LS2 vs LS3

[scherp69]

So as some of you may know, I'm leaning towards doing a LS conversion in my 68 Acadian. I was going to get a motor from the states, but I found a place in Vancouver that has great prices on LS crate engines from GM. I've been looking at aftermarket parts for the engines and found that the LS2 has way more than the LS3. A few of the parts say they are for both. One thing I was looking at was a March pulley kit for it. The one kit says it will fit the LS1, 2 and 7, but not the LS3. I was also hoping to be able to use one of the Weind polished LS1 intake, but now I don't think it will fit.

What are the differences between the LS2 and LS3? Am I better off going with the LS2 for aftermarket parts? Which ever one I go with, I plan on putting in a new cam and some other performance mods. Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I don't know much at all about LS engines. Thanks.

[MCMLXIX]

I just purchased a crate LS3 with the GM hot cam already installed. It bumped it from 430 to 480 hp... and still has a 2 year warranty. I figured by the time the warranty has expired there will be a good amount of aftermarket parts for the LS3 to upgrade with...

I like the black annodized front runner system from Vintage Air and I asked them about fitment for the LS3. They said its the same for the LS2/LS7. Externally they are the same. Heads and intake I believe are different from LS2 to LS3 ....

[MastMotorsports]

The external dimensions are identical to all other LS series engines. There are three different front drive configurations...F-body, Y-Body, and Truck.

Since the LS3 and L92 have come around, we don't really do that much LS1/2/6 (cathedral port) stuff. The rectangle port engines are just head and shoulders better.

Hope this helps!

[scherp69]

Thanks for all the help guys. This has been great info. I am definitely leaning this way now. I'm just debating if I should get the 430hp version and put my own can in it or get the 480hp version with the hot cam already in it.

[Sinnister69]

with a single cam and spring change, the LS3 can easily make over 500hp. that is whats so great about these engines.

[camaro2nv]

I bought this motor
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47065&page=3&highlight=500hp
I added a ASA cam and pulley kit. Ive yet to run it yet but for the price I just dont think you can go wrong
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/DSC_0730-1.jpg

[neki67]

I've got the same engine. It's basically the 6.0 liter version of the LS3. So it's just 13 c.i. smaller but you can still get these for around US $ 4500,- and they'll make 500+hp with a cam and spring change.

I know a company that still has 'm but they are not a sponsor to this site so if you would like to know, send me a PM.

[The WidowMaker]

neki67, whats different besides the 13ci? whats the designation for the motor? i personally dont think anythings wrong with posting who has them, but i'll take it by pm if you dont feel comfortable.

thanks, Tim

[BonzoHansen]

neki67, whats different besides the 13ci? whats the designation for the motor? i personally dont think anythings wrong with posting who has them, but i'll take it by pm if you dont feel comfortable.

thanks, Tim



jakeshoe is a sponsor here and has been getting great deals on ls setups.

http://www.jakesperformance.com/

[68Formula]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/DSC_0730-1.jpg

There's something totally bad@$$ about the way that sits. Too bad it can't be driven. Maybe you can remote mount the radiator, box the front frame rails, paint the shell red, and clearcoat the firewall. First Camaro street rod.

[formula]

I bought this motor
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47065&page=3&highlight=500hp
I added a ASA cam and pulley kit. Ive yet to run it yet but for the price I just dont think you can go wrong
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2009/10/DSC_0730-1.jpg


That's pretty much what my engine is--look up the L76. Came in the G8GT. After a cam and lifter swap I'm at 425 rwhp and 400 rwtq, so right around 500ish/480ish.

[neki67]

neki67, whats different besides the 13ci? whats the designation for the motor? i personally dont think anythings wrong with posting who has them, but i'll take it by pm if you dont feel comfortable.

thanks, Tim

The LS3 has a better insulated intake manifold. Internally it's the same. LS3 has single piece sodium filled valves, where as this engine has the solid valves as in the L76 so they are slightly heavier.

This engine is known in Australia as the L98, LS3 is also known as L99. L98 = L76 without Discplacement On Demand. The L98 is very popular in Australia since it has far higher potential than the LS2, due to the rectangular ports vs the cathedral ports and far more price friendly than the LS3.

I believe Jake also has some L76's left and will also be able to take care of removing the DOD and do the cam swap. Still feels a bit like betrayal when I reveal the name of the company that has the L98's in stock so PM me for that. All I will reveal is; I've been told they sell the L98 for US $ 4500,- . . . . . .

[jonnyc]

Thanks for all the help guys. This has been great info. I am definitely leaning this way now. I'm just debating if I should get the 430hp version and put my own can in it or get the 480hp version with the hot cam already in it.

buy the 430 hp version and swap in a better cam.there are much better cams than the hot cam.

[parsonsj]

In terms of crate motors, the other thing to look for is if the throttle body is drive by wire or not.

DBW means you have to use a GM computer. There are no aftermarket setups I'm aware of that support DBW (Mast? Maybe?).

jp

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

LS1 LS2 you are OBSOLETE!
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[neki67]

In terms of crate motors, the other thing to look for is if the throttle body is drive by wire or not.

DBW means you have to use a GM computer. There are no aftermarket setups I'm aware of that support DBW (Mast? Maybe?).

jp

But you can just get the GMPP set up. That includes E67 GM controller, complete with the harness, drive by wire pedal, MAF sensor, oxygen sensors, and small parts for only $895,- @ SDPC http://www.sdparts.com/product/19201861/EngineControlerModuleandHarnessLS3.aspx

Add EFI-live or HP tuners and you'll have total tuneability.

[parsonsj]

You bet. And the GM computer is waaaaay cheaper than an aftermarket setup, makes comparable power, and is more drivable.

I'm not putting down the GM stuff... I'll not go aftermarket again. I'm only saying to keep that in mind.

jp

[neki67]

I'm not putting down the GM stuff... I'll not go aftermarket again. I'm only saying to keep that in mind.
jp

Didn't take it that way JP. Just thought you either didn't know or forgot about these GMPP kits.

Since you're in the major league, you could be beyond it, you know! :geek: :naughty:

[parsonsj]

Just thought you either didn't know or forgot about these GMPP kits. Actually, I said you'd need to use a GM computer. And GMPP is GM. I see where you're coming from though: the GMPP kit is aftermarket. :)

But no worries, and I've only heard good things about the GMPP kits.

Andrew Borodin used one in his GTO V2.0 project, and found it worked great. The Bull Run Chevelle that Prodigy Customs built also used that kit, and they ran it speed density with a custom Norris tune. That worked well too. Both of those systems have better drivability than the FAST XFI system in II Much.

One of those kits is probably in my future too.

jp

[The WidowMaker]

thanks for the info guys. i really need to start researching some of these combos and lose the idea of going with an lsx block and huge cubes.

[scherp69]

When I first posted this thread...I was looking at a LS3. In the end, I ended up getting a L92 from Frank at prodigy customs. I've decided that I'm going to keep the vvt and the drive by wire. I like the idea of being a little different. I know Frank offers a L92 to LS3 kit that gets rid of the vvt and includes a new cam and gives out good power. I believe it was around 540hp. With mine, I'm going to use the Mast set up which includes the computer, a cam, springs and a few other things. I don't mind paying a little more. With their set up, it should be around 560 hp. I'm then going to add full length stainless works headers and the new LS3/L92 FAST 102mm intake and 102mm throttle body so should jump the numbers even higher. Last I saw Frank still had one L92 left and a few other LS crates that he was doing cam swaps on.