Ls2 vs Ls3
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,265
Likes: 673
From: Oskaloosa, Iowa
Ls2 vs Ls3 I spent some time researching and got some conflicting data. Strictly speaking of the block itself some say the ls3 is stronger while others say the ls2 has thicker liners.
So for an all forged boosted build with a 24t reluctor is there any significant difference in strength between the blocks?
Also if using a cathedral top end with a wire driven throttle body on either short block the swap into an ls1 vehicle is the same regardless which block I choose correct? Just the cam sensor location, ls2 valley cover, and moving the knock sensors to the side of the block are required for either block when using cathedral heads and ls6 intake correct?
So for an all forged boosted build with a 24t reluctor is there any significant difference in strength between the blocks?
Also if using a cathedral top end with a wire driven throttle body on either short block the swap into an ls1 vehicle is the same regardless which block I choose correct? Just the cam sensor location, ls2 valley cover, and moving the knock sensors to the side of the block are required for either block when using cathedral heads and ls6 intake correct?
Last edited by BCNUL8R; Feb 18, 2019 at 06:51 AM.
My understanding is the LS2 & LS3 liners are the same thickness but the liners are more accurately centered in an LS2 block. So after boring and honing the LS2 liner thickness is more uniform in most cases resulting in less thin spots.
Given the bore is .065 bigger with the same thickness liner in an LS3, I think the block is very slightly weaker. I think Race Engine Development posted some details on block strength but I can't find the thread. If I recall correctly Steve at RED said LS2 was slight stronger.
This maybe of interest to read.
YB LS2 vs LS3 block discussion
LS1TECH - block strength
Given the bore is .065 bigger with the same thickness liner in an LS3, I think the block is very slightly weaker. I think Race Engine Development posted some details on block strength but I can't find the thread. If I recall correctly Steve at RED said LS2 was slight stronger.
This maybe of interest to read.
YB LS2 vs LS3 block discussion
LS1TECH - block strength
Last edited by 99 Black Bird T/A; Feb 18, 2019 at 08:36 AM.
10 Second Club
Joined: May 2009
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From: over dere
Ls2 is a better produced block, but the ls3 block is also fine. Just the cylinders are cast slightly crooked then honed straight so you have to be careful with an ls3 block when boring them out larger
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,265
Likes: 673
From: Oskaloosa, Iowa
Thank you guys. I'm not looking for insane power levels as I will be sticking with my D1x. I want to stick with an aluminum block and figured if one was significantly stronger I would go that route. Based upon the links provided and my own research I'll be going with an ls2 block. I plan to buy a short block not build it myself. I want all forged internals including the crank, but will stick with the stock stroke.
