My decision has come down to the 01+LS6 vs. the LS2 for my engine swap. I keep getting swayed one way or the other, hearing that the stock LS6 has better fuel economy than the stock LS2, but hey, the LS2 has higher displacement and is newer...

So, I need to see the advatages that the LS6 has over the LS2, and what the LS2 has over the LS6. This will be my last thread on engine selection, I promise!

Ready, GO.

-Evan

I'm not sure why you would go with an Ls6; if you get a 01+ Ls1 block they are identical except for the intake, which you can get cheaply.

Are you buying a take out, block and buying the top end parts???

You're going to need the GTO oilpan anyway, might as well just start with the whole thing out of the GTO. get an LS1 with 350HP for about $4500 with trans, or go all the way for an LS2 with 400hp, but it will cost about $3000more. Personally I think the LS1 is enough and fairly available for under $5k with trans. Geezer is using a 5.3l LS truck motor, but he's had to buy the oilpan, and now is finding the engine won't clear the hood with the truck intake, so he's probably going to have to swap that too. The GTO unit SHOULD be the most complete ready to swap unit available. easier is better.
I see you're in Iowa, where at? Im in des moines and looking at doing a LSx into my E24.

You're going to need the GTO oilpan anyway, might as well just start with the whole thing out of the GTO. get an LS1 with 350HP for about $4500 with trans, or go all the way for an LS2 with 400hp, but it will cost about $3000more. Personally I think the LS1 is enough and fairly available for under $5k with trans. Geezer is using a 5.3l LS truck motor, but he's had to buy the oilpan, and now is finding the engine won't clear the hood with the truck intake, so he's probably going to have to swap that too. The GTO unit SHOULD be the most complete ready to swap unit available. easier is better.
I see you're in Iowa, where at? Im in des moines and looking at doing a LSx into my E24.

I'm in Ames (In cali until sunday, though).

-Evan

LS2 a lot lower milage. Less gas milage probably because of more power. LS2 gets my vote.

Go for the LS2. When you want to hop it up, you can get the L92 heads (PN 12582713) and L76 intake package (12590123) from GM. The LQ4 made 480 hp with the HOT cam kit (PN 12480033), so the better heads and intake would make a few more, and with an aftermarket cam, you get 540 hp.

I can't post links, but Google "L92 heads L76 intake" and it's the second link.

Get the Comp Cams 281HR cam and you'll have 550+ hp (See May 2007 Car Craft for details).

All my opinion, but if I were buying the engine for my '69 Camaro, an LS2 with the 4L60E (to swap to a 6L80 later) would be my choice.

The LS2 PCM does not include the transmission electronics in it, there's a separate transmission control module (TCM) just like the 6L80 uses.

Oh and there are differences between the LS1/LS6/LQ4/LQ9 (Gen III) and LS2/LS7/L92 engines, such as reluctor rings, knock sensors, and even the block, but most of the differences are minor, as the cylinder heads, flywheels, intakes all bolt onto the blocks.

Have you figured out what this is going to cost you fully? I'd rather go turbo if you have a 2.8 you will make alot more then 350hp your going to make with this swap. I know that the ls motors are sick but, its alot of work unless you are doing the work yourself or have some friends who are going to help out. Either way keep us posted.:)

Go for the LS2. When you want to hop it up, you can get the L92 heads (PN 12582713) and L76 intake package (12590123) from GM. The LQ4 made 480 hp with the HOT cam kit (PN 12480033), so the better heads and intake would make a few more, and with an aftermarket cam, you get 540 hp.

I can't post links, but Google "L92 heads L76 intake" and it's the second link.

Get the Comp Cams 281HR cam and you'll have 550+ hp (See May 2007 Car Craft for details).

All my opinion, but if I were buying the engine for my '69 Camaro, an LS2 with the 4L60E (to swap to a 6L80 later) would be my choice.

The LS2 PCM does not include the transmission electronics in it, there's a separate transmission control module (TCM) just like the 6L80 uses.

Oh and there are differences between the LS1/LS6/LQ4/LQ9 (Gen III) and LS2/LS7/L92 engines, such as reluctor rings, knock sensors, and even the block, but most of the differences are minor, as the cylinder heads, flywheels, intakes all bolt onto the blocks.

Well, an LS6 with custom headers and custom tuning can probably put over 400 to the wheels, and I can't imagine wanting more than that in a DD e36. I'm skeptical that it'll be terribly easy to put down even that much power.

The only modifications for power that I think I would do are the ones that increase efficiency - K&N Filter, better tuning, etc. The LS6, as I understand it, get's close to 30MPG on the highway in a car heavier than my e36, which is yet another reason that this swap appeals to me. I don't want to kill that advantage with power mods when I'll have an extremely difficult time putting the power down.

I'm still interested in the LS2, but I'm pretty sure that it's rated for lower fuel economy...

-Evan

If you're looking to save money with better fuel economy, just go with an LS1 which will be tons cheaper.

If you're looking to save money with better fuel economy, just go with an LS1 which will be tons cheaper.

Well, I had imagined 450hp as my ideal place, and would like to get there. It's going to take a heck of a lot more to get an LS1 there than an LS2 or 6.

-Evan

Well, I had imagined 450hp as my ideal place, and would like to get there. It's going to take a heck of a lot more to get an LS1 there than an LS2 or 6.

-Evan

True, but those engines will definitely respond to mods much better than say the m52. So getting some power out of them shouldn't be too hard.

True, but those engines will definitely respond to mods much better than say the m52. So getting some power out of them shouldn't be too hard.

But I'll be in the same place in terms of them affecting efficiency, won't I?

-Evan

You could start with a 5.3L aluminum LSx truck motor. They're cheap and easy to obtain with nearly no miles. then you just put a magnason on it. It should clear the hood and give plenty of power. see http://tbyrne.com/GTO/gtosupercharger.html
Or you could start with a standard LS1 and add this in the future if you find you need more!

You could start with a 5.3L aluminum LSx truck motor. They're cheap and easy to obtain with nearly no miles. then you just put a magnason on it. It should clear the hood and give plenty of power. see http://tbyrne.com/GTO/gtosupercharger.html
Or you could start with a standard LS1 and add this in the future if you find you need more!

I like the fact that the aluminum block actually results in less front-end weight than our I6's.

-Evan

Well, I had imagined 450hp as my ideal place, and would like to get there. It's going to take a heck of a lot more to get an LS1 there than an LS2 or 6.

-Evan

You can get almost 400rwhp on a LS6 with full bolt ons never pulling a valve cover or cam. LS1s are just as friendly to mods as a LS6 and the primary change was the cylinder heads 340-360 rwhp is about max for a bolt on Ls1. You can find some real deals floating around on 243 cast heads. Intake manifolds on the 01+ LS1s are the same as the LS6.

LS2s do respond a bit better to mods due to the larger bore. Is it worth the $$? of course that depends on your goals. The LS2 and LS6 both used the 243 casting head.

If you are not building a 500rwhp monster I would buy the motor you could use the most accessories, oil pan, and trans from in the swap. Usually the small items run up the tab.

you should find a way to make this work in your car!!:evil2
http://www.airpowersystems.com.au/ls1/ls2/gto_3_4_rear.jpg

As a friend with many GTO's and Camaro's, I would put my vote on the LS1 as many others have. As far as the LS2 goes, many have had problems with the oil flow (locking up engines) and the "Bolt Ons" don't always produce the same amount of HP increase as the same "Bolt Ons" on an LS1.

My .02 cents

you should find a way to make this work in your car!!:evil2
http://www.airpowersystems.com.au/ls1/ls2/gto_3_4_rear.jpg

Sorry for ignorance....What is that?

Sorry for ignorance....What is that?

well my friend......what you are looking are is a complete "bolt-on" mild twin turbo set up for an LS1, "bolt-on" as in you don't have to do anything but provide a healthy engine, slap on the turbo set up, (not sure how they handle tuning) and off you go.........it makes 545rwhp on 93 octane, and it's supposed to be the "stealth" set-up for the GTO....

http://www.airpowersystems.com.au/ls1/us_gto.htm

ps..there are far more powerful systems from other tuners, just this one had the prettiest picture:D and i think 545whp is plenty.....

well my friend......what you are looking are is a complete "bolt-on" mild twin turbo set up for an LS1, "bolt-on" as in you don't have to do anything but provide a healthy engine, slap on the turbo set up, (not sure how they handle tuning) and off you go.........it makes 545rwhp on 93 octane, and it's supposed to be the "stealth" set-up for the GTO....

http://www.airpowersystems.com.au/ls1/us_gto.htm

ps..there are far more powerful systems from other tuners, just this one had the prettiest picture:D and i think 545whp is plenty.....

:wow

If you want real honest answers and the best there is then call Erik at HKE Racing Engines in Houston. There are a few members on here that know him personally (not naming names). In my opinion, he is the best LS1/2/6/x engine build in the US. His number is 713-722-7000 and tell him Crazy Matt sent you.

Matthew

well my friend......what you are looking are is a complete "bolt-on" mild twin turbo set up for an LS1, "bolt-on" as in you don't have to do anything but provide a healthy engine, slap on the turbo set up, (not sure how they handle tuning) and off you go.........it makes 545rwhp on 93 octane, and it's supposed to be the "stealth" set-up for the GTO....

http://www.airpowersystems.com.au/ls1/us_gto.htm

ps..there are far more powerful systems from other tuners, just this one had the prettiest picture:D and i think 545whp is plenty.....

I believe APS can send you a packaged tune or you can custom tune it with LS1edit or HP Tuners. http://www.hptuners.com/ You can also go stand alone with Big Stuff3 http://www.bigstuff3.com/ or FAST http://www.fuelairspark.com/ The factory ECM and HP Tuners is plenty capable for most builds.

dude...how many threads have you made about wanting to do this swap so far...? Just seems a little excessive that you make a thread about every thought that pops into your head. I really hope we don't have to read 100 different threads that you make once this thing actually starts. Why don't you just research it yourself. This stuff is kind of common knowledge.

If you want my opinion still... Buy a GTO LS1, cam and head it and you basically have the LS6 already with the oil pan. The GTO headers are also block hugger headers. You might have a problem with the flange of the headers interfering with the steering u-joints on the left hand side so just cut it off and weld on an extension to set the flange back. You also might want get the LS2 water pump pulley because it's a good 2 inches shorter than the LS1 one for much needed front clearance (on the e30 at least, don't know how much room is in the front of the e36). This way you don't have to deal with oil pan and headers and you easily obtain your "goal."

Seriosly though, try to figure some of this out yourself.

dude...how many threads have you made about wanting to do this swap so far...? Just seems a little excessive that you make a thread about every thought that pops into your head. I really hope we don't have to read 100 different threads that you make once this thing actually starts. Why don't you just research it yourself. This stuff is kind of common knowledge.

If you want my opinion still... Buy a GTO LS1, cam and head it and you basically have the LS6 already with the oil pan. The GTO headers are also block hugger headers. You might have a problem with the flange of the headers interfering with the steering u-joints on the left hand side so just cut it off and weld on an extension to set the flange back. You also might want get the LS2 water pump pulley because it's a good 2 inches shorter than the LS1 one for much needed front clearance (on the e30 at least, don't know how much room is in the front of the e36). This way you don't have to deal with oil pan and headers and you easily obtain your "goal."

Seriosly though, try to figure some of this out yourself.
None of what you just informed me of is common knowledge from where I'm sitting. I appreciate the information, but I don't appreciate you lack of appreciation for my complete cluelessness when it comes to american V8's. :help

Allright...sorry about that then. Also, I'm basing this off of our knowledge that we gaining in out e30 swap so you might want to consider different factors. You should study heavily how vorshlag and the other company (starts with an r I think...my computer is broken so I don't have all my favorites handy) did their e36 swaps. Have you found a good wrecking yeard yet to get this stuff out of? Your looking at about 4k for engine, tranny, driveshaft and accessories for the LS1 and upward of that for anything else. Good luck mate.

Allright...sorry about that then. Also, I'm basing this off of our knowledge that we gaining in out e30 swap so you might want to consider different factors. You should study heavily how vorshlag and the other company (starts with an r I think...my computer is broken so I don't have all my favorites handy) did their e36 swaps. Have you found a good wrecking yeard yet to get this stuff out of? Your looking at about 4k for engine, tranny, driveshaft and accessories for the LS1 and upward of that for anything else. Good luck mate.

wait did you just mean 4K for LS1, transmission, driveshaft and all accessrories need for swap?:eyecrazy :redspot

I have an 02 LS1 w/ 35k miles. This is the one with an LS6 block and intake manifold. It includes alternator, AC compressor, coil packs, wiring harness, ECU, correct oil pan for E36, GTO motor mounts (if needed. these may or may not work. I haven't checked yet), and MAF. $2400obo

I was going to use this in my racecar but I am going in a slightly different direction.

Justin

Get an LS1 with 350HP for about $4500 with trans, or go all the way for an LS2 with 400hp, but it will cost about $3000more. Personally I think the LS1 is enough and fairly available for under $5k with trans.

I agree here, the LS1 is probably your best shot here, its 346ci stock, and its a cake motor to get 400+hp out of. Heck with the bad exhaust systems on Camaro's and TransAms they dyno at around 315-320 at the wheels bone stock. When you open up the exhaust system alone you get near 340hp at the wheels.

Have you looked at http://www.ls1.com?
You can simply toss an LSX intake on that motor, throw a bigger cam in it and bang you can have 450-460+hp at the crank.

I have an 02 LS1 w/ 35k miles. This is the one with an LS6 block and intake manifold. It includes alternator, AC compressor, coil packs, wiring harness, ECU, correct oil pan for E36, GTO motor mounts (if needed. these may or may not work. I haven't checked yet), and MAF. $2400obo

I was going to use this in my racecar but I am going in a slightly different direction.

Justin

Just FYI that is the block and intake you want, its less restrictive and the block has more nickel in it which if you don't know makes it stronger.
:buttrock