LS1 vs LS2 technical differences

[tzg]

will the LS1 be similar as the LS2? Is the LS2 based on teh LS1?

[jmd]

revised catalysts with closer to manifold locations
additional 18cid displacement
wingless oilpan (comparitive to C5 chassis)
larger camshaft specs
A4 trans. will be changed to the 4L65-E (from 4L60-E)


to be continued :)
-Matthew

[BurnsRubber]

Is the LS2 considered a "next generation" design over the LS1? Or is it just an evolution of the current LS1, i.e. LS6?

[jmd]

From what I'm seeing, it is an evolution over the LS1 but considered a Gen IV engine.

Remember, the Gen II LT1/LT4 uses a 1986 Gen I bottom end, but the front of the block and other details are revised.

[StealthZ06]

The LS2 block has 4.00" bores and the LS1/LS6 blocks have 3.90" bores.

The compression ratio is up from the LS1's 10.1:1 to 10.9:1 in the LS2.

Powdered-metal forged connecting rods spin on a cast nodular-iron crank.

Valve sizes are the same at 2.0 inches for the intake and 1.6.

Intake-manifold improvements and a hotter cam with greater lift.

Backpressure is down 10% and the spent gas now flows out through thin-wall cast-iron manifolds.

Lots more to come...

[Cyroceon]

How does the top end performance of the LS2 compare to the LS1's top end performance?

[Pio]

The cam on the Ls2 is the same used on the 2001 Z06.

[Maz_Atenza]

anyone know if the LS2 is bolt on on a LS1 tranny?

I'm not a vette owner, but i need to know
since I wish to used a LS2 engine on a kit car,
this kit car will probably comes with a trany from an LS1
but without the engine(sorry dont know the trany code yet)

thanks all
Jeff

[jmd]

Originally posted by Maz_Atenza
anyone know if the LS2 is bolt on on a LS1 tranny?

I'm not a vette owner, but i need to know
since I wish to used a LS2 engine on a kit car,
this kit car will probably comes with a trany from an LS1
but without the engine(sorry dont know the trany code yet)

thanks all
Jeff

Yes. Bottom end didn't change as far as those details go.

[mlc216]

as far as exterior dimensions are there any differences...like as far as a swap into an fbody with an exsisting ls1?

[hodgeee]

Yes 18cid more, powdered cast rods = NO, cast crank = NO, revised oil pan = YES

The block has improved cooling and oiling passages, the oil pump also works on greater pressure. Revised water and oil pump, with higher flow rates, and greater durability.

Z06 cam part # and Z06 head part # are the same for the LS2, which means a lot of parts will bolt right into or on the Z06 heads. Larger core radiator with direct airflow for better cooling, revised oil pump pickup and baffled oil pan for high speed cornering without starving the engine for oil. Also requires one quart less oil than old pan with same effeciency. Engine sits 2" lower than last model also, for improved forward vision, and lower center of gravity.

Increased compression of 10.9 to 1

original crank is used with same 3.90 stroke, but enlarged 3.90 pistons to 4.00 pistons, floating pin assembly.

They used to use powder iron cast rods, but went to plain cast rods. From the pictures I have seen the new rods are about 30% thicker than the last model powder cast ones, so strength should be approximately the same, so 600crank hp builds should be ok on stock block, just like the 5.7. How long they will last with that power is a guess still, just like the last motor.

According to GM the motor mounts and what not are still the same and it is believed that this is still considered a gen 4 motor in design.

Check out Hot Rod magazine, a engine comparison write up was in one of either that magazines issues, or it may have been GM performance magazine!

[HSV-GTS-300]

original crank is used with same 3.90 stroke
typo error above.

"The LS2's crankshaft is essentially the same sturdy, 3.62-inch-stroke forging as the LS1's. "

[pjayphlly]

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com/techarticles/index.html


should about answer it

[87ciz]

how much lighter is the ls2 over the ls1? I've heard it was mildly significant. But i can't find the weight anywhere. I'm going to be swapping one into my thirdgen Iroc sometime in the next year or two. I'm just trying to learn the benefits of the LS2 over the LS6

[aboadnan]

Just put LS2 engine togather and found head bolts are all

short,

How about some feedback.

[LS2Cam]

Originally posted by Maz_Atenza
anyone know if the LS2 is bolt on on a LS1 tranny?

I'm not a vette owner, but i need to know
since I wish to used a LS2 engine on a kit car,
this kit car will probably comes with a trany from an LS1
but without the engine(sorry dont know the trany code yet)

thanks all
Jeff

Yes. Bottom end didn't change as far as those details go.

I done with LS2/T-56 together correctly.
Pix::

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l268/dy21247/2001CamBlueV-6005.jpg

[BBA]

Originally posted by LS2Cam
Yes. Bottom end didn't change as far as those details go.

I done with LS2/T-56 together correctly.
Pix::

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l268/dy21247/2001CamBlueV-6005.jpg

That looks like a badass retrofit engine!

[ls1camino]

Can a LS2 Block (rotating assembly included) be bolted straight in to an F-Body?

Can I keep the LS1 heads? Ls1 Headers? LS1 Cam? LSX Intake? etc.

[Rottluver]

Originally posted by ls1camino
Can a LS2 Block (rotating assembly included) be bolted straight in to an F-Body?

Can I keep the LS1 heads? Ls1 Headers? LS1 Cam? LSX Intake? etc. Seems like a lot of cost & work for 20 extra cubes......providing it is a stock cubed motor. :\

[HSV-GTS-300]

Originally posted by ls1camino
Can a LS2 Block (rotating assembly included) be bolted straight in to an F-Body?
Can I keep the LS1 heads? Ls1 Headers? LS1 Cam? LSX Intake? etc.

You'd need a 24x reluctor wheel on the crank. New LS2's are 58x.
Yes bolts straight in.
Yes on heads.
Yes on headers.
Yes on cam......but you need LS2 cam gear and front cover.
Yes on intake.

[ls1camino]

Originally posted by Rottluver
Seems like a lot of cost & work for 20 extra cubes......providing it is a stock cubed motor. :\

I was looking at the ZL 402, but I don't want to buy anything that I really don't need.

Thanks HSV-GTS-300 :)

[Rottluver]

Originally posted by ls1camino
I was looking at the ZL 402, but I don't want to buy anything that I really don't need.

Thanks HSV-GTS-300 :) Yowza, that is a serious upgrade. :2thumbs:

[HSV-GTS-300]

Originally posted by aboadnan
Just put LS2 engine togather and found head bolts are all
short,
How about some feedback.

Jan 2004 and later GM LS Blocks all use revised head bolts.

11mm Head Bolts --- 10 req per head...all 11mm bolts are equal length.
8mm Head Bolts --- 5 req per head...shorter length...equal to each other.


GM 17800568 ,TTY Bolt kit [for 1 head] 2004 and up LS Block
or
ARP head bolt kit number 134-3610 , 2004 and up LS Block. [ARP kit does 2 heads]

[mikemeador]

anyone know what changes I have to make to swap a LS1
for a LS2 in a 99 trans am? ANY CHANGES at all thanks

[mikemeador]

and where can i find some prices on them as well
thanks

[eboggs_jkvl]

Originally posted by mikemeador
anyone know what changes I have to make to swap a LS1
for a LS2 in a 99 trans am? ANY CHANGES at all thanks


look at post #20

[HSV-GTS-300]

Originally posted by mikemeador
anyone know what changes I have to make to swap a LS1
for a LS2 in a 99 trans am? ANY CHANGES at all thanks

Are you planning on buying a complete LS2 crate engine (oil pan to intake) ?
If so there's about 6 different versions. Instructions and conversion cost will vary.
Complete LS2 engines manufactured after Sept 05 are more complicated to swap.....but it can still be done.

If you're just buying an LS2 shortblock then if you get one with the correct 24x reluctor on the crank and 1x cam gear it's an easy transplant to carry out.


So if you provide a little more info on the version of LS2 you're looking at (new/used, shortblock/longblock/complete crate,part number/model/year) then we can give you some more accurate info and a guide to cost.




Here's an overview of what's involved.

LS2 Forums > Technical Section > General Automotive > Conversions and Transplants > How to Install an LS2 in an LS1 car

http://www.ls2.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=626014

[mikemeador]

thanks man!! i asked all these ?'s about a LS2, But i started browsing jegs for some motors, and it looks like a LS6 is a better buy:confused: Iam trying to get the best possible motor that is factory built, but faster than what i got. Iam going for the less mods as far as motor mounts and stuff like that. I just want it to slide right in no problems and everything match up. what do you think?

[HSV-GTS-300]

LS1 v LS2.......the mounts and external size are identical. Front driven accessories are interchangeable. So thats not an issue.

The main issue with new complete GM crate engines is the different reluctors on the cam and crank.

The LS6 will be the easier swap for sure due to having 24x crank and 1x cam reluctors............same as your old LS1.

[mikemeador]

what is the HP difference between LS1 and LS6?

[HSV-GTS-300]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_LS_engine#LS6

[eboggs_jkvl]

If there is an LS1 sitting on the floor with all accessories attached and an LS2 engine sitting next to it, are there physical observable differences that you can use to differentiate between the 2 engines?

If yes, what are they.



Elmer

[BurnsRubber]

Wow, this thread is old!

[HSV-GTS-300]

Stock LS1 vs Stock LS2

75ish mm 3 bolt intake manifold / 90mm 4 bolt
Knock sensors in the valley / lower mid block each side
5.7 cast onto outer block / 6.0 cast onto outer block
Cam sensor rear valley / front timing cover
Steel fuel rail painted black / Stainless looking bigger dia fuel rail
26ish lb grey injectors EV1 / 33ish lb black shorter EV6
Various heads up to 241 / 243 heads

[HSV-GTS-300]

LS2 block casting number.
Rear of block, USA drivers side.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/L76/P1010171.jpg

6.0 cast onto LS2 block.
Rear of block, USA passenger side.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/L76/P1010174.jpg

6.0 cast onto LS2 block.
Front of block, USA passenger side.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/L76/P1010176.jpg

LS1 intake on top of LS2 intake manifold
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/L76/ls1vl92.jpg

Plug wires
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/P2020129.jpg

LS2 top, LS1 injector below
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/LS2LS1.jpg

LS2 intake, MAP sensor at the front.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/MAP1010006.jpg

LS2....no knock sensors in the valley plate....they're down near the pan rail 1 on each side of the block.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/LS2side.jpg

LS2 front timing cover.....cam sensor is here
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/car%20parts/timingcover.jpg

[eboggs_jkvl]

Beautiful Paul! Just what was needed!

Thanks

Elmer

[HSV-GTS-300]

To clarify, most of those LS2 differences I showed also apply to most of the Gen 4 series.....LS3, L76, L92 etc.

To be certain you've found an LS2, you'd need an aluminium 6.0 block (Casting Number 12568952) with 243 heads. Those 2 together are now about the only unique thing about the LS2.


The head casting number is best viewed below the oil filler cap on the USA passenger side.
http://f.imagehost.org/0502/292.jpg

[desozapeaterr]

Hello Friends.
I read your entire post how much lighter is the ls2 over the ls1? I've heard it was mildly significant. But i can't find the weight anywhere. I'm going to be swapping one into my thirdgen Iroc sometime in the next year or two.

[HSV-GTS-300]

LS1
Auto. - 457.6 lbs. (208 kg)
Manual - 497.2 lbs (226 kg)

LS6
Manual - 497.2 lbs (226 kg)


LS2 weight is 450 lbs.


LS7 weight is 458 lbs