LS1 vs LS3: Which One is Better?

Much like the LS1 vs LS2 debate, the later engine is the better one. The LS3 makes more power than an LS1 and has more potential at the end of the day. The LS3 has better heads, a better intake, and a bigger displacement. But, price limits nearly every car guy. We must pick and choose our parts in order to stay within our allotted budget. For that reason, many of us will end up picking the LS1.

Although we would all love to have to bigger, and better LS3. Most of us just can’t afford it. Like I said in the LS2 vs LS3 debate, I would personally rather have an aluminum 5.3L from a Tahoe. It’s a much cheaper option and it’s nearly just as good as the LS1. All the money you save going with a 5.3L can be put into a set of top-of-the-line cylinder heads.

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[Dustrunnersauto]

What do you guys think? LS1 or LS3? What kind of videos do you want to see in the future?

[craigscott]

I love my LS1 it’s built with a cam bigger intake, headers, bigger throttle body. It’s runs great I put 140k miles on it then took it to a open road race in Nevada, raced it took the SS Camaro up to 150mph and then drove it home. Ended up giving the car to my son and he’s driving it now. Can’t beat LS motors.

[GTX]

I've been a Chevy guy for 40 years - I'm 56 years old so I owned and worked on my share of Chevy small blocks from way back in the day. The interchangeability of parts were great then as now, but the LS was hands down, the greatest innovation in small block V8 technology. I love my 98 Corvette which, other than long tube headers and a cold air intake, is bone stock. The first iteration of the LS1 produces about the same HP bone stock, as the classic factory 396 big blocks from back in the day. Yeah sure, you could cam and upgrade the heads on a 350 or a 283 back in the day, but the most you would typically get out of it was around 350HP. You had to go up to the 396, 400, 427 and 454 big blocks to get into the higher HP ranges. Back then hard core Chevy guys would typically opt to find a 69 or 70 Chevelle SS with a 396 (good motor) but once you got the itch for a big block, Mopars were really the way to go as they ruled that space in that era. But today, the HP upgrade potential for ALL LS motors is something we could have only dreamed about 40 years ago.

[danmadden]

The LS3 every day of the week and twice on Sunday!!

[smokeldogg]

I loved the LS1 in my 99 Trans Am, with a 6 speed of course.

[tommygun]

There will always be something better, im happy with my ls1

[FarOutRadioMusic]

I've been writing about Corvettes for decades for Vette Magazine and you are spot on correct! The LS1 started out at 345-hp in 1997 and went to 350-hp in 2001. The LS3 came out in 2008 rated at 430-hp, an 80-hp bump over the LS1! The LS2 came out in 2005 with 400-hp. However, an LS1 can be goosed easily to 500-hp with bolt-on hardware. But an LS3 with the same bolt-on will be stronger. It all comes down to how deep your pockets are. Excellent video!

[brianroagers]

LS3 blessed by the hand of god! in our Modern days nice to have 400+ hp easy to work on and Affordable for

[NebukedNezzer]

I bought my truck new in 1999. it has the LQ4 all cast iron 6 L. Love it and will keep it forever.

[johnkempton]

Great vid. 2012 ss2/RS Camaro LS3 owner. I’m built and dynoed at 547hp and can’t weigh in on the difference but I’m happy with my LS3. God bless America and our American made cars.

[darrellmorris]

The ls2 is my favorite engine. Ls2 with ls3 heads is pretty good.

[simonmatthews]

I have both. I believe it comes down to application. One is in my daily drive work ute, the other in my HSV weekend drive. The LS1 has done 275, 000 kms with minimal work, always maintained though. The LS3 goes hard for sure but is sometimes very expensive in parts.

[grahamsmith]

You've nailed it bud, it depends how deep the pockets are but generally, it's extremely rare for engineers to design a new engine that performs worse than a previous design, it comes down to bang for buck and how much the benefits of the newer design are worth to a buyer.

[brendonchase]

Well delivered run down on the ls1&3. Kept it reasonably simple without the lengthy ramble. Awesome

[EasyFixShaun]

*_I think it is so great to have options from GM. Even if you go to a LT1, The plug and play of this manufacture can't be beaten_*

[timdingleakajacksparrow]

I love my old LS1, , It’s done nearly 300, 000 Klms And it still pulls like a bull in spring, Mind you I change the oil every 5-6 thousand ks Keeps it running smoothly 👍⁉️😂🤣

[its_bearded_wisdom]

Hey man great video I really liked it!
Some constructive criticism, the intro and outro music made me want to jump face first into a wood chipper.
Keep up the good work mate!

[markjmaxwell]

The first lS1 engines did have some cylinder bore and ring issues.
That they rectified the issue by the time the last batches were built.
The lS3 has more capacity and no inherent design issues.
So straight from the factory the lS3 is the clear choice.
But when rebuilding engines comes into play it is open for conjecture.
😉😉😉😉😉

[kentshuster]

Listen people ls1 lt1 motors can be modified to your performance needs as the ls6 and ls3. Also lsx aftermarket engines are performing as drag car engines any ls1 series engines can produce twice there displacement in horsepower

[jamesguidry]

My 2002 Z/28 Vert with the auto 4-speed OD with 325 RWHP is plenty & always puts a smile on on my face even with 143, 000 miles original everything including spark plugs ! Anything more is just a bigger smile