What Corvette Has The LS3: A Quick Guide

Find out which Corvette models are equipped with the LS3 engine and learn a bit about this powerful V8.

LS3 Engine Overview

The LS3 engine is the heart of some serious performance beef. Introduced in 2008, it’s a 6.2-liter V8 that’s all about delivering power and fun. This engine was a major upgrade from the LS2, boasting an impressive 430 horsepower right out of the gate.

With an aluminum block for lightness and efficiency, it’s designed to keep the weight down while cranking up the power. The cylinder heads were re-engineered to allow better airflow, making it as efficient as it is powerful. If the good ol’ roar of a V8 excites you, this beast ensures you’ll hear it.

Variable valve timing? Yep, it’s got it. This allows the LS3 to provide excellent performance across a broad RPM range, meaning it’s equally happy going for a Sunday cruise or tearing up the track.

All in all, the LS3 is a fantastically well-rounded engine that offers a mix of raw power, advanced tech, and a symphony of performance that’s hard to resist.

2008-2013 Corvette C6 Models With LS3

The LS3 engine left its mark on several Corvette C6 models. Introduced in the 2008 model year, it immediately showcased its prowess under the hoods of the base Corvette C6 models up until 2013. This engine wasn’t just a pretty face; it had brains and brawn in equal measure.

One of the major talking points of the LS3 is its 6.2-liter displacement, which offered a significant power boost from the previous LS2 engine. The standard output? A jaw-dropping 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque. With the optional dual-mode exhaust system, it upped the ante to 436 horsepower.

Key highlights in these years included:

• Advanced materials like lightweight aluminum for the block and cylinder heads, helping to trim weight without sacrificing strength.
• A high-flow intake manifold that improved air intake efficiency, crucial for its impressive performance.
• Generous use of technology, like its updated camshaft design, enhancing both fuel efficiency and overall power.

The LS3-equipped C6 models also benefited from updates in handling and aerodynamics, making them not just powerful in a straight line, but incredibly agile in curves. These updates made the C6 with the LS3 a well-rounded sports car—balancing sheer speed and impressive handling. It’s no wonder these cars remain a favorite among enthusiasts.

Who’s up for a Sunday drive?

Key Features of the LS3 Engine

Featuring an aluminum block and heads, the LS3 is a lightweight powerhouse. Its displacement measures 6.2 liters, ensuring a robust performance. Fueling this beast is a sequential fuel injection system, contributing to its efficiency.

One of its standout traits is the high-flow cylinder heads, inspired directly by the Corvette Z06’s LS7 engine. These allow for better airflow and increased horsepower. Adding to this, the improved camshaft profile offers a more aggressive valve timing, enhancing mid to high-range power.

The LS3 also sports an ignition system with individual coils for each cylinder. This means more reliable spark distribution and better engine efficiency. Toss in an electronic throttle control, and you’ve got smoother and quicker throttle response.

Lastly, the LS3 comes with a stronger and larger intake manifold, designed to optimize airflow into the engine, which translates to those blistering speeds Corvettes are famous for.

Performance Specifications of the LS3

This powerhouse cranks out 430 horsepower at 5,900 RPM. Some models even push the envelope with 436 horsepower thanks to a dual-mode exhaust system. Torque? A hefty 424 lb-ft at 4,600 RPM.

Its aluminum block keeps things light, aiding in overall vehicle performance. The engine boasts a high-flow cylinder head design, responsible for its exceptional breathing ability. Fuel efficiency isn’t sacrificed either; with the right setup, it manages a respectable mpg.

Let’s not forget the 0-60 mph sprint in just about 4.3 seconds. Fasten your seatbelts – the quarter-mile disappears in a little over 12 seconds. For a naturally aspirated V8, these are jaw-dropping figures!

LS3 Engine in the C6 Grand Sport

The LS3 engine really shines in the C6 Grand Sport. This model essentially combines the best of the base C6 and the performance attributes of the Z06. With the LS3 at its heart, the Grand Sport is more than just a pretty face.

Imagine a 6.2-liter V8 capable of 430 horsepower and 424 lb-ft of torque. Yes, you read that right. And that’s just the standard numbers. Throw in the performance exhaust, and you’re looking at 436 horsepower.

Now, performance matchmaking. The Grand Sport takes the wide-body styling and enhanced suspension from the Z06. It’s like putting an athlete in a tuxedo. Sleek, but don’t challenge it to a race unless you’re ready.

Amazing performance doesn’t stop at street cred. It’s a track star as well. The LS3 engine allows for impressive acceleration and handling. Kick it on a straightaway, and you’ll feel the g-force. Hug those corners, and it’s like driving on rails.

In simple terms, the C6 Grand Sport with an LS3 engine is a Corvette lover’s dream. Power, style, and performance all wrapped in one enticing package. It’s not just a car; it’s an experience.

Identifying LS3 Engine in Corvettes

One of the easiest ways to spot an LS3 engine in a Corvette is by checking under the hood. Look for a prominently displayed engine cover that usually says “LS3” in bold letters. It’s like the engine’s way of saying, “Hey, look at me!”

Another clue lies in the details. The LS3 has distinctive features like aluminum construction, high-flow cylinder heads, and a 6.2-liter displacement. If these specs match, you’re on the right track.

Check the vehicle’s VIN. The eighth character in the VIN for Corvettes equipped with the LS3 engine is typically specific to that engine model. This can be a surefire way to confirm what’s under the hood without getting your hands dirty.

On the dashboard, look for performance metrics. Models with the LS3 engine often come equipped with specific performance packages that might not be available in other variants, so if you see features like a heads-up display or magnetic selective ride control, you’re likely looking at an LS3-powered beast.