It’s essential to understand your car’s engine and why that engine is used in your car. If you aren’t well aware of your car’s engine, you can go wrong and damage your vehicle in the long run, and your experience can be very horrible.
LS2 and LS3 are two kinds of engines used in cars like the Camaro and Corvette C5. They are found in the cars of the 2005-2017 manufacturing years. If you’re confused between these two engines, you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know: Ls2 vs. Ls3 with Table. So that you can understand everything at a glance.
| LS2 | LS3 |
| 400 hp at 6000 r.p.m | 430-436 hp at 5900 r.p.m |
| Cheaper | Expensive than LS2 |
| Cathedral intake port style | Rectangular intake port style |
| Compression ratio: 10.9:1 | Compression ratio: 10.7:1 |
| Displacement: 6.0L 364.1 cu/in | Displacement: 6.2L/ 376 cu/in |
| Torque rating 400ft/lbs | Torque rating 420-428 ft./lbs |
| Intake runner volume 210cc | Intake runner volume 257cc |
| Combustion chamber volume 65cc | Combustion chamber volume 68.7cc |
| Required minimum bore 4.00inch | Require minimum bore 4.065 inch |
Specifications of LS2
- Displacement: 6.0L (5.967 L)/364.1 cu/in
- Horsepower: 400 hp at 6,000 rpm
- Torque: 400 lb/ft at 4,400 rpm
- Compression Ratio: 10.9:1
- Cylinder Bore: 4.00 inches (101.6 mm)
- Stroke: 3.62″ (92mm)
Specifications of LS3
- Displacement: 6.2L/376 cu/in
- Horsepower: 430-436 hp at 5,900 rpm
- Torque: 424-428 lb/ft at 4,600 rpm
- Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
- Cylinder Bore: 4.065″ (103.25 mm)
- Stroke: 3.622″ (92mm)
LS2 Vs LS3: Major Differences
LS3 heads gave a higher output during the test period than LS2 heads.
If somebody installs an LS3 head to an LS2, you’ll receive 20Whp or more. What additional power can you expect after you replace the OEM parts? Additionally, they offer more efficient flow and higher power output than LS2. Additionally, they differ in the intake manifold, rockers injectors, etc. For more details, bore size is the significant difference between the two. While the LS2 is equipped with a 4.000″ bore, and the LS3 comes with a 4.065″ bore. The additional .065″ “will significantly impact the flow of air into the piston.
Cylinder Heads
It is claimed that fitting LS3 heads onto the LS2 block will increase 20 horsepower, while additional power gains will be due to the larger displacement of the LS3. While the bore and displacement improvements contributed to the power boosts, the newly revised high-flow cylinder heads offer improved flow rates, which help squeeze more horses.
The intake can be adjusted in dimensions, shape, and length of the runner, like the L92 engines, which will help maximize the performance.
Valvetrain
With the LS2 making use of 2.00″ (50.8 mm) intake valves, the LS3 increases this to 2.16″ (55 millimeters,) which reduces the mass by 13 percent.
Together with the intake valves’ hollow stems, these aid in helping to push the engine towards the newly increased limit of 6,600 rpm.
The LS2’s high springs for the load valve are also located on LS3, and GM has opted to use the L92’s more powerful 1.60″ (40.4mm) size exhaust valves.
Pistons
The pistons in the LS3 are larger, and that is unique The LS3 engine is designed to enhance the power of the engine at high rpm.
Exhaust
The exhaust is different from model to model, but the LS3 Corvette was equipped with the active exhaust, an open butterfly valve that opens in the higher rev range.
“Tri-flow” design reduces noise “Tri-flow” design reduces restriction and provides an enjoyable cruising experience because of the reduced sound level when it is not needed.
Blocks
There are no significant differences between these two engines. But there is a minor difference between 3rd and 4th generation ones. And the difference is the blocks. The 4th generation engines have a slightly stronger block.
Intake Manifolds
The LS2 Generation IV engines have a 6.0L aluminum block. At the same time, the LS3 has a 6.2L aluminum block. The major difference that can be found between them is the increased displacement.
Displacement
The first thing you’ll notice a difference between these two engines is their displacement. Although the LS2 had an LS3 that had a capacity of 6 liters, however, the LS3 had a capacity of 6.2 liters.
Although the two engines have the same stroke of 92.0mm, GM achieved an additional 12 inches of displacement, offering its LS3 with a more excellent bore. Although the LS2 has an overall bore of 101.6mm and the LS3 is 103.25mm.
This is not only helpful by providing an additional 30hp that is gained from the LS3 (or 36hp when using the HSV versions) but also makes the engine rev-happy simultaneously.
Final words
There’s no significant difference between these two engines.
In the head-to-head comparisons, there is no doubt that the LS3 is better. But when you get on the road with an LS2 or an LS3-powered car in its stock configuration, there’s no way to discern a significant difference.
However, the LS3 is the ideal option for those who are not shy about realizing the engine’s full potential and are willing to spend the cash to achieve it.
While the LS3 generates maximum power even when pushing the limit, you’re likely to notice any significant differences between these two cars when you take speedy road trips around the canyons.
If you’re thinking of horsepower drag racing or drifting, the improvements applied to the LS3 will offer more efficient breathability and revving capability, particularly for those who are taking the forced induction route.
If you’re on a tight budget, the LS2 will be the best option. It’s not just less expensive, but you’ll have the option of installing LS3 head cylinders and benefit from the forced induction upgrade options further down the line.
If you’re not buying an engine, but you’re searching for the ideal car to meet your requirements, the cars that have an LS2 are usually found less expensive. Unless you’re utterly obsessed with an LS3 engine-powered car, it will provide much more value for your money.
Even though LS3 is much more common and easy to source than LS2, LS3 production only stopped a few years ago. Therefore, it’s considered an extremely new engine in the scheme of things and probably will have a price to meet.
With the savings, you’ll be able to begin spending on improvements, which can likely reduce the power gap between the two systems at a low cost.
If you think you may want to upgrade to massive power later down the road, the LS3 is probably worth the investment in the beginning, rather than having to upgrade further in the future.
Let’s find a comparison with its series
