Generation IV Internal Engine 2005-2014 LS2 | LS3 | LS7 | L92 | LS9

LS2 vs LS3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 4, 2019 | 06:04 PM
  #1  
bigsapper's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: Usa
Question LS2 vs LS3

Hi!

I recently got into a 2004 C5 Corvette. I'm looking to the (distant) future on a 400+ci build. I've noticed quite a few C5 builds using an LS2 base for the build, typically 402ci. Alternatively, a common large cube package using the LS3 is 441ci.

Considering the are both Gen Iv blocks, is there a reason to prefer the LS2 over the LS3? I would think in either case, you have the same set of problems to solve for replacing an LS1/LS6.

Thanks for reading!
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2019 | 06:06 PM
  #2  
bigsapper's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: Usa
Default

Mods, if this thread is more appropriate in the Gen IV section, please move.

Thanks for moving the thread.

Last edited by bigsapper; Jan 4, 2019 at 08:05 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2019 | 07:27 AM
  #3  
99 Black Bird T/A's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,638
Likes: 1,499
Default

LS2 vs LS3

I've read the LS2 block is better if one plans to do a sleeved set up. It's been said LS2 blocks can sometimes go .030 over for 4.030 bore. I don't know how common those block are to find.

LS2 blocks seem to be less expensive.
New LS2 block under $1,300
New LS3 block over $1,900

​​​The LS3 has the bigger stock bore.

LS2 402/408 stroker vs LS3 416 stroker - the difference ~8 to 14 cubes. Say 10 to 15 hp for NA applications. Is that worth $600? I would say depends on the person and their budget.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2019 | 08:00 AM
  #4  
bigsapper's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: Usa
Default

Thanks. Ideally, I'd like to go 454. Saw a Tony Mamo build just went up for sale. 2 years too soon for me, lol.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2019 | 08:20 AM
  #5  
Darth_V8r's Avatar
Moderator
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 10,451
Likes: 1,873
From: My own internal universe
Default

Might be cheaper to grab a used ls7 short block. 427 are not too shabby
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2019 | 08:18 PM
  #6  
99 Black Bird T/A's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,638
Likes: 1,499
Default

Definitely agree that a used LS7 short block would be much better bang for the buck vs making a 454 out of an LS2 or LS3.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2019 | 09:35 PM
  #7  
bigsapper's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: Usa
Default

Looking around at some of these builds, I might get to my performance goals with a little smaller ci. Looking to hit 10.9x in 3,500 DA without going over .600 lift. I've seen a couple of 402 LS2 builds that are right there, but too much lift & converter than I want. Figured I'd make it up with cubes.

I have a strong preference to go 454. Looking at the RHS block, too.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2019 | 10:32 PM
  #8  
Darth_V8r's Avatar
Moderator
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 10,451
Likes: 1,873
From: My own internal universe
Default

Can get a 454 on a LS next block for 6k from shafiroff. I almost did but went 428 instead
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 15, 2019 | 04:23 AM
  #9  
cmysix's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
5 Year Member
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 360
Likes: 26
From: Opelika Alabama
Default

LOOK at my SIG. this is what my lowly LS2 is up to without much work. About to bolt a set of TRICK flows on, wonder what that will do?
Reply
Old Jan 15, 2019 | 06:18 AM
  #10  
bigsapper's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: Usa
Default

Nice! Any 1/4 mile times?
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:12 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE