LS2 vs LS3

[paulk68]

I am looking at a LS2 motor and was wondering if there are any disadvantages a LS2 has compared to a LS3? i know it is smaller cubic inches but it can still be built to have some pretty good power right? are there any other little things you can think of about a Ls2 swap into a 68 camaro. let me know thanks

[Schwartz Performance]

No disadvantages. If you're building it up from scratch get a crank with a 58 tooth reluctor wheel though.. Then the computer and wiring harness to match.

-Dale

[paulk68]

No disadvantages. If you're building it up from scratch get a crank with a 58 tooth reluctor wheel though.. Then the computer and wiring harness to match.

-Dale

Thank you that is exactley the type of stuff i am looking for, so an aftermarker computer and wiring harness would work with it right. no special pedal or anything?
thanks

[jwcarguy]

It will depend on your "final" engine configuration ( ie DBW or DBC throttle body, intake manifold (map sensor location), maf sensor type, cam sensor/ knock sensors, etc etc)
and as Dale stated, which crank reluctor wheel you will have? (early LS2's were 24x, later ones and LS3 are 58x) pcm has to match/ compatible with it
the later model 58x pcm/ crank, I hear from good tuners , are more desirable
But as in everything, it comes down to your usage and budget when it pertains to which parts you "need" / can afford, rather than "want" and are "overkill" for your intended use ??

the LS2's are going to be cheaper, since they are older/ smaller, but keep in mind that there are many different configurations of a 6.0L
Are you set on a complete pullout or build fro scratch?

some 6.0L's have the cathedral port heads, some have the "LS3" style rectangle port heads

I have a buddy here in Vegas that is swapping a LSX 427 into his GTO and will be selling his cammed/ valvetrain upgraded L76 6.0L ("LS3" top end) engine for sale

[SShep71]

The 58 tooth reluctor will offer better, more accurate cam position referencing. Its supposedly easier for tuning and over all a better design.

The LS3/L92 heads are far better and more efficient than the cathedral port heads, they flow better on the intake and exhaust.

The internals are better, the rods are a better composition and the pistons are normally coated and stronger.

[srh3trinity]

The L76 is a nice bang for the buck. Essentially an ls2 with ls3 heads and the pullouts are usually cheaper than an ls3. If I had it to do over again, I would probably go that route and skip the machine shop.

[jwcarguy]

The L76 is a nice bang for the buck. Essentially an ls2 with ls3 heads and the pullouts are usually cheaper than an ls3. If I had it to do over again, I would probably go that route and skip the machine shop.

Plus, the one that my buddy has, already has a cam and supporting valvetrain upgrades (springs and pushrods)
great engine, just going way bigger and more $$$$ with a LSX Dart 427

[SShep71]

Stephen is right, the L76 (08-09 pontiac G8) is essentially an Ls2 block with L92 heads. They are pricey though, a better alternative IMO is the LY6 is the same thing but an iron block.

[srh3trinity]

Stephen is right, the L76 (08-09 pontiac G8) is essentially an Ls2 block with L92 heads. They are pricey though, a better alternative IMO is the LY6 is the same thing but an iron block.
They are pricey compared to an LY6, but I have seen them sale for less than LS2's and I think it is because people just don't know which engine codes to search for. I will probably do an LY6 or L76 in a C10 after I get my Firebird finished. It is getting a 418 LS3.