Buying a C6 Corvette? (Top 5 Reasons to consider an LS2!)

[@brrbben]

I have the LS3 and I think you made crucial points in this video. I really hope anyone in the Vette market takes a look at this video and thinks about the issue of parts supply and what you really get for spending the extra money for the LS3. If you can get in to this hobby for less money and less headache, the LS2 is an incredible value for money. Having said that, I have 150K on my LS3 and I take it to the track at least 6 times a year (a road course as I'm not a drag racer). The LS3 is just a fantastically reliable engine. I haven't seen any diminution in perfromance over the years. Great Video! It's refreshing to hear a well reasoned argument with a great presentation.

[@Toys4Life]

I appreciate your analysis and comment sir!

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Agreed! The LS2 is a good platform and so is your LS3 powered car. Congratulations 🍾🎉🎈🎊 on the miles milestone. I hope you get to double that. 😅

[@junitoss83]

I love them all. I have an LS3 but a vette is a vette.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@junitoss83 RIGHT! All are fun!

[@mogulme6190]

@@brrbben ls2 is also a very capable reliable engine

[@seanmcardle2713]

I love my 07 with the LS2.

[@tcbmike4926]

I really like mine as well but I'd like to get some more horse power.

[@frankpecenka5606]

Question, do the original decorative covers line up and fit on the Fast intake manifold?

[@Toys4Life]

@frankpecenka5606 check out tomorrow's video for the answer 😀

[@Wajjajagg]

@@tcbmike4926i just did FBO on e85 tuned & push 436 WHP almost 500 to the crank & it beats almost everything

[@ThatMekanic]

@@Wajjajaggis that with stock cam and heads?

[@MrGtx0947]

I'm a new Corvette owner, bought a 2006 base corvette coupe six speed manual with only 5700 original miles. She looks brand new and smells new inside. From a guy who drives pick up trucks, this car is like driving a race car! Love these videos! Thank you.

[@RonsChann]

Actually, it makes a pretty good race car if you want.

[@geoffnelson64]

What did you pay? I'm looking at an 06 6l80 60k miles no mods mint, 19k

[@gtbmjb7192]

@@geoffnelson64 Get it. My '06 was 4 years ago for 19.5k with 25k. You will love it.

[@geoffnelson64]

@gtbmjb7192 thanks for the reply! Great sounds like a solid buy. It's absolutely stunning. Garaged, babied, the black paint SHINES. Only thing that's an "issue" is minimal, slight wear on the driver seat. Lol coincidentally I just got off the phone with my bank 😂😅 I'll take that as a sign

[@billmcmeekin7909]

Just gets the heads done. No biggie. 09 Z06 AO LS7 for me :⁠-⁠) I drive now without concern. But really, the best Vette, is the Vette in your driveway. Cheers, and happy driving :⁠-⁠)

[@ls6097]

Easier said than done. Otherwise the problem would have ceased to exist many years ago.

[@billmcmeekin7909]

@@ls6097 I don't understand ls6097?

[@gtbmjb7192]

Yessir, 243 heads with a quality porting job flow extremely well. Good comment.

[@remorestagno]

AO is the best color IMO, I bought my 07 just for that color, I only found 3 Vette in that color within 12 hours of me and 1 was an auto. The other was way overpriced for a LS3 so I got the 07.

[@V29546]

I have a 2013 GS and I find it perfect for some parodical back roads driving and messing with on and off ramps. Fits the bill perfectly. I wanted the Z06 but I couldn't get over the reliability aspect.

[@robertsullivan9837]

Same bro!

[@V29546]

@@robertsullivan9837 just got back from Saturday ride. Get there around 6am and rip around open roads till about 8am and im good. C6 GS stock... good enough and best bang for buck its not stressing me out financially. Win - Win. Just keep on on that harmonic pully and the shifter thing and its a great ride :)

[@itacud2]

@@V29546 started showing recently. Quickly learned of the harmonic balancer buy please explain the shifter thing

[@samlonghorn58]

Ditto

[@jamest5804]

Great job I really enjoy your channel and frankly I’ve learned more here than I have on many of the others. I am surprised that you don’t have more subscribers. Please keep it up.👍

[@Toys4Life]

I appreciate that!!

[@gjsprophet5422]

Hey Toys, You're the best of the Corvette Tubers with succinct and pertinent information. Thanks

[@Toys4Life]

Thank you 👍

[@Robert-hx3dd]

The only issue I've had with my 2006 base model (6spd) is the harmonic balancer. Very reliable car and I daily it.

[@Toys4Life]

And that unfortunately happens to most if not all LS Corvettes (:-)

[@martinhancock3409]

@@Toys4Life Wasn't aware of that! I bought my '08 after research led me to believe that the harmonic balancer issues were an LS2 thing, not an LS3 thing. That coupled with the upgraded tranny were the reasons I held out for an '08. It certainly wasn't for an extra 30 HP, because I was all set to buy an '01 C5 b4 I bought the'08. Seller reneged or I'd have been perfectly fine with 350 HP. Great post!

[@scottzappa9314]

Can you tell me what a harmonic balancer is?

[@alanjohnson911]

Yes it does, Chevy cut corners on the HB and also didn't secure it to the crank with a keyway as well as the bolt

[@alanjohnson911]

​@@scottzappa9314Crank pulley essentially

[@jasonisgriggs9585]

I'm retire in June and I was going to purchase a vette love the video very informant love your video learn alot thanks!!!!!

[@robcarter9330]

Wow, what a great analysis, thanks for this video. Exactly two years ago, I grabbed a 2005 C6 automatic and I love it. No wrecks, clean title, woman owned, cream puff for a little over $20K. You simply cannot get anywhere close to this price with 58K miles for a LS3. I knew when I bought it, it was the lowest, slowest, oldest C6 available and that's fine. First and second gear will put you deep into the seat, then in third you can tell it's just 400 hp. Best decision I ever made. Oh and the reliability is amazing, not a single trip to the shop in 2 years driving it daily!

[@Natechasse]

Love the video, im buying a manual 2007 C6 coupe tomorrow that I found a good deal on & im super excited. Really wanted a C6 GS because of the Widebody but I might just try to widebody the Base, cheers all & happy cruising 👌🏽

[@RonsChann]

How are you liking it?

[@markkumahonen8967]

Installed edelbrock SC on my 2007 ls2 a couple of months ago and it rips...a great street car! Greetings from Finland, love your vids man!!!

[@Toys4Life]

Sounds fun - enjoy! and Greetings from USA back at ya!

[@13F_Airborne]

Spot on. Yes, people also hate on the 05's within the LS2. They do have weak diffs the M6 had some weird electrical anomalies that were deleted in 06 (I owned an M6/05). I would definitely pass on the 05/M6 due to the electrical gremlins like the shift to reverse, steering column lock, etc and go with the 06/07. However, the A4 auto is the gem of the C6 and doesn't have those electrical gremlins with a little-known dirty secret. The 05 auto is the only C6 that came with the 4L65 which can be built to be bullet proof unlike the A6 which can't handle high horsepower reliably. So much so that renowned driveline vendors like RPM wave the A6 off completely. Send the 4L65 to RPM and have them do a Level 6/7 build with a 30-spline output shaft. With the new output shaft, a C6 Z06 3.42 diff is a direct bolt on. That combo with the 3.42 gears paired with the right stall is a bulletproof rocket on the street with tons of smiles per gallon. The RPM built 4L65 is so capable that many high horsepower C6 Z06s and A6 owners migrate to the 4L65 for drag racing. The problem with this approach is it requires a standalone trans controller w/tuning, sourcing the 4L65, and sourcing the 05-auto torque tube. The 05 is plug and play minus sourcing the C6 Z06 diff which saves a lot of $$$$. I will give you one guess to what model I own. You can also direct bolt a C5 diff into the 05. I had a stage 3 C5 diff with 4.10s in my old M6 05.

[@richyounginnbdb2831]

Good analysis

[@carvereubanks]

Just bought my first corvette (C6) at 17 and couldn't be happier. I've been saving up for forever and working like crazy! The LS2 rocks.

[@Toys4Life]

Wow, that's pretty young! Take that thing out autocrossing so you have no urge to get a ticket on the street, insurance hikes suck! Enjoy and be safe!

[@carvereubanks]

@@Toys4Life 😂 that’s the plan!

[@LaxbruhMike]

Great video! I got my 2007 last year and love it.

[@vanceforrest4085]

Bought a 2005 C6 3lt z51 m6 in 2014 with 28k on it and now have 70k flawless miles. Spot on with your 350 rwhp Dyno as that is exactly what I found stock. Now with the Edelbrock SC roots blower pushing a mere 3 lbs of boost I get instant torque. AR headers, Borla Type II, MGW shifter and Dyno at 492 rwhp and 500 lbs trq! Yes I’m aware of the weaker transmission so I never do dead stop clutch drop antics. But at 25 mph rolling in 2nd and jump on it the rear tires always break loose for a scary moment and hook up. Found out it’s max in fourth is 148 mph and in 5th at 152 mph feels like the front tires are no longer on the ground 😲 If it does 186 mph as advertised stock it feels like this should be a 200 mph car easy…if you could get over the scary aero. The air in the engine compartment lifts the front end at those speeds there is no venting. My one and only go fast car was put together with longevity in mind and it’s shocks many when they experience 2nd, 3rd, 4th with all that torque and 3200 pounds. 19 years old without a speck of rust anywhere underneath and plastic never rusts so those great C6 lines live forever 👍🏼

[@UnknownvV]

Jesus Christ man that’s insane ! Good ideas. 💡

[@vanceforrest4085]

@@UnknownvV Wow…I appreciate that. Modifying your car is a pretty personal thing so I did what I thought were my priorities, so thanks 👍🏻

[@RonsChann]

Nice!

[@jrezz9336]

I’ve had my 07 auto for 2 years daily driven in LA still best decision ever. LS2 is perfect to save money n leave it stock, my future GS will take my entire income on the other hand :)

[@jimferrill1790]

I have always felt that not buying the absolute top tier was the best for me. I, like you, enjoy modifying my car. Not saying you can't modify a ZR1 but why would I? I wouldn't. The same goes for a Z06. I wouldn't touch it. I currently own a 99 C5 and love the car as it isn't the prettiest thing on the street. It looks fine but has some rock chips and such. In my long life I've bought cars that weren't numbers matching so I can thrash on them and not worry about losing money. I have cam swapped my C5 and it puts down just over 400 ttt. This includes long tubes, x-pipe, and Corsa. Love the vids. You are spot on as usual. Thanks for posting.

[@Toys4Life]

Appreciate the comment and agree, if I had a ZR1 I would likely be afraid to mod it.....

[@richarddobreny6664]

I’ve had both and the real noticeable difference was the sound with the NPP exhaust! Besides the intake, a cat back exhaust would work wonders. A simple rear end ratio change would also more than even the score!

[@supplementDUDE]

All valid points! I have a C4 LT1 so I don't even have a dog in the fight, but I enjoy the logic of your videos

[@Toys4Life]

Thank you!!

[@Carado5150]

I have a C6Z and I'd love an LT4 C4

[@carbo2950]

Like a swarm of angry bees, I was surrounded by a pack of GT3's. And then was given the thumbs up before they disappeared. Top down and grinning. You have to love the c6 for all the potential.

[@Toys4Life]

Indeed!

[@SteveMauro-j4z]

The 5 points you gave us are some of the reasons I went to an an LS2.

[@visualizecreate2530]

Excellent video! The C6 is best all around Corvette.

[@Four_Words_And_Much_More]

Great rundown on the C6. Thank you. I love the balance of ideas. You understand clearly that max or maxo is going to cost you more. And you then ask, was it worth all that? I love that you show the real value in less expensive Corvette models. Besides, if I use the car to drive to town or take a 2 week vacation touring some part of the USA, how is it that the 1000+ hp engine is going to benefit me at speeds from 60 to 80? You literally cannot drive any car at 100+ mph on the highways in the USA. I love the handling of most of the corvettes. Well, C3 and later.

[@otlracing1]

I just picked up 07 C6 128,xxx miles (Barnfind) that's been sitting for over 5 years out in the Sun/Rain thankfully it had a car cover, but negelcted to say the least. She fired right up (new battery) like it was hours ago the last time it was driven.

[@Toys4Life]

Try to get that fuel out of there ASAP, 5 years is nasty fuel, otherwise good luck and congrats!!

[@McNabbula]

I bought a yellow 2006 convertible with black top with only 29,500 miles last year. It had a Procharger on it with a 6peed transmission. It needed some work and tune. I bought it for 24k and invested about 8k to get 100 percent. After tune it now has 578 whp 572 lb ft of torque. I absolutely love it.

[@80sKid-p4k]

I've owned a LS2 06 z51 M6 and a 2007 Z06. I felt like the LS2 was better for everyday driving in the city. The Z06 had too much power. I asked myself why I spent double for the Z06 and sold it to buy another LS2. Another reason to consider the LS2 over the LS3 and Z06 is that it is tuned for 87 pump gas in street application and that was all I ran in mine with zero problems.

[@edmonty5540]

I enjoy my 2005 c6.. we cruise listen to music. All recalls and minor issues fixed. Nineteen years and counting. My Son is looking forward to our corvette heirloom and heritage. 😊😊

[@un4gvnplaya370]

i feel you, im the same way. love when the underdogs win

[@C6BlueDevil]

Bought my 2006 LS2 z51 back in 2012 when LS3 variants cost a good chuck of change more. 130k miles later, my LS2 has been bulletproof. The harmonic balancer and the waterpump were the only engine components that ever needed replacing. With a couple of bolt-ons and a tune, my 18 year old vette is still just as fast as today's new GT350s and Supras in a straight line and is also quicker around a track if you have the right tires.

[@VincentMendola-t3s]

Definitely I agree with you about making sure if your in the market of buying a C6 - buy from 2008 to 2013 . Because you want the LS3 Engine. I am buying a C6 2008 this month. Thank you for your expertise on this Engine . Vincent

[@Toys4Life]

That wasn't me. My position is that the LS2 is a GREAT engine and the LS3 is a little bit GREAT-ER. (:-)

[@CODIAK13]

Solid video and information, I think you swayed me to go for a LS3. Not that I disagree with anything you said, I just know I am still at that point in my life where I want big numbers and am going to thrash my car. I am still maturing…. 😂😂

[@WarriorsPhoto]

I've driven LS2 and LS3 powered Corvettes. I couldn't tell the difference. But I could tell them apart from the LS1. I think GM learned a lot about the LS platform as time went on and made improvements along the way. 😊 But what does it matter what engine is under the hood? 😮 Personally I bought my Corvette to drive it. Not to discuss its horsepower and displacement size. That's what has made people enjoy my Corvette with me. I enjoy the car and they enjoy it with me. 😊🎉😊

[@Toys4Life]

Great point!

[@Howdy76]

My 2011 Corvette in Supersonic Blue Metallic has 25000 miles, has the manual tranny, will run away from most cars, is box stock. What is there not to love?

[@robertr4715]

Makes me great about my recent 2006 LS 2 purchase!

[@A4152-p8l]

Nice video, I'll be watching more of yours now that i found you.

[@Toys4Life]

Welcome!! & Thanks!

[@ls6097]

This is a really good breakdown video. Sums it up well, if you aren't pouring money into power modifications chasing big hp, then the LS2 makes more sense...assuming the interior and options of the cars are the same or close enough that there aren't non-engine-related reasons to opt for a 2008+ C6 Corvette

[@kenwoodall837]

Perfect timing, I'm considering selling my C5 and getting a C6. I found a nice 05 manual trans with only 41k miles. Hmm decisions.....

[@Carado5150]

I'd still go for the 08 with the LS3. Better base engine and trans. Worth the extra $.

[@InsomniaReal]

ls2 is known for needing higher octane than you can get at normal pumps meaning you have to run an octane booster or you'll get less than the advertised hp, its because they run high compression. if your never gonna mod it and are okay with running an octane booster then go for it, if your considering any mods and don't want to run an octane booster than ls3 is better. For the trans tr6060 is just better, tr56 is good though. Cant really go wrong with a c6 but there are differences that will point you in the direction of your destination.

[@noahloyd9]

Might be picking up an 05 6 speed soon. Saved a year at Walmart. I know the diff is weak but I negotiated that

[@Toys4Life]

Just don't do any 4k clutch drops and you should be good (:-)

[@Deathbytireiron]

Lots of good points. What I like about the ls3 is the rec port heads and the intake already flows good. LS3 cars are newer also which may lead to slightly higher prices. I do like beating up newer cars with my ls1 C5 though 😊

[@Toys4Life]

Right on

[@haroldhorseposture9435]

Another thing......folks may have to go with what's available. C6's are not exactly common here in the U.K. , On an average day out, you'll see quite a few Lambo's, and other Italian 'tat' , and lord knows how many Porsches . And then there's the current Mustang, in RHD no less ! Hardly ever see a 'Vette of any stripe , and that is just one of the attractive things I like . My C6 is an '06 , LS 2 , of course , 6 speed auto - I never miss a manual 'box these days, and there's nothing wrong with this trans in such a torquey car. My particular car, despite being at the top end of my budget , had another selling point. It has the SLP 'ZL 465' package , giving a honest 465 horses , which lurk mostly at the high-mid range up , and really livens it up . Given that some of the other cars available at the time were in my price range , I still jumped at this one, there's no other one with this package in the country as far as I know, and by crikey , it's bang for buck-rated !! No LS 3 snobbery here, folks ! These motors are a classic, just like the ole small block . All of 'em.

[@gtbmjb7192]

This Channel is an LS2 Gold Mine. Check all of the C6 vids. Love it.... 2006 LS2 Z51 A6, VR-CAI, cheap 1-3/4" headers, stock mufflers & throttle body, Fast 102, Nitrous dry kit, CD 2800 stall with Level 2 rebuild, NT05s @ 200 tread-wear rating... C6 LS2s are Bracket Masters. Working on 1/8th mile-8.0 Index Class & LS7 MAF upgrade. Regards,

[@FootageFactory]

Proceeds to head to Autotrader simultaneously watching this video. Dammit now I want a C6.

[@justinatkins5152]

Whats the best way to fix an 2005 rear diff

[@Toys4Life]

IMO - If you have an o5 and you want to build big power - upgrade it. I think RPM transmissions sells a kit or at least the parts needed to upgrade. If you drive it normally for the most part and the diff broke, find a bolt in replacement.

[@barihan3604]

I have 06 c6 z51 mt in South Korea. My car has zr1 wide fender kit. The looks and feeling. I want this car to the end of my life. Somedays ago 6.5gen tuned mustang owner wanted a roll race with me. He said my c6 is old now. -_- The race was tight but my c6 beat mustang with 305km. Ls2 C6 never dies! Wonderful in all aspects.

[@scottzappa9314]

Sir this is some of the best Vette coverage I've seen, thank you. But the specs list the LS2 at 400 HP (?) Regardless I want one, LOL.

[@frankw7266]

I have an '05 LS2, and I was very aware of the diff issue, which was replaced with an aftermarket RPM case. I knew upfront that I didn't want to do any induction, so I went with a BTR Stage 3 cam, trick-flow heads, FastX intake, Kooks headers & X-pipe, and a Corsa Axle-back... thing is an absolute street beast that I am not afraid to drive hard.

[@Toys4Life]

That's a pretty big cam, do you have an automatic or manual? How's the driveability down in the low RPM area? I'd be very interested in your honest observations and if you would recommend it!

[@frankw7266]

@@Toys4Life It's a manual Z51, at idle it lobes like a caged animal, but once rolling surprisingly drives like a pussycat. The only exception is you don't want to let it drop below 1500 RPM while cruising, otherwise you will get a mild bucking against the cam. If you're used to puttering at 35 in 4th, then you just need to drop it a gear to keep the engine a little higher, but after a little recalibration of the "shifting ear", you don't even notice anymore. And on the highway, I can set the cruise at 75 doing about 1800, and still get 25mpg. Honestly, if something happened to this car and I had to get another one, it would be in the shop immediately for the same set-up... I love it. It dyno'ed 490 RWHP, so if you figure 15% parasitic, that's about 575 flywheel.

[@User77989]

I love my c6 ZR1 ❤ I couldn’t go back to even a base model c8 again love this car

[@Toys4Life]

I believe it - fantastic car except for those spendy rotors (:-)

[@BigSteve619]

I have had 2 different 2005 C6 Corvettes.👍🏾

[@bradkeeney5236]

Appreciate your honesty as far as the LS-3 being slightly superior if you’re going to supercharge as I am researching now and trying to decide if I’m going to do that. In the past, I found it beneficial to lay out a plan and stick to it when building a performance car so you don’t, for example, put in the cheaper rearend, and then make too much horsepower for it, and have to go and buy the more expensive one and sell the cheaper one at a discount because you didn’t make a plan. I’ve done two supercharged cars in the past, and in both instances, I had a kit where I could bypass the blower ( Vortech T and then R trim )and ended up doing that, not only to save wear and tear on the blower, but to keep me out of trouble, so I am now debating that.

[@casmithc2]

How do you keep your red C6 so shiny?

[@Toys4Life]

Honestly, I think the camera helps 😜

[@hunterstraus843]

Great video, as usual. The LS3 is better, but its not $5k better by itself. From a pure $ for performance standpoint, yes it does make sense to get an LS2 at a discount (assuming equal mileage, wear, etc.)... then you can put on a FAST and a take-off Z06 exhaust (or headers) and a tune and be slightly ahead of an LS3 in terms of HP and still have a decent amount of cash left over to get an MGW or whatever else you want. However, once you go further down the modding rabbit hole, it may make sense to have the LS3 car instead as the heads flow a bit better, the 6060 is slightly stronger, and the card-style MAF is a bit better for tuning (I saw you took care of that in one of your other videos) and (probably more importantly) the car will also be a few years newer, so the degradable components like seals and suspension bushings will be newer, which is always a plus. For what its worth, I have an LS2/6M car and am pretty darned happy with it!

[@Toys4Life]

Some go down the mod rabbit hole (:-) and some don't. I appreciate your comment!!

[@РВр-р3ю]

Good day. Please tell me the catalog number of the spare part maf sensor Chevrolet corvet, C5 2003.

[@Toys4Life]

Check rock auto for AC delco.

[@John-qz4cv]

Ls2 with ported heads and intake takes forced induction extremely well.

[@Carado5150]

General statement for any Chevy v8 since the late 1950s.

[@anhiirr]

LS2 isnt a bad value proposition if a year after 05 is owned and a better factory dif is equipped....for the PPL that want that extra flow/performance they could easily get a ported head and cam upgrade as well as exhaust/intake manifold tune. With the money saved for a good track/daily for sure. Smaller rims with side wall/profile for daily driving and so cal bumpy freeways...and a larger rim/performance spec tire setup for the winding roads on a weekend or a track day.

[@trentdawg2832]

Very valid points!!!…..but i have kids so my cts-V does just fine and makes more than enough power…….although i would love to have a c6 for just cruisin around and doing personal errands…..and my teenage son is always telling me i need a c6……i like the c7 but not a fan of the dierect injection so a c6 would probably be the winning choice

[@markwest9447]

Does the 2006 & 2007 have the same weaker rear as the 2005? THANK YOU...

[@Toys4Life]

No sir.

[@CorvetteC6-LS2]

I just got my yesterday Daytona color i love my c6 ls2 🔥💪

[@RonsChann]

Tell us how you are liking it. Thanks. Looking for another one. had a 2003 but going to get a C6 this time.

[@CorvetteC6-LS2]

@Rons-yz5qt very Strong i love it..I sold my Camaro v6 2014 rs and i buy my C6 ...and i love it...

[@madmatt1964ify]

The LS2 as a toy is all i can afford.

[@UnknownvV]

Happy with my ls2 79k miles and got a 100k mile power train warranty. Already covered a $3000 worth of work

[@davidbeavers4793]

LS2 YESSIR

[@brianhaney9122]

What is the cost to put the intake manifold on a 2007 Corvette? Done by a shop. Our shop charges $75 per hour.

[@Toys4Life]

$75 per hour sounds cheap - around here shops charge $150 +/- . It takes a few hours to do it right imo. I don't rush and shortcut the cleaning process. Dirt inside the heads is no good!

[@gloriamaletta8667]

LS2 is capable around 2007 had a SDPC LS2 crate engine with CNC ported LS3 heads with a 226/236 duration camshaft 551/600 lift a single plane intake and a Holley 850 HP carburetor and it ran great and would turn 7200rpm right now

[@Carado5150]

Ls2 is capable because of the 4 inch bore. If you're going to throw the kitchen sink at it then you might as well go rectangle port. 08+ still worth it for the trans.

[@gloriamaletta8667]

@carado1984 no longer have the Monte Carlo SS got a 2011 Camaro SS with a GM Performance LS3 495 crate engine with a Built 6L80e transmission with a Circle D 4200rpm lockup stall converter running E85 with a 102mm throttle body ZL1 injectors ZL1 fuel pump stock 3 27 gears car has a aluminum one piece driveshaft and a ton of bolt-ons 305/45r17 ET street R drag radials car is inferno orange with black hood rear spoiler rear light bezels and grill and rear bow ties are carbon carbon fiber car is lowered 1 4 inches big transmission fluid cooler and big engine oil cooler and catch can

[@gloriamaletta8667]

@carado1984 the Camaro is so mild to street drive with 1 7/8 longtube headers 3 inch X pipe into 3 inch Flow FX mufflers car drives like a stock LS3 with headers and mufflers no drone or poppingon deacceleration fairly quiet car has wicked throttle response if floored at a dead stop your turning 4500rpm 5 feet out

[@gloriamaletta8667]

@carado1984 ran three eighth mile runs best on the motor 7.22 at 96mph car cruises on the highway at 2100-2200rpm at 80mph fairly quite and smooth as silk

[@gloriamaletta8667]

@@Carado5150 car is pretty heavy with me in it it's 3920 full interior and AC

[@francismartin2427]

Valid points 🎉

[@shepvette6278]

Great video Ken!

[@Toys4Life]

Thank you Aaron, much appreciated sir! 😊

[@njchas]

makes a lot of sense to me.

[@Jonathan_Knight]

Corvette Newbie here...I have a question...currently shopping for my FIRST corvette...the question: I was looking at a 2006 base (LS2 obviously) with auto trans it's got 400 HP....why does a 2007 LS2 with a stick have LESS HP ? What am I missing? is it because one has an auto trans and the other is a stick? I would think the stick has more HP....

[@Toys4Life]

Auto will lose some HP vs Manual (drivetrain loss) but the 06 & 07 engines both should be 400 HP.

[@exoticspeedefy7916]

I brought an LS2.... for my C5 😉

[@ManuelArostegui-ug3qi]

$16k is good price for 2005 corvette stingray Daytona with 105k miles and automatic transmission? Looks good inside, outside and runs amazing. It's my dream car, and I really just want to take it out for special occasions. But I don't know much about car mechanics and I'm scared about the miles. Thanks !

[@BlownInterceptor71]

100% spot on!

[@BlownInterceptor71]

Great Vids! I watched another vid you have about C5 temps and shocks. I was wondering if you had a few minutes, I could ask you a few questions about my 2004 c5 commemorative edition?

[@bmepdoc9675]

Thank you for detailing the minutia. A question referencing the Z06: "also takes extra specialized skills above and beyond what is necessary to build a regular LS engine". Having refreshed numerous Ti equipped platforms, what - in particular - are the specialized skills you speak of?

[@Toys4Life]

More so dealing with the abrasiveness of the titanium rods and valves. Not necessarily the assembling but more so rebuilding the engine in such a way that it will actually go 200,000 mi + like all the other LS engines. How have you been dealing with valve guides in connecting rods wearing at the crank end?

[@Toys4Life]

Inspecting and knowing what to do with the interaction of the titanium connecting rods as they wear against each other an making the heads last with the interaction of the titanium valves against the guides. Special knowledge/skills IMO.

[@DirtDude117]

The TR6060 and Diff on the 09-13 are a HUGE upgrade

[@Toys4Life]

The more HP you plan to make the more important they become! But not for the type of owner that doesn't need it IMO.

[@oggreek9643]

I think there's only 1 reason to get a LS2, and this is cost of entry. If you can't afford any of the other versions, then get the LS2 and be happy with it. If you can afford a LS3, then you should get it, particularly if it's a Grand Sport.

[@Sl0wC6]

There’s almost no price difference between a high mileage LS2 and a high mileage LS3

[@Sl0wC6]

Unless its a 05 (nobody wants a 4 speed)

[@carlolson2335]

Very informative.

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you liked it

[@lucasamorimporto3300]

I just bought a 2007 with 62k miles, unfortunately it’s automatic transmission, but it’s pretty good. I had a c7 before with 460 hp and I call tell that this c6 is not way behind. I’ve watched your videos before buying it.

[@zachinapex]

Excellent video

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you liked it

[@gjsprophet5422]

C&S Corvette's C6 Buyer's Guide KZbin suggests LS2 engines have a tendency to have internal crankshaft issues leading to harmonic balancer or torque tube failures. Have you seen any of these issues?

[@Toys4Life]

I am aware of that comment. It wasn't specific (as in stating what part was going bad and what was happening to it) and I have not seen or heard of anything like it anywhere else.

[@tcbmike4926]

2007 manual car here but really want more horse power. Not sure if I should just sell it and get a C7 for the extra horse power.

[@Toys4Life]

Before you do, Google C7 active fuel management and or C7 automatic transmission issues. C6's are not a bad car IMO (:-)

[@InsomniaReal]

Personally, if you really want extra hp, id sell the 07, buy an ls3, throw on an A&A blower. 3.8 pully should get you ~600rwhp. if you want more than 600 your gonna need to refresh internals, put in a blower cam and run better fuel, then you can pully down to 3.4 that should get you in the 700 maybe 800rwph territory. I wouldn't go that far but it gives you options. the blower itself costs 6k, upgrade any fueling components that could hinder, also if you live anywhere hot cooling is a must. After than its just traction and driver mod. You could also just throw the A&A on your ls2 I wouldn't but some have had success with it, might just end up costing more than buying the ls3 and going that route though. I love the c7 but dealing with direct injection without secondary port injectors and everything else that comes with stricter emissions requirements just isn't something I'm willing to deal with. Pure direct injection is a steep initial investment when it comes to power.

[@robertgoldman4345]

ON my Ls2, adding the fast intake...for catherdral heads or do I need to add LS3 heads or aftermaket? Bob

[@Toys4Life]

Not sure I 100% understand your question.

[@Soulfulnewt05]

Valid points: however, 2 or 3 out 5 things were about the cost difference or saving money. I was really anticipating more ACTUAL reasons.

[@rapid13]

@@Soulfulnewt05 There aren’t any. By every objective measure, LS3>LS2.

[@Toys4Life]

Sorry about that. What about production numbers and parts availability when many of the parts are no longer available. That is my favorite.

[@oldbuddyben]

Valid points all around. However, for the folks looking to heavily modify a C6 the Tr6060 puts you money ahead. Especially for anyone that would have to pay labor for transmission removal if it breaks. As for that matter, swapping out for the 30 spline trans output shaft and upgrading to the more heavily reinforced rear differential from Z06/GS/Zr1 might be a reason to pay the premium for the later built cars. But a LS2 C6 is still a fantastic bang for the buck performance pick.

[@Toys4Life]

Yes - if you are going after over 525 RWHP - go with 08 an newer LS3 with manual.

[@kennyhayes8488]

I have a LS3 and I love it.Its in a 2014 Chevy ss sandan

[@meledge55]

Looking for input. Is a 2 owner 2008 convertible with 140,000 miles too high mileage to buy?

[@Toys4Life]

Depends. 140k all gentle freeway - not so bad. 140k daily driven stop go traffic and hard joy rides - run (don't walk) away. Condition, test drive and sometimes the car fax will give you a clue for example if 60k were put on it in 2 years that is likely freeway.

[@markshadaram9740]

Owned and drove C3 thru C8. I loved my 94 C4 and 2018 C7. There is something missing in C8. I never tested an E-ray so I am out on that. although C6 had the looks, C7 is still king

[@kfm908]

most owners are old like me. I rarely rev over 5k.LS2 has plenty power for 98% of us

[@Toys4Life]

Indeed!

[@madmatt1964ify]

I am too. Waiting to get mine

[@kevinweitzel2922]

Just got one this week

[@swappedoutZ71]

You can get the LS2 to put 505 to the rear wheels with decent mods and power wise you will be close to z06. LS2 is not a bad deal by any means, you bore/stroke or sleeve it to 408 and youll really have some torque

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Thanks for the video

[@georgebarth5596]

I absolutely love the C5, C6 & C7......... and I am wondering if the C6 and C7 suffer from the "could be fatal / expensive" torque tube rebuild that I assume is always eventually needed on the C5....... And if this exists on C6 (2008 and on for the LS3) as well as the C7 2014 to 2019 models (standard 460hp motor) models, is it more likely to be needed, or less likely needed on these later GENS with the assumption that Chevy improved upon this flaw from the C5's? Thanks so much..... :-)

[@Toys4Life]

I think the big improvement was to the bushing and parts sized of the inner shaft around 2000 or so. Bearings can always fail and over time even the larger rubber bushings can fail. At a minimum I would go through the T Tube any time the clutch or transmission work are being done.

[@newbiemike]

There's no replacement for displacement (I have an '08 Z06 w/the heads fixed and 24K miles). However, I don't think you can go wrong with any '08 or newer C6 which is still the best-looking RWD Corvette.

[@Toys4Life]

Normally I agree but that seven later engine is super expensive and it's not exactly the most reliable of the LS bunch 😐

[@kareemrichards8635]

Thank you, captain 👍

[@Toys4Life]

You're welcome sir!

[@retrogamerdave362]

Lingenfelter tracks all the heads they do. American Heritage has good records too. But don't do the Z06 unless you are gonna fix the heads. I used AHP, they were great

[@rapid13]

@@retrogamerdave362 I have Livernois stage 2 heads with a BTR valve train and stage 2 cam. I hesitate to use the word “bulletproof” but it have no fear of valve drop.

[@terryspray2319]

How about Katech?

[@Toys4Life]

@terryspray2319 I think they're one of the better ones, but I don't have first hand experience.

[@robertserino1988]

Excellent and thank you.

[@stevebrown6175]

I’ve owned a Z06. My guides and intake valves failed at 23K miles. AHP replaced both and I ended up selling the car at 26K miles. I would still have a C6 if I had chosen a Grand Sport instead 😕.

[@Toys4Life]

Sorry that happened!

[@ronarch7910]

👍👍I had a 2005, LS2, 6 speed for 15 years, never any problems with that Vette. Only reason I sold it was for a new Mid-Engine C8 and Lovin it 😎

[@NoahCotney]

Nice. The rumble of the new lt1's completely shocked me.

[@SimplyJustRandomness]

I have a bolt on and tuned 09, and honestly it's still not enough in today's day and age of power. I am holding off and getting a c7z when the time is right with these rates. I am probably not the norm though, and I am never happy with power and get bored with cars very easy lol.

[@Toys4Life]

Getting bored of performance cars and switching is an expensive hobby!!

[@craigthescott5074]

The C6 Z06 LS7 fix isn’t that big of a deal most knowledge shops can do the fix for $3K. I bought my mint low milage C6 Z06 for $40K and put $8000 in the engine with all Texas Speed parts to give it more than 700HP, plus it fixed the valve problem. It’s a torque monster and should be very reliable.

[@Toys4Life]

I want one!

[@mogulme6190]

Ik a few guys who boosted ls2 vettes and they lived forever.

[@rellmonger7935]

U made a valid choice

[@darrenbuttery3527]

I would avoid 05's all together. I personally think its worth the extra money to get an LS3 C6 manual. You're getting more displacement, more HP, more reliability, more aftermarket and a better manual transmission. All that is worth 5K more to me. But I could certainly understand why someone who is going to keep their car stock and not race it would pick an 06 or 07 with the LS2 to save that extra cash. I would still avoid 05's though. I heard the manual cars have to be in reverse when sitting or the battery drains? I swear I heard something about that.

[@localcomradedimitri261]

I own a supercharged ls2 and let me say after doing vast research and getting opinions from shops, the ls2 is actually better for boost. The bottom end is alot stronger

[@Toys4Life]

Can you expand upon what's stronger. The higher compression is not ideal for supercharging. If the bottom is stronger and I miss something, I want to know (:-)

[@localcomradedimitri261]

@Toys4Life Well the Ls3s tend to have more lifter and cam issues with boost than stock ls2s