It’s not often that we get to see an engine series stick around for nearly 20 years. To achieve something like that and manage to be successful throughout that extensive period, it needs to constantly evolve. That’s exactly what General Motors did with the LS engine. Not only were there multiple variations, but also different generations.

While it was an ever-changing engine, one of its most notable evolutions arrived in the form of the LS2. It was such a significant evolution that it debuted a new generation of the LS engine. With the LS2 engine, the company made changes to improve refinement while also working on the electronics to bring it in line with the times.

Despite being quite old, the LS2 continues to be a popular swap option. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

LS2 Engine Specifications

While the LS2 was the first Gen 4 LS engine, it was still heavily influenced by the Gen 3 unit. The most notable difference came in the form of the updated block casting. That being said, it was still quite similar. So similar that multiple block-related components between the LS1 unit and LS2 were fully interchangeable. The LS2 also made use of similar cylinder heads.

The changes, meanwhile, include a relocated engine knock sensor and camshaft position sensor. The PCV valve was also repositioned. The LS2 was the first in the LS range to get an electronic throttle and cylinder deactivation tech. If you look at the specifications, it becomes evident that the LS2 was similar to the LS6 in some ways. 

However, the LS2 brought a number of improvements. It featured a more usable torque as it was spread throughout the power band. On top of that, GM engineers bumped the compression ratio to 10.9:1. While it might not seem that high, keep in mind that this was a 6.0-liter push-rod V8.

What Size Engine Is an LS2?

The bore size went up from 3.9 inches to 4 inches. Despite being a “small block”, it wasn’t small in terms of its displacement. With an engine capacity of 6 liters, it was slightly bigger than the 5.7-liter engine it replaced.

The General Motors LS2 engine made 400 HP at 6,000 RPM and 400 lb-ft at 4,400 RPM. The LS2 engines used in Australian applications (Holdens) offered a little more performance as they made 412 HP and 412 lb-ft of torque. 

What Did LS2 Engines Come In?

While the LS1 was mainly reserved for the Chevrolet Corvette, the LS2 was put to use in multiple models under the General Motors umbrella. It was also found in the company’s SSR and Trailblazer SS. Other models that got this engine were the Cadillac CTS-V and the Pontiac GTO. General Motors’ European brand Saab also put this engine to use in the 9-7X.

There were a few iterations of the LS2 developed for the Australian market as well. The most notable vehicle it powered was the E-series from Holden Special Vehicles. Interestingly, in 2006, the LS2 was also used as a base for NASCAR’s Camping World Series.

How Much HP Can an LS2 Handle?

The Gen 3 LS was an already strong engine, but the Gen 4 improved on this even further. The LS2 has a block that’s capable of handling an incredible 850 HP. That’s more than double the stock output! One has to keep in mind that achieving a number like that will require many other modifications.

The usual first step are the classic bolt-ons. Installing a different intake and exhaust to improve airflow and let the engine breathe is a common way to get more power out of these. The next modification is usually to the camshaft. Just upgrading the camshaft will add around 50 HP. To make big power, the engine will also require an upgraded fueling system. This includes injectors and a fuel pump that’s capable of flowing sufficient amounts of fuel.

Supercharger and Nitrous kits are also an easy way to add around 200 HP, but they need to be supported by a tune that’s developed for the purpose. It’s not only the block that can handle big power on the LS2. 

The connecting rods also have a lot more potential when compared to its predecessor. They feature full floating pins and a more robust construction. These rods can handle around 800 HP. That said, if you are upgrading to forged pistons, it’s recommended that you switch to forged connecting rods as well.

What Makes the LS2 Engine So Good?

While the LS2 shares some similarities with its predecessor, it was quite a big evolution. The LS2 engine was unique because it had an aluminum block and cylinder head. It was also equipped with pistons that were manufactured using hypereutectic aluminum alloy. What that meant is that the pistons had less thermal expansion and had a tighter fit between the cylinder and piston.

While the engine continued to carry over the simple push-rod configuration and two-valves per cylinder design, it featured other advancements. It brought the electronic throttle and cylinder deactivation tech to the table, with the former greatly impacting the performance. It helped deliver an improved response in terms of throttle input while also improving overall efficiency.

The LS2 was used in both car and truck applications. However, don’t let the fact that it was widely used lead you to believe that it was docile in terms of performance. It wasn’t, it made enough power and torque to deliver impressive performance in all of the models it was used in. It propelled the Corvette to 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds while also enabling a top speed of around 186 MPH. Being the high-capacity V8 it was, it also offered an impressive amount of torque.

What Is the Difference Between LS2 and LS3?

While most LS engines have certain similarities, each version has its set of differences. Two LS engines that get compared often are the LS2 and LS3. Buyers looking at swap options often want to know which one’s better for them. Both these engines are Gen 4 LS engines which automatically means they are a lot more similar to each than a Gen 3 unit.

The most obvious difference between the two is their capacities, the LS2 is a 6-liter, while the LS3 is a 6.2-liter. Other differences come in the form of the cylinder head and intake. While the LS3 has a slight edge over the LS2 in these two aspects, they both feature big improvements when compared to the LS1.

There are reports online that suggest the LS2 can handle more aggressive use. It also handles aggressive use while developing less crankcase pressure and blow-by when compared to the LS3. There have also been instances where the LS3’s pistons give up before the ones on the LS2. There are claims that the LS2 makes more than what GM has advertised.

As you can tell, both LS versions have their advantages and disadvantages. However, where the LS2 really pulls ahead is in terms of its attainability and by that, we simply mean its price. As it’s the older of the two engines, it’s often priced lower making it the better swap option, especially if you are on a budget.

Is the LS2 a Good Choice In 2022

The LS engines are known for their reliability and the LS2 is considered to be one of the least problematic of them all. On top of that, they’re not as hot of a commodity as the LS7 motor or similar more powerful LS engines. To us, that makes it a perfect budget build option in 2022. That being said, this engine isn’t without its issues, as rare as they are. 

Rocker Arm Bearing Failure

The LS2 uses an old-school pushrod configuration which means it has rocker arms. These rocker arms use bearings which are known to go bad quite easily. Fixing this problem is as simple as replacing the bearings or the rockers. One can make sure to use stronger bearings to prevent them from recurring. 

Bad Harmonic Balancer

The harmonic balancer works with the crankshaft to ensure it isn’t exposed to excessive amounts of vibrations. The crankshaft witnesses a significant amount of force that could cause it to flex to an extent where it would mess up the timing of the engine. The harmonic balancer is basically responsible for preventing that. Sometimes, this part on the LS2 can go bad. When it does, it has to be addressed quickly, or it could end up causing major damage. 

Alternator Failure

A few people have complained of alternator failure with their LS2 engines. While this isn’t a problem that’s directly related to the engine, it is said that the main reason causing it is engine heat. However, one has to keep in mind that this is a problem that occurs only in older examples with high miles. Replacing the alternator is quite easy and frankly recommended if you are LS2 swapping your car.

Find the Best Parts for Your LS Here

Several websites will sell you parts for your LS engine, but we take it a step further by offering the Genuine GM, OEM and quality aftermarket parts for your car. To find what you’re looking for, all you need to do is select your vehicle using our built-in navigation tool, and make use of our search bar. That way you’ll only be shown parts that are a guaranteed fit for your car!