 416, 427+ and everything else) grab a cheap 06 LS2 but only to save money doing it, otherwise, LS3.
I see 06 LS2's around me for $26-27K
Around here, LS3's are still $36-38K. $10K can go along way if you want to rip it apart like me. Otherwise, a cammed LS3 will be more than you will ever need.
I see 06 LS2's around me for $26-27K
Around here, LS3's are still $36-38K. $10K can go along way if you want to rip it apart like me. Otherwise, a cammed LS3 will be more than you will ever need.
The A6 started in 2006. Starting in 08, the M6 is different, it shifts like butter onced warmed up.
Bone stock times for the LS3 haven't met expectations because TM does seem to be hitting them more than the LS2. MPH is higher though.
The 08 has a bit nicer steering and interior than 06/07. The more you will mod the car, the more sense it makes to consider the LS2 and use the money towards mods. The M6 LS3 gets to 410 - 425 RWHP with headers, CAI, and a tune. That's hard to beat.
Bone stock times for the LS3 haven't met expectations because TM does seem to be hitting them more than the LS2. MPH is higher though.
The 08 has a bit nicer steering and interior than 06/07. The more you will mod the car, the more sense it makes to consider the LS2 and use the money towards mods. The M6 LS3 gets to 410 - 425 RWHP with headers, CAI, and a tune. That's hard to beat.
If you want to heavily mod (larger shortblock 416, 427+ and everything else) grab a cheap 06 LS2 but only to save money doing it, otherwise, LS3.
I see 06 LS2's around me for $26-27K
Around here, LS3's are still $36-38K. $10K can go along way if you want to rip it apart like me. Otherwise, a cammed LS3 will be more than you will ever need.
I see 06 LS2's around me for $26-27K
Around here, LS3's are still $36-38K. $10K can go along way if you want to rip it apart like me. Otherwise, a cammed LS3 will be more than you will ever need.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,234
Likes: 1
From: Mississauga, Ontario
I would definitely go for the LS3 if I were in your position, as right out of the box you're going to be about 2-3 tenths quicker and it's always nice to get the newest one you can afford since they've made slight improvements in many areas with each new model year. But at the same time, if you find a real nice LS2 C6 in a color you want and it ends up being quite a few thousand less, don't let the fact that it's an LS2 stop you from getting it. The LS2 can run mid to low 12s right out of the box, that's pretty darn quick no matter how you look at it.
