LS2 vs LS3: Which One is Better?

[@Dustrunnersauto]

If you guys enjoyed the video, please SMASH THAT LIKE BUTTON. It helps the channel out a huge amount and helps KZbin put the video in front of more people. Thanks for watching 😬

[@DimoS...]

Awesome videos man!! Make a video with 1.8 20vt vag please!

[@MrPs391]

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

[@ProudFilthyCasual]

That falls apart pretty quickly for GM though. The LS6 came before the LS2 and right after the LS1 if I remember. Then similar stories with the LS8 or 9 being right after the 3 lol.

[@loafofmilk972]

@@ProudFilthyCasual there is no ls8. Ls1 was 1st. LS6 was on the Z06. Ls2 was the next generation. Ls7 was a 7 liter. Ls3 was the 3rd LS base model engine. LS9 came out on the 2009 model year.

[@ProudFilthyCasual]

@Loaf of Milk Right, I really wasn't sure about 8 but it kind of only furthers my point about how nonsensical their numbering system is.

[@slimreaper1911]

@@ProudFilthyCasual he just explained to you the numbering system lol. Well, just explained being a year ago now. But yeah he laid it out for you

[@davidbronston8488]

Solid argument

[@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.

[@mr.3phase228]

L83 is LT

[@mkernen]

@@mr.3phase228 I stand corrected. Thank you!

[@mr.3phase228]

@Mike How many miles you have on it? My buddy had an L84, and he flattened the cam in 37k miles.

[@mkernen]

@@mr.3phase228 I assume you mean the L83. I have 70k

[@mr.3phase228]

@@mkernen No, L84. It was a 2019 Sierra.

[@Adam00794]

The LS2 is a classic I love that engine.

[@elkillerx]

Very reliable too.

[@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. 🙂

[@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.

[@fullbolt-onsss1130]

So which was you favorite?

[@Guy-mx4fb]

Which you recommend for reliable daily driver that can abuse like a Toyota

[@Guy-mx4fb]

@Matt Brad good to know I mainly concerned about ease of working on, simplicity and reliability.

[@bryantg7641]

You're absolutely right about the LS3 the way it lopes a little bit funny, compared to my previous 1s and 2s.

[@juanvillanueva5187]

Why you say ls1 is bullet proof can you tell me how if you don’t mind. I’ll love to learn some knowledge about ls1

[@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.

[@boazlife7405]

Dyno has proven this to be true I have seen it.

[@HoldenGuyTL]

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

[@matthewmohri9990]

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

[@donovanjt5523]

The LS4 was used in the FWD Impala SS, there is no LS5, and you can call the LSA the LS8 basically

[@donovanjt5523]

Oh and the LS6 was used in the C5 corvette ZO6

[@matthewmohri9990]

@@donovanjt5523 Thanks I figured it was something like that. I asked it more as a joke and hoping someone could get me the information. Thanks for informing me brother.

[@donovanjt5523]

@@matthewmohri9990 I figured it was a joke now and no problem

[@matthewmohri9990]

@@donovanjt5523 No worries it's cool. Peace, I am just happy my city doesn't have anymore power loss. Texas has had a rough last 5 days.

[@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.

[@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.

[@FckYourFeelingsYT]

5.3 Vortec Gen 3.

[@GiveMeYoSammich]

I'm here because I just bought my ls2 pontiac gto a week ago 😂

[@nathanielhampton2559]

Congrats brother!

[@slowgoat6089]

Same got a 06

[@mogulme6190]

@Jordan Winders it’s a way better car than any mustang back then unless it a termi or gt500

[@carguy6636]

Welcome to the GTO club! I love my 2006 CGM. Fantastic car! Congrats!

[@dover1966]

Now we talking about something else weight diffrence stock ls2 vette will destroy your stock ls2 Pontiac

[@peteJoseph-x3h]

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

[@javonsumpter9678]

Right they say get it between 408-421 cid an your golden

[@goblinzl1]

i had an ls1,still have an ls2,had an ls3. id like to build an ls7. all great engines.

[@jimclark7917]

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!

[@daleyarborough]

That LT hits hard!

[@GNASTY1560]

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.

[@jamesjones4309]

Was it because of traction. I heard Mc had motor issues

[@frontxxrunner]

My guy telling us here what we already know, but he made a good breakdown of the differences so I appreciate it. I'm in LS3 guy. When I bought my C6 Corvette a few years ago I was only really considering 2008 and up specifically to stay in the LS3 family

[@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.

[@christopherrobin1505]

If you can get an 08 for a good price grab it. Im super happy with mine. I wish you luck on your quest !!

[@Carguylogan]

@@christopherrobin1505 I found a black on black 2006 convertible with 60k miles for a decent price. No regrets as far as power output. Feels the same as my C5Z did.

[@darryljames6403]

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

[@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.

[@leopelayo3716]

Both engines are great I'm saving to get the ls3 I will rather wait!! Is worth it thank you for the information appreciated!!!!

[@stevenjacobs6934]

I'll take a 6.0 all day everyday! My C6 is a rocket with the ls2

[@edward18361]

What do you have done to it? I have an LS2 Corvette as well

[@sr20dett1000]

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.

[@michaelpacman]

I've heard the LS3 heads are known for oil pooling under hard driving G forces. That was enough to sway me in getting ported and milled 243 heads.

[@steveharper5368]

years ago i had a ls2 gto and had it cammed.i now have a c5z and i header and straight piped it, ls6 sounds better and is pretty rowdy out of the box, the cam lopes pretty nice for stock.

[@jamesnorman2061]

I have the LS2 lq9 in my 74 square body which I use it 2 or 3 times a year as a mud truck they’re pretty bad ass super reliable and make more then enough power naturally aspirated for a truck but if I was gonna put it in a bad ass race car I would definitely boost it. it only takes a small turbo producing like eight psi to get over 700 hp for a lq9 LS2 so really in my opinion I couldn’t ever see a reason to spend the extra money on a LS3 unless you’re trying to make a stupid amount of power. But people take the LS2s and boost them to make almost 1000 hp and they handle it great. So I’m just not sure why you would spend all that money on a LS3. When you can pick up an LS2 lq9 out of a early 2000‘s Escalade for 500 bucks or less

[@billythekid2281]

Australia got the L98, which is basically an LS2 with LS3 heads and intake manifold (minus the sodium filled intake valves).

[@n8c438]

You need to do an LM vs LQ engine and adding various heads and cams, like the LS3 heads or sodium filled valves LS6 heads. You also need to mention the weights of the engines.

[@jhonsmith2150]

Both good engines, but I like the LS2 alil more, bcuz it has a higher compression ratio! More boom mo power baby! 💪🤙😎

[@M3reviewsDJD]

im # 400 in comment count😎 great info, well executed , thanks bro🤜🏼

[@paisley2342]

LS3 clearly is better.

[@franciscopatino5803]

The Mighty 7.0L LS-7 💪🏻 FTW

[@chicagosfinestmoment4896]

I just bought a ls2/ lq4 for my iroc

[@spilledepsomsalt4419]

The LS2 was standard in the 05-06 GTO

[@timothythomas1737]

You could get either in 05.

[@maddmarkscars]

trailblazer ss as well

[@petecotter6790]

In aus, the ls2 makes same amount of torque than a ls3. Ls2 makes it lower. Yes the ls3 or l92 heads make more top end power but this is a farce! For low to mid mods, in real life driving terms, the ls2 feels a much better engine. Cathedral ports speed up airflow at lower rpm.

[@itsb680]

I'd have to disagree here- The increase in capacity seems to make up for the loss of lower-end power in the head port configuration. Got rid of my VE SS for a VF SS S2, the difference in all areas of the power band is massively noticeable. Both cars where/are bone stock.

[@petecotter6790]

@@itsb680 ve commodore does not use a LS2 buddy!

[@itsb680]

@@petecotter6790 What are the differences? Heads that flow about the same, bore/stoke exactly the same... AFM components are the only difference, no? Also: I was referencing a VE HSV clubsport series 1, which DID have the ls2!

[@petecotter6790]

@@itsb680 LS2 different heads and manifold. LS2 has no AFM. AFM only in L77 engines. L98 has almost same head as ls3, an L92 head. Big difference by a vess and a hsv, sure wasn't a XR6?

[@itsb680]

@@petecotter6790 I was drunk when I was responding to you yesterday, you'll have to forgive the typo. Have you driven both cars? From my experience your original comment regarding "real life driving" just seemed counter-intuitive to my experience. The VE felt like it dragged its ass, like the air con was on all the time. Was a bit of a lemon though. Funny you mention an XR6, I also had a turbo BA until about a week ago- can assure you I know the difference between those engines :P.

[@limomarc]

As Nigel Tufnel once said “yeah but this one goes to 11” !! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@The_forgotton_one]

ahh but what about Gen 4 L76 & L77 LS2 now thats a different story 1 diff between Gen 3 and gen4 is the longer cyl sleeve so you can run a 4.100 crank only other diff is the intake valve, the l76 and L77 make great power with a decent cam probably due to the heads large intake, I'm currently building a Stroker L77 with a huge turbo with 4.100 crank and 4.00 bore have spent months researching them. But LS anything is a great part to start with to make horse power

[@cheristratton]

I have a 2007 L S crate motor in my chevelle. I honestly am not positive what’s in chevelle I alway thought it was an LS 1 from Australia because that’s what the macanic that sold me the motor back in 06 told me. He said it was a high compression LS1 from down under.. I dyno tested it back in 08 and sheet said 430 hp to the wheels 😎. I was very happy also I put NOS 75 hp shot on it also. But we didn’t squeeze it on the dyno. So my question is how am I getting 420 hp to the wheels if it’s just an LS1 ? Any ideas ? I appreciate any feed back except if it’s pro Biden I can’t stand that crazy old fool . Trump 2024 please dear Jesus.

[@mikek2258]

Im in australia... Most likely an ls1 cammed out with head work maybe bigger injectors... The ls2 came out in 05 and 06 though... I have an ls1 an my daily and my old ls2 had a massive single turbo on it went good till i punched a hole through the block

[@swizzy6010]

So... go for an ls3 basically.

[@christopherrobin1505]

Yaba

[@derakbell8143]

Ill take a 4.8 truck engine with rods, pistons, and bearings with a good sized precision turbo all day

[@bonerszvids1247]

Very informative video!

[@regsmith7604]

If I couldn’t afford an LS3, a LQ9 would be fine

[@dover1966]

Same shit not a big deal especially if heads and cam is in your future mods

[@nick__cars]

I have the Grandsport ✊🏾🔥

[@tobberfutooagain2628]

I always turn it up to LS11…. (like Spinal Tap)

[@lucky1time811]

L33 gang gang 🤙🏻

[@truckerenoch8824]

Don't buy anything with an LS3!!! I work at a place where the oil downspouts are made and when the parts won't pass leak test, they just super glue them and ship them to GM. I've been trying to find out how to report this to GM, but I can't find anything. So I'm going to make it my mission to spread this all over the web, until they put a stop to this! It's b.s. and the guy gluing the parts even said, "GM would be so pi$$ed if they knew what we were doing!". I have a video of these parts being glued together, if anyone at GM cares.

[@jimsvo4486]

I would say this is only an issue, if it produces an issue. Any mass oil leaks from this? If the LS3 runs forever without an issue the "super glue" issue is not really an issue.

[@truckerenoch8824]

@@jimsvo4486 except V.O.C's (like those in synthetic and standard oil) breakdown cyanoacrylate, so eventually it will cause a leak. GM is actually quite strict about their parts and the engineers designed them to be crimped together, not glued with something that's already breaking down as soon as oil is added.

[@SuperChipperson]

LS3 is best

[@leroyford1723]

Very helpful

[@427TTM6]

L76 just an LS2 w/ LS3 heads and a truck cam.

[@slidinsidewayzproductionss7906]

LsA ALL THE WAY babe OHHHH THA LS4 THAT NOBODY talks about is a pretty stout 5.3

[@seanjames9662]

5th Gen Camaros have LS3 not LS1

[@meshalsultan5468]

Which one is better daily use bolts on LS2 or LS3 ?

[@renereyes1425]

Ls3 is most efficient in raising power with fbo 140mph ls3 takes well over ls2

[@stoneschweitzer7738]

Ls2 for daily and ls3 for bigger power

[@tensixtythreevideo]

Does the ls2 have thicker cylinder walls? making it better for boost over the ls3?

[@amandabradley835]

So if I’m going to put a cam, LT headers, and intake manifold on my corvette anyway should I consider ls2 or ls3?

[@Chopped3v]

wondering this also lol

[@artemiocortes8556]

Ls3 gang

[@aaronwilliams9959]

What’s the cost for a ls2 vs ls3

[@TC-iz6xe]

I reckon the Ls1 sounds the best to be honest

[@luisescareno4271]

Is the 6.2 in an Escalade. The same as the 6.2 in camaros and corvettes? Juts like times differently??

[@rodriguez58996]

No it’s different

[@christopherrobin1505]

Think cam is different

[@JorgeFlores-jw4gk]

LS3!

[@cheristratton]

I love my L S

[@baddog5900]

I pretty much look at them as the same engine. Yes the 3 has more displacement but its not much. The heads interchange so I dont see that as big deal.

[@sanchezable]

Don’t forget the l92 truck ls3

[@1HotLegendLS]

Can I direct swap the LS3 into my LS2 GTO?

[@e3k701]

Would you do a VR30DDTT vs VQ37VHR? Might not be the best comparison but I'd be nice to see how the new Z stacks up to the 370z.

[@maximus-hl9jw]

Id go with the galalao 24

[@9unslin9er]

Sonic 3 was better than Sonic 2

[@HellaShotsMedia]

is a LY6 6.0 with an LS3 manifold the same as an LS3?

[@robertthibodeaux4435]

Different sized pistons

[@johnboy5167]

The ls3 has a bigger bore so its not the same

[@dlm1x]

Never mentions how the LS2 is more reliable and cheaper in parts than an LS3.

[@bonerszvids1247]

He said the 2 is cheaper

[@arj8358]

I have an 05 gto with the ls2. I’m looking to do ls3, lsx intake, and a mild cam. I just did hooker long tubes and corsa cat back exhaust and it already feels more powerful. Anyone out there have any tips?

[@skydive9955]

I have the same vehicle, if you appreciate the low-end torque with your LS2 then stick with the Cathedral Port LS2 head. Have them ported if you’re looking to maximize the HP from them. If low end torque is not important and max HP is the LS3 head will give you a bit more HP but know that gain is above 6200 RPM. The factory LS2 intake can be put in the garage can.. lol

[@archivaldo4310]

Ls3 is way better than ls1 and ls2 by far no competition there at all

[@sfwhiteadventure]

Where the best place to buy in America?

[@oz88og40]

Awesome engine's from Chevy

[@learnfluentlyaustralia6385]

Ls2 still sound better than the ls3 at least in Australia haha o

[@EvOFusion]

That’s a lie 😂

[@mills3375]

No way one of the best sounding cars made here in Aus is the Vf Series 2 SS. The Gen-f1 HSV do sound a bit more muted but not by much but they sound just as good or even a bit better than the LS2. But in terms of stock you can’t beat the Vf2 SS with the bi-modal or the Gen-f2 HSV apart from the Grange cause they kept the LS3 instead of the LSA like the Clubsports and Senators. And plus while technically not a LS2 the L98 and L77 part of the same family and they sound super muted stock. Only V8 that sounds worse than that stock in Aus is the 5.4 Boss

[@johnboy5167]

No it doesn't 😄

[@francismartin2427]

Harmonic balancer is trash on LS2

[@futureofcarstube]

Not sure why people say the LS3 is more reliable than the LS2

[@johnliberty6779]

Same & nobody ever gives a reason why either could just be bias.

[@jacobwebb8818]

Stop calling cams heads and "LS2 is better than LS2" you've said this multiple times throughojt

[@blkcyborg92]

Why didn’t you do the LS3 vs LS7?

[@466rudy6]

Cmon

[@deadghost50ify]

Would like an LS motor for LS swapping an 07 STi sedan....

[@tonicamaro8683]

the difference of horsepower is barely noticeable soo

[@benwilliams4035]

No ls2 is rectangle and ls3 is cathedral u fkd up Ls3 is 6.2 and ls2 is 6.0

[@johnboy5167]

No you are wrong ls3 is rectangle ls2 is cathedral

[@fogtown3027]

There’s always someone super broke in these discussions talkin bout how they can make more power with an LQ… Like good for you 😂

[@robertbreese5952]

The ly6 is cheep compared to the ls 2-3

[@paceta80]

LS2 has a better sound to it.

[@peteJoseph-x3h]

LS3 with aftermarket cathedral heads

[@johnboy5167]

No the standard heads are better

[@patrickwendling6759]

Thank you for your knowledge and videos USA 🇺🇸 TRUMP

[@snapperhead1355]

3

[@DRo-ql8er]

why was this even a video??? we all knew the outcome.

[@z7z7d]

Lsx494 if i have money if, if

[@Kami43Kaze]

اذا صار عندك علمني 😂

[@Askari22]

Can i buy vette ls3 2011 with 110k mi for 20000 response please ?

[@randytoledo8750]

I just bought a 2010 with 60k miles súper súper mint for 25000 soooo i think you got your answer lol

[@dragonsKeeper210]

Gotta look hard tho, shits tough rn

[@maxpayne421]

I got a ls 3 2008 with only 23k miles! For 26,000 it’s in mint condition.

[@raymonejohnson1625]

The L77 is better the both

[@johnboy5167]

It's not

[@89turbomk3]

wtf kind of obivous question is that? answer is b16 civic motor

[@garymaya1767]

Lol this guy….

[@johnphillipsjr7238]

LS3. Don’t even need to watch the video. But I’d rather have my LS7

[@Kk_1100]

Why tf does chevy name their engines like this. Just got from 1 on up in numerical order.