Greg C

I'm in the market for an LS engine for my pro-touring '68 Chevelle project.
My plan is to get a new crate engine from GM Performance Parts.

I'm building my car for cruising and touring and am not interested in trying to increase the horsepower of whatever new crate engine I decide to get.
The horsepower of a stock LS6 or LS3 will be plenty for me.
I'm mainly interested in dependability, quality, and a smooth idle with the engine I go with (I dislike the lopey sound of some high output engines).

I was completely unfamiliar with LS engines and have been educating myself about them (I'm in the middle of my 2nd LS engine book).
I believe I have my choice narrowed down to either an LS6 or an LS3.

I've been told that the LS3 has more potential for increasing horsepower, but given the fact that I'm not interested in increasing horsepower beyond the stock output of either of these two engines, what other advantages are there in the GEN4 LS3 that would justify spending $1500 more for it?

Also, how smooth of an idle do both of these engines have?

Thanks,
-Greg

JHL88

i can't speak for the LS6 but id imagine its street manners are very good considering its just an ls1 on steroids. the LS3 is pretty much a step above an LS6 in pretty much every category as you know. LS3 idles quite well a little rougher than my LS1 was but thats expected. given your circumstance, i think an LS6 would suffice just because you're not looking to upgrade on power. plus LS6's are more rare than LS3's are. in 1970 they did have an LS6 454 engine code which was its highest output powerplant so you could say your chevelle has an ls6 in it lol

Greg C

But, is it $1500 worth of a step?

-Greg

Greg C

An authorized GMPP dealer is about 50 miles from me and he has a new crate LS6 for $5300.

-Greg

tippy

iTrader: (1)

LS3 has variable valve timing so you can't run a monster cam. Should be pretty damned smooth and get great mileage. More powerful engine for sure. L92 heads are really good as well. These are what led me to getting one, of course it is in the classifieds now but that is another story.

Hope that helps

HioSSilver

iTrader: (8)

I have seen new ls6 crates for $3295 but I forget where. The ls6 is a awesome engine all the way around, I have one in my camaro (check the sig for performance). The ls3 I'm sure is little stronger....probally in the range of 30hp more.

BLK95-Z

iTrader: (2)

Since your not really worried about performance Id get the LS6 and spend the $1500 somewere else.

JHL88

thats subjective. is $1500 worth an extra 25 HP/25 or so TQ? and cubic inches.. thats all it comes down to in a nutshell.

LS6 is a very capable engine and reliable at that. judging by your wants for your '68 the LS6 suits you well in my opinion. you could take that extra $1500 and save it (especially how the economy is) or spend it on some tires, wheels etc. or whatever you need for your car.

$5300 is a pretty fair price from a GM dealer. im sure you could find a better deal privately or from different vendors

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

what trans are you going with and how much will this car weigh?


id get an ls3 either way.

icemanrd19

why dont you have a ls2 listed?

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

wrong...L99 has VVT not the LS3.

ULTIMATEORANGESS

iTrader: (4)

thats a good option too.

JHL88

wow... i def. overlooked that one. i think it was bc OP says he was buying it from GMPP and i don't even see a LS2 listed in their engine showcase for some reason.

tippy

iTrader: (1)

Gah I always think the L92 and the LS3 are the same, you are correct the LS3 is VVT free but I did read about people adding it which sounded pretty interesting.

dr_whigham

iTrader: (49)

Honestly, I think it will come down to your personal preference. Do you want a 5.7, 6.0, or a 6.2? Of course HP goes up with CI. They all idle smooth if you don't put a cam in them. Personally, I'd get either an LS2 or LS3.

Greg C

Yeah, I've had a couple other guys at another site tell me about a good price on a crate LS6 and LS3, but no one can quite remember where they heard about it or who sells it.


A fellow on another site told me the ECM and engine controls on Gen IV LS engines are much improved over the Gen III LS engines.
I don't yet have any other verification of that, other than him telling me so.


I'll be getting a strong automatic with overdrive from Chris at CK Performance.
I'm going to guesstimate the final weight of my car at around 3600 pounds.


Very good point. Consideration of the LS2 sort of slipped my mind recently because they don't have one listed at the GMPP web site.
I'll have to take a longer look at the LS2 also.

Also, I would appreciate any information about any reputable LS engine vendors with better prices than GMPP.

Thanks,
-Greg

Jimmy P

iTrader: (177)

Scoggin Dickey Performance tends to post about some LS6 crate engine sale for under $3500 from time to time. They are a sponsor on this forum. Call them and see what their current pricing is.

Starz T/A 17

iTrader: (6)

If you do the whole "well for X dollars more I could get this.. is it worth it" And before you know it your double over your budget. I would first decide what power level and requirements you want in the car and then get the cheapest engine that will meet those goals.

LeanPocket

iTrader: (6)

a big car requires big displacement, go with the ls3 greg. 6.2L jus sounds dirty!

I love the z06 ls6, and the bragging rights "yeh its got a z06 motor in it" and might have better fuel economy aswell..

ehh i think in the long run a ls3 would be the best option, you won't regret it or have second thoughts

SOMbitch

iTrader: (8)

Crate engine depot used to have LS6's >3.5k if you ordered it for a Caddy application...