Hey guys,

I'm getting closer and closer to finally purchasing a vette and I have it narrowed down to a couple options. I've decided I like the styling of the C6 and I'm fairly certain I'd like to go with something like the APS TT setup down the line. The car would be 90% daily driven weather providing and from what I understand, 550hp or so should be streetable.

Since I know what power levels I'd like to achieve, I'm wondering if there's much to be gained by moving to the LS3. Stock numbers are very impressive, but honestly if I can pull off the power I want with just a bit more boost then it doesn't seem worth it to spend the extra cash.

Given the fact that used cars don't bother me, is this a solid option? I'm assuming the new heads and better power "out of the box" would mean boosting the LS3 is slightly safer but how much so?

In my eyes, I could have a C6 much sooner going with an 05 and then be able to slap the turbos on when the car is in storage the following winter rather than having a larger car payment and more time before getting her boosted .

 

Right off the bat I would say the cylinder heads and slightly lower compression of the LS3 might make for the better starting point for a turbo/twin turbo set up (especially if you're using a stock long block and not forged internals) but then some will argue that the slightly thicker cylinder walls/space between the cylinders of the 6.0L would be better suited to boost.
Can't go wrong with either one.


That would be my FIRST choice for a project like this, get the least expensive car possible and leave more ca$h for the modding process.
A Cartek Racing built 6.0L with some twin turbos can make for a very nasty set up.

 

Yeah that was my thought as well. The LS3 would be the better platform to start a TT project like this, but better by how much? It sounds like we both feel that all said and done, I'm not really "losing" a whole lot by going with the LS2 option other than some possible safety/reliability since the LS3 has slightly lower compression. Both cars should have no problem hitting the power levels I'm looking to achieve when boosted without massive overhauls to the fuel system, bottom end, etc.

That being said, you raise a valid point about building the engine for the specific application I'm planning on going with. I could pick up a nice set of heads, etc. with the extra change I'd have in my pocket .

Looks like an '05 may be in my near future!