LS3 vs LS6 Engine

LS stands for Luxury Sports. General Motors specially designed LS engine for Luxury sports cars. By the end of this article, you will know the difference between LS3 and LS6 and can decide which one to choose.

What is LS3 and LS6?

LS3 and LS6 are two versions from the LS engine series. LS3 is a generation IV engine incorporated in the Corvette. LS6 is a part of the generation III engine family that was made for Cadillac.

Why to compare?

When someone decides to buy a sports car, they get confused about the car engine. As the engine is the main part of a car, people always give maximum attention to this. That’s why it becomes important to know the difference between various versions of engine.

Moreover, LS engine series provides a large range of choice. Thus, the confusion gets even worse. The main object of this article is to help people in making their choice easily by providing a wide idea about two famous LS engine versions (LS3 & LS6). Also check our other comparison article ls2 vs ls3 here.

LS3 vs LS6 Comparison

Some notable difference between LS3 and LS6 engine are shown below:

LS3 Engine	LS6 Engine
Compression Ratio: 10.7:1	Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
Horsepower rating: 430-415	Horsepower rating: 385-405
Torque rating: 420-428 ft./lbs	Torque rating:  385-400 ft./lbs
Displacement: 6.2L	Displacement: 5.7L
Reluctor wheel: 58x	Reluctor wheel: 24x
Exhaust runner volume: 87cc	Exhaust runner volume: 75cc
Rocker offset: Intake rocker	Rocker offset: Intake rocker
Throttle body: 90mm, 4-Bolt, Gold   Blade	Throttle body: 78mm, 3-bolt
Fuel injector flow: 42 lbs	Fuel injector flow: 30 lbs
PCM: E38	PCM: Warren
Camshaft sensor: Front mount	Camshaft sensor: Red mount
Check Price on Amazon	Check Price on Amazon

Main features:

• Vehicle applications:

LS3 engines are mainly designed for Corvette/Camaro models of Chevrolet cars. Some vehicle models are- Chevrolet Corvette, Corvette Grand Sport, Camaro SS, SS, Pontiac G8 GXP.

LS6 was mainly manufactured for two special super cars- The C5-generation Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the first generation Cadillac CTS-V.

• Speed:

LS3 is faster than LS6. The reason is very clear from the above chart. LS3 possesses a higher horsepower rating (430-415) than LS6(385-405).

Maximum speed generation capacity of LS3 engine is 190mph. On the contrary, LS6 can produce 162mph as maximum speed. Time duration for achieving max speed in LS3 is also lower than LS6. LS3 needs only 3.1 seconds to reach a speed of 60mph which is almost half than that of time needed for LS6. So, you want to be fast? Then you should go for LS3 installed cars.

• Durability:

Durability of engine is measured in usage or total distance driven. In the question of durability, LS6 is in advantage over LS3. Though LS3 has high power and energy, it lacks behind in durability.

Corvette forum says that a LS6 engine should last for 150-200k miles with regular maintenance. LS3 engine lasts for 100k miles which is significantly lower than LS6.

But in both cases, proper maintenance such as- changing fuel regularly, smart driving, taking care of the engine body are applicable. You expect the engine to last long without proper care, that is not going to happen.

• Fuel efficiency:

Mileage is basically a feature of a car that depends on the equipped engine’s fuel efficiency. The more fuel efficiency of the engine, the more the car get mileage. LS3 gives an average mileage of 26-30 MPG. On the other hand, LS6 fuel efficiency is a bit lower than LS3, which is 23 MPG. Mileage depends on driving habits, car’s structure specially weight, aerodynamic property and others.

• Intake runner volume:

The intake runner volume mainly functions with the combustion chamber. It influences how the chamber is filled during the intake stroke. RPM (revolution per minute) depends on intake runner volume proportionally. It is measured in cubic centimeters (cc).

The intake runner volume of the LS3 engine is 257cc. In LS6, this volume is 210cc. Thus, the RPM value of LS3 is also higher than LS6.

• Cost:

Nothing is more important than pocket management! Whatever the configurations are, everything depends on affordability. So, cost is one of the things that should be considered first.

Expense of a new LS3 engine skyrocketed in comparison with LS6 engine. A LS6 engine price is $1050 where LS3 costs almost $8000. Only advanced and updated features are not responsible for this huge price of LS3. Market Demand is the main influential factor behind this skyrocketed price. So, if you intend to buy LS3 vehicle,

Which one you should go for?

Well, it depends. LS3 is more updated than LS6. LS6 lacks fuel efficiency, horsepower rating, torque rating, maximum speed capability and many other eye catchy features. So, if you want the best service and faster vehicle then LS3 would be best for you.

On the contrary, LS3 has lower life expectancy than LS6. Another most important fact is the cost that is on the LS6 side. High price of LS3 makes it unaffordable for many people. So, if you prefer consistency and cutting coat according to cloth, then LS6 is best for you. In the end, it all depends on your choice, affordability and mindset.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)