CrabhartZ28

Forgive me if i'm beating the club beating the dead horse, but in a few years i'm considering an 04 or 05 GTO for some transportation. I'm more familier with the LS1 but that really is neither here nor there, so i'd like to hear how you guys feel on the subject.

Which really is worth modding? Should i just assume more displacement= more potential in this case, or does the LS1 have something over the LS2 that would make it worth getting an 04 instead of an 05? Frankly i'm very unfamilier with LS2 architecture.

Thanks guys.

Capn Pete

Ugh! I really haven't done my homework on the LS2 yet, but I think one of the only main differences (that would affect actual power/performance) besides the size difference (5.7L - 6.0L) and the knock sensors being relocated (I think? ) was that it uses a "new" intake manifold. It's different from the LS1 and LS6 intakes, AFAIK? I think that the LS6 manifold is actually better, and I say this because I think that's one of the things that makes the C5 Z06's quicker than the base C6's. Now maybe the LS2 uses a different cam (from the factory) than the Z06's LS6 as well? But a cam can be swapped, so can an intake. Obviously "size matters" , so at the end of the day, you're probably better off going with the 6.0L engine and modding it. Theoretically, it should always be "one step ahead" mod-for-mod .

CrabhartZ28

yeah that's what i assumed about the displacement. Also the only thing i really know about the LS2 is that their stock intakes suck. What about mileage?

Kraest

Not much difference besides flat-top pistons with full-floating wrist pins (no piston slap) making 10.9:1 compression using LS6 heads, LS6 cam, 90mm TB and revised intake manifold, and obviously a bigger bore block.


Mike

Bayer-Z28

I got this from: http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/fram...ckV8s/LS2.html I did not change any info, nor do I take credit for it.



The LS2 is the new factory engine for the model year 2005 Corvette and replaces the LS-6 factory production engine. The factory production LS-6 engine is no longer available but GMPP still has all of what you need available for an LS-6 if you still want one. GM gives the following write-up on the Corvette LS2 combination:
LS2 V-8
The 2005 Corvette features the new 6.0L V-8 LS2 engine based on GM’s Gen IV small-block family. The LS2 is the most powerful standard small-block engine ever offered in Corvette, and features:
* All-new 319-T5 aluminum deep-skirt block casting with cast-in-place iron cylinder bore liners and cross-bolted main caps
* Cylinder head design derived from the C5 Z06
* Camshaft lift increased to take advantage of increased head flow
* Revised exhaust manifolds are 34 percent lighter
* Compression raised to 10.9:1
* More powerful engine controller incorporates all electronic throttle control functions
* 400 hp (298 kw)
* 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm).

In ’05, the new LS2 also becomes the standard engine for the Chevrolet SSR (390 hp / 291 kw and 405 lb.-ft. / 549 Nm of torque) and Pontiac GTO.
Overall, the LS2’s output performance specs look to be almost identical to the LS-6’s with just a slight decrease of 5 HP at 6,000 rpm and shifting lower of the peak torque point from 4,800 rpm to 4,400 rpm. Again, you have to keep in mind that these specs are based on the vehicle they came in with everything that goes with that and at the rear wheels or (SAE net). The specs are not a direct comparison of engine to engine like all the crate engines that rate the HP and Torque at the flywheel with strict dyno testing guidelines

CrabhartZ28

so knowing all this, which would you guys rather build up? My end goal with whatever LSx engine i go with is forged internals, and either a turbo or blower making 600hp at the crank.

I'm between the LS2 and LS6. I've seen a lot of LS6s doing just this, but would it be any easier with an LS2? Would it be easier to keep the LS6 in its powerband considering it has less displacement?

Kraest

It's basically the same motor, but my vote goes to the LS2 for the bigger bore block.

Mike

DrewSG

The obvious choice would the LS2, since it has a little more aggressive cam, better flowing heads, and a bigger bore.

But if you're starting from scratch to change the heads, cam, and/or bore, it's moot.

Mike94ZLT1

I think, at this point in time, only from a tuning standpoint you are better off with the LS1, as the LS2 pcm is completely different and from what I've seen not many people can tune them yet. Now, an LS2 running on an LS1 pcm is a different story

CJ Black LS1 Z28 M6

One of my friends that owns a stock Z06 got OWNED all day long by his friend that has a new c6 with only 2200 miles on the clock

Capn Pete

Obviously the guy can't drive the Z06. I'm not trying to flame your buddy, but I've seen the #'s for both cars. Z06's ('01 - '04) seem to put ~355 - 365 HP to the wheels on average. I think the stock C6's were only putting around ~340 - 350 to the wheels? I know that some of the Z06's were real ringers, and most believe they are (like LS1 F-bodies) way under-rated.

At the track, some guys have gotten their Z06's down into the high 11's with nothing but good tires and/or a fine driving skills. Low 12's are pretty typical/average. From what I read, the LS2 C6's were hard pressed to hit ~12.5's let alone anything faster (stock). Mid-high 12's seemed to be average for C6's.

Thing is, the DRIVER makes a huge difference, especially with an M6. I've got a buddy who ran 13.7 with his stock LT1 M6, on the same day I watched an LS1 M6 barely cut 13.8!

CrabhartZ28

So overall, an LS2 has more mod potential than an LS6? What about block strength, bay to bay breathing, etc? Is there more to be gained by forging one or the other?

Bayer-Z28

I think it'd be a while before they start making parts for the ls2. I think they have some already, but minor bolt on stuff. Check www.ls2.com

It's based off the ls6 block so it prolly has those same cut outs for the bay breathing. 4 Bolt w/ cross bolted main caps.... I'd say it's pretty stong....like all other LSx engines

gogogadget

Torque management slows the LS2 cars. There is no magic in explaining why two cars with similar weight and power preform so differently.