The LS2 is the 6.0-liter V8 GM used in the 2005-2007 C6 Corvette, rated at 400 hp there. The LS3 replaced it in 2008: it grew to 6.2 liters with a larger bore and got higher-flowing rectangular-port cylinder heads, and in the C6 Corvette it is rated at 430 hp, or 436 hp with the optional dual-mode exhaust. Both are aluminum-block Gen IV small blocks with the same 3.622-inch stroke, and both are popular for superchargers and swaps.
LS2 vs LS3 at a glance
| LS2 | LS3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6.0 L (364 cu in) | 6.2 L (376 cu in) |
| Bore x stroke | 4.000 x 3.622 in | 4.065 x 3.622 in |
| Cylinder heads | Cathedral-port | Rectangular-port, larger valves |
| C6 Corvette rating | 400 hp (2005-2007) | 430 hp; 436 hp with dual-mode exhaust (2008-2013) |
| Also used in | Pontiac GTO, Chevrolet SSR and TrailBlazer SS | Camaro SS with the manual transmission (2010-2015), Pontiac G8 GXP and others |
What changed from LS2 to LS3?
- Bigger bore: the larger bore accounts for the step from 6.0 to 6.2 liters and leaves room for bigger valves.
- Rectangular-port heads: the LS3 heads flow more air at high RPM than the LS2’s cathedral-port heads, which is the main source of the extra power.
- Intake and injection: the LS3 uses an intake manifold and injectors matched to its new heads; LS2 and LS3 intakes do not interchange because the port shapes differ.
Which is better for a supercharger?
Both take boost well with the right supporting parts. The LS3’s head flow gives it more power on the same boost, while the LS2 is a strong, simple base that many owners have supercharged. Kits are engine-specific because pulleys, brackets and intake parts differ, so match the kit to your engine: the C6 Corvette kits we carry are listed separately for the LS2 and the LS3. Compare them on our LS3 supercharger kits and C6 Corvette supercharger kits pages, and for the Camaro on Camaro supercharger kits.
Which is better for a swap?
For an LS swap the LS3 makes more power out of the box, while the LS2 can cost less. Either needs an engine computer and harness matched to it, and the intake manifold must suit the cylinder heads. Our LS swap guide covers mounts, oil pan, wiring, fuel and transmission, and LS vs Vortec explains how the car and truck engines relate. Check your state’s emissions rules before any swap.
How to tell an LS2 from an LS3
Check the vehicle’s RPO codes on the service parts label, usually in the glove box or trunk, or decode the engine character in the VIN. On the engine, the intake ports are the giveaway: the LS3 has rectangular ports, the LS2 tall, narrow cathedral ports. Every LS engine shares the 1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3 firing order.
Looking for a truck LS engine instead? See our LS engines.
More guides: LS3 vs LT1 · C6 vs C7 Corvette.
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