The way General Motors managed to combine old-school formula with modern tech with its LS engine range is nothing short of remarkable. Just how easily LS engines can rev past the 6,000 RPM mark, despite their size and architecture is incredibly impressive. It’s no surprise then that the engine series has a massive fan base.

While each one of the engines in the General Motors LS series has proven to be an incredibly good package, many versions were known to have their unique qualities. The LS3, for instance, is considered to be one of the best daily LS engines. While we are aware of how crazy daily driving a 400 plus HP engine sounds, there’s a large community that does just this. Here’s everything you need to know about the LS3 engine.

LS3 Engine Specifications

With a displacement of 6.2 liters and a pushrod V8 configuration, there’s no confusing the LS3 for anything but an LS engine. The LS3 engine also incorporates other characteristics from its siblings, including its ability to breathe rather efficiently for such a large block. 

As with all LS engines, the LS3 was designed with performance in mind. It is said that General Motors developed the block of the LS3 with the help of technology it gained from its experience in racing. This meant the LS3 engine was inherently lightweight and strong. While its deep-skirt design helped improve strength, it also helped reduce vibration and improve refinement.

The engine featured revisions that helped control crank flex and improve the rigidity of the overall structure. One of the changes included a structural oil pan. The LS3 block consists of high-strength parts like a steel crankshaft and connecting rods. The aluminum pistons it used weren’t only strong but also designed in a way to ensure top-end performance and the ability to rev quickly.

As we mentioned earlier, the LS3 engine retains the impressive airflow other LS engines are known for. Thanks to its rectangular intake ports, there’s a substantial amount of flow which allows for a broader power band while also improving low-end torque. The intake manifold, meanwhile, is designed in a way to ensure variation and reduce any losses that would occur during flow. General Motors took an additional step and added acoustic foam on top of the manifold to reduce engine noise.

The LS3 was equipped with what the company calls an Advanced Electronic Throttle Control. This system, as its name suggests, makes use of a throttle that is operated by an electronic unit. It eliminates the need of having a mechanical accelerator pedal. Instead of a cable, it uses a sensor at the pedal that helps detect the position it is at. This data is passed on to the ECU which signals the electronic throttle to operate accordingly. 

These systems have become the norm now, but were fairly new for the LS series at the time. A direct result of an electronic throttle is improved throttle response and efficiency. These systems are also known to be more reliable than mechanical ones which have more points of failure. 

The LS3 engine came equipped with a modern crankshaft position encoder. This part is tasked with maintaining ignition timing throughout its operating range. This encoder or sensor supplied accurate information on the crankshaft’s position during rotation which allowed for improved performance and fuel efficiency. While it might seem like a small part, it played a major role as ignition timing dictates a lot in terms of an engine’s performance.

How Much Horsepower Is in an LS3?

The LS3 was the standard engine in the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. It made a respectable 430 HP at 5,900 RPM and 424 lb-ft at 4,600 RPM. These were power figures it delivered without the sportier optional exhaust. The optional exhaust was a unit with vacuum-operated valves that would open and close to improve performance and noise. With this exhaust, power and torque went up to 436 HP and 428 lb-ft.

What Did LS3 Engine Come In?

The LS3 engine was used in four different Chevrolet offerings between 2009 and 2017.

• 2009-2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe and Convertible
• 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvette and Corvette Grand Sport
• 2008-2013 Chevrolet Corvette w/ Optional Exhaust
• 2015-2017 Chevrolet SS

What Makes the LS3 Engine So Good?

General Motors introduced multiple improvements with the LS3. It was designed to breathe better, have a lower reciprocating mass, and stronger block. The LS3 engine featured a larger bore which increased the displacement to 6.2 liters. Thanks to the increased engine capacity, it was also quite easy for the company to extract more power.

And extract more power they did. This engine allowed the Chevrolet Corvette to get from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.0 seconds. The quarter-mile, meanwhile, was achieved in 12.4 seconds (at 116 MPH). For comparison, a comparative Porsche 911 took 4.3 seconds to get to 60 MPH and 12.8 seconds to get to 109 MPH. The LS3 engine made it noticeably quicker than the previous-generation Corvette.

The fact that it did all of this in stock form while also being extremely strong and reliable made it a bulletproof performance engine. As a result, people began using this engine extensively and in many cases daily. The only real downside was fuel efficiency, but that’s a price that is expected with a high-capacity V8.

Can the LS3 Engine Be Modified?

Like every other LS engine, the LS3 is quite a powerful unit in stock form. That said, there’s always potential to make more power and that becomes quite clear upon closer inspection of the camshaft timing. The timing isn’t as aggressive as it could have been, especially when you factor in the airflow potential of the engine. With a range of options available, a camshaft swap will deliver a performance gain, and one suited for the purpose.

While the aforementioned rectangular port intakes flow a healthy amount of air, this can be increased even further with the help of an aftermarket intake. However, like camshafts, it’s important to get the correct type of intake manifold as they can dictate where the power is made. One also has to make sure that the power delivery from the revised cams or intake manifold works with the gear ratios.

Similarly, the LS3 has quite a capable throttle body in stock form, but it can prove to be restrictive if you are looking to make big power. The fuel pumps and injectors are the next in line to be upgraded if you are looking to cross power that is achieved by simple bolt-ons. Speaking of bolts on modifications, the LS3 engine responds quite well to simple changes like a different intake, exhaust, and ECU tune.

While there are supercharger kits available, there’s a limit to how much power you can make using them. The LS3 requires upgraded internals if you are looking for big power.

LS3 Common Problems

While the LS3 is phenomenal in terms of reliability in its stock form, it doesn’t respond well to all mods. While the issue mentioned below has occurred a few times, it doesn’t really fit the ‘common problem’ category. However, it’s the most common problem these engines have. 

Bad Valve Springs

One of the most popular mods for the LS3 is an aftermarket cam with more aggressive cam profiles. While this does enable you to squeeze more power out of your engine, it also has a negative impact on your valve springs. 

Only a thorough inspection can reveal if the LS3 engine has bad valve springs. In most cases, when a valve spring fails it drops the valve which causes complications with the engine. However, if it doesn’t then you could notice symptoms like a rough idle and misfires. It’s also quite common to notice ticking sounds when this problem occurs as valves become noisier. 

Check Our Catalog for Quality GM Parts

No matter how reliable the LS3 is, there’s no substitute for regular maintenance. Here at Newparts.com, we carry a wide range of parts for GM cars, including Genuine, OEM and quality aftermarket products. 

To find what you’re looking for, head over to our store section, select your vehicle using our vehicle selection tool, and enter your keyword in our search bar. In return, you’ll get a list of parts that are a guaranteed fit for your car!