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LS2 w/ LS3 top end VS. LS3... power potential and differences?

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Old Jun 12, 2009 | 01:00 PM
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Default LS2 w/ LS3 top end VS. LS3... power potential and differences?

I am looking at building another engine, and I want to go with a stock displacement LS2 or LS3 engine. I want to use the LS3 top end with this setup, and there is a significant difference in cost between the bottom ends. What advantages, other than a few cubic inches, would the LS3 bottom end have over the LS2, and would there be a noticeable difference in power and torque on a naturally aspirated motor? Thanks!
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Old Jun 12, 2009 | 11:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike94ZLT1
I am looking at building another engine, and I want to go with a stock displacement LS2 or LS3 engine. I want to use the LS3 top end with this setup, and there is a significant difference in cost between the bottom ends. What advantages, other than a few cubic inches, would the LS3 bottom end have over the LS2, and would there be a noticeable difference in power and torque on a naturally aspirated motor? Thanks!
Nice location - sounds familiar... As far as the bottom end goes, pretty much the same besides a few cubic inches. The heads between the LS2 and LS3 are what makes the difference.
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Old Jun 13, 2009 | 01:20 AM
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LS3 intake is better than the LS2 too.
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Old Jun 13, 2009 | 02:47 AM
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Stock for stock the ls3 is better. but aftermarket is still better for ls1/ls2. a year they will be the same. I still like the aftermarket ls2 stuff over ls3 and some time over ls7 heads because of the greater power band.

TO help pick out which would be the better head for your engine we need to know. engine size/ rpms range/ type of use/ weight of car /
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Old Jun 13, 2009 | 03:27 AM
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no significant cost difference on the bottom end, might want to put some TFs on that thing instead of the l92
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 07:52 AM
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The extra bore on the LS3 unshrouds the exhaust valve more. The extra bore is worth more than just the increased displacement when using those heads.
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