LS2 vs LS3: Which One is Better?

The LS3 makes more power than an LS2 and has more potential at the end of the day. 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 LS2 over the LS3 solely because of pricing.

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[Dustrunnersauto]

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[mkernen]

Having 3 LS engines (LS1, LS3, and L83) I can say that they are terrific engines. Great power, good fuel economy, smooth and torquey.

[MrPs]

The ls3 also ends in a 3, where the ls2 has a 2.

[Slaktrax]

The LS2 with the (LS6) cathedral port heads (Gen 3) is better for the street, If you want a responsive street car. LS3 heads flow more but don't have the low rpm response of the LS2 heads.
If you are just chasing peak hp numbers, then LS3.
But an LS2 with a high lift low duration cam will make more average hp between 1500 and 6000 and stay more reliable.
2024 Edit: It's not unknown for LS3 heads to crack between the valves and also drop a valve seat.

[Adam]

The LS2 is a classic I love that engine.

[mikecronis]

I've owned all 3. The LS1 is very bullet-proof and pure, the LS2 is probably the smoothest with 50 more hp, and the LS3 lopes a bit awkwardly but has the most power.

[HoldenGuyTL]

Cathedral port heads make more torque at a lower rpm which is why they are typically found on truck engines even after the rec port heads came out. Rec port heads flow better at higher rpm and will support more HP potential.

[jimclark]

I have the '07 Corvette convertible with the LS2. My wife has the 2019 ss camaro LT1. Her car is a beast! But I love my Corvette!

[zachattack]

LS2 is better for boost due to thicker cylinder walls. all you need to do is slap ls3 heads and intake on and you have basically the same HP but obviously will need a tune. Id rather take a stock ls2 vs a stock ls3 due to i know its more reliable under stress. Just a little bit, but that helps.

[peteJoseph-xh]

A stroked LS3 to 416-418 ci is an amazing power maker and it’s light.

[GNASTY]

I added manley hardened rods that were slightly shorter than stock, zo6 lifters, melling hi vol oil pump, NASCAR oil tube, SLP loudmouth exhaust to 2006 ls2. I jumped out in front of challenger and viper using paddle shift.
All 3 cars at stop light here in woodlands. A new Mclaren made my vette look like school bus however.

[MrMightyZ]

I want an LS that can take a beating like a 90s Toyota engine. Compact size, big power and “install and forget” durability. I want it all basically.

[matthewmohri]

LS1, LS2, LS3 then all of a sudden LS7, and LS9...What the hell happened to 4, 5, 6, and 8? LOL

[futureofcarstube]

Looking at a C6 and as we know they changed from LS2 to LS3 from 2007 to 2008, I don’t care about the 30 hp but I was told the LS3 is more reliable which is something I value.

[darryljames]

I own a 2012 GMC Sierra with the 6.2 (L9H) which is essentially a truck variant of the LS3 flex fuel capable non AFM with VVT factory specs are 403hp 417tq its the first LS engine ive owned that i haven't felt compelled to modify (yet) due to how much i enjoy its factory output plenty of power and a very very smooth running engine (234, 000 miles) i really like the VVT feature

[MrPhukyew]

Custom build could be better with an lq block and LS3 pistons with 243 heads is an amazing truck engine or with ls3 heads if your trying to get the high peak horsepower numbers. The 243 heads actually raise compression helping more with power below 5000rpm and helping with fuel economy. Choose your cams wisely.

[Carguylogan]

I'm looking at C6s right now. I don't care for Z06 power, I'm looking for an automatic convertible. I had a lot of fun with my C5 Z and then sold it. I love cruising in my 92 Corvette so I'm happy to be cruising rather than trying to be the fastest car on the road. LS2 cars are a good price so I'm thinking of going for an 06-07 car.

[HoldenGuyTL]

LS3 is a superior engine. Better machining and tighter clearances makes the gen 4 6.2 pretty stout.

[ImNotHereToArgueFacts]

2007 Escalade received a L92 (6.2L) w/VVT. Some of the earliest engines had AFM but it was not activated.
Still some gems out there.

[srdett]

You said that bolting ls3 head on a ls2 will give you 20whp. That being said, then swapping ls2 or even ls3 cams on a l76 found on G8 GT will give the same horse power ls2 makes. The ls3 heads will lower to the compression of the ls2. The ls2 and the l76 have the same bottom end the only difference is the head and camshaft. Ls2 head have a combustion chamber of 64.5cc and ls3 heads a combustion chamber of 70cc or 68cc. The ls2 and ls3 camshafts will make about the same hp Richard Holdener has done the Dyno test.