LS2 Intake Vs LS6: Which Is Better For You?

The LS2 intake manifold and the LS6 intake are two prevailing options offering increased power and torque as well as improving idle quality and throttle response.

Both are designed to boost airflow and decline restrictions, yet there are differences between LS2 intake vs LS6.

In this article, we will compare the LS6 vs LS2 intakes, looking at their differences and highlighting their advantages.

We will also list other factors to consider when selecting an intake, such as ease of installation, far-out engine speeds, improved throttle-body compatibility with other components, and cost. Read on!

LS2 Intake Vs LS6: What Are The Differences?

ls2 intake vs ls6
LS2 Intake Vs LS6

Can you tell the differences between the LS2 vs LS6 intake?

The two differ in their displacement, the Gen they belong to, the camshaft, the manifold metal intakes, pricing, power peaks output, internals, and cylinder heads.

The Basics

Regarding the popular engine performance upgrade with the engine family of LS, there are two generations: Gen IV and III.

Gen IV incorporates new tech and certain revised pieces with some similarities to Gen III. Even so, they differ in a few key ways.

The displacement, camshaft, heads, intake manifold, and head ports’ form and size distinguish all LS engines from one another.

Between LS2 Vs LS6, displacement is the most notable distinction. While that of LS6 depends on LS1 fast intake, which is 5.7L, LS2 manifolds come with a 6.0L displacement.

  • LS2 Stroke x Intake Bore: 101.6 mm x 92.075 mm x 3.625 in
  • LS6 Stroke x Intake Bore: 99 mm x 92 mm x 3.622 in

Theoretically, higher displacement creates more power and torque with less effort.

Of fact, it’s not always the case, but on average, a more significant displacement will undoubtedly yield a higher potential load.

As for stroke and bore, intake manifold LS2 is a Gen IV’s member, whereas the LS6 belongs to Gen III, explaining in part why their strokes and bores differ.

Camshafts

We may observe some other noteworthy variations as we move toward the camshafts. We will only assess the largest OEM intakes utilized in either engine.

  • The camshafts of LS2: 0.525/0.525 lift – 116-degree LSA -201/211-degree duration.
  • The camshafts of LS6: 0.551/0.547 lift – 117.5-degree LSA – 204/218-degree duration.

The LS6 camshaft delivers higher lift, has more durability, and a larger lobe separation angle without going into excessive detail.

This allows the engine to receive more airflow with a broader powerband and more power production.

For every cathedral port, the LS6 cam may be the most potent cam GM has ever produced.

Intake Manifolds

When GM created the LS2, the intake saw significant advances.

The throttle-body size is enlarged from 76 to 90 millimeters, the bell mouth is more prominent, and the entire induction system is modified for less restriction.

The shape of the intake runner is improved for a six-liter displacement.

Compared to the LS6, the LS2 flows up to 15% more air.

The intake manifold alone, though, is a different story. Many amateurs enjoying swapping LS parts favor the LS6’s standard intake manifold.

This is because it functions better when the induction system’s rest is removed.

Pricing

Whereas the LS6 appears to be the superior engine on paper, the LS2 offers more excellent value for money. 

But, unlike more affordable LS engines such as the LM or LQ truck motors, the LS2 does not come cheap. But the LS6 aftermarket intakes are even more costly for their rarity.

The LS2’s compatibility with the highly sought-after L92 cylinder heads is a big reason for the block’s widespread adoption.

Also, with its bigger 4.00-inch bore, LS2 is appropriate with LS1/LS6 and L92-style heads.

LS6 heads, on the other hand, are more restricted in their application due to the engine’s smaller bore.

Power Output

ls6 intake for ls1
The Power Output Value

The power value reflects the effect of the camshaft’s greater aggression. LS2 runner intakes and the LS6 produce 400 pound-feet of torque, with LS6 generating 405hp and LS2 creating 400hp.

On paper, the rise is only five hp. Still, when displacement is considered, LS6 produces 5 more hp/liter of capacity, primarily thanks to its camshaft and other factors.

Moreover, as for the power/liter value on the 6.0L engines, the LS6 could generate 426hp not just 405.

  • LS6: 70lb-ft/liter and 71hp/lter.
  • LS2: 66.6lb-ft/liter and 66.6hp/liter.

Internals

The LS2 pistons have an authentic flat-top pattern, with all 3 rings making less tension than those for the LS1 vs LS6 intake. Reduced pressure decreases friction, which improves horsepower.

Furthermore, the pistons have fully floating pins helping to decline the noise of piston slapping, which is typical in LS1 intakes and LS6.

As the cylinder bores of Gen IV blocks, like LS3 and LS2, are siamese, no water slot is required between them for cooling, and every bore is connected solidly and continuously.

This leads to a more robust block less vulnerable to cylinder heat distortion. As such, pumping loss, power loss, electric fuel pump fault, and less friction result from bore distortion.

Cylinder Heads

The LS6 and LS2 are renowned for having exceptional aftermarket heads for flow.

The GM 243 heads, an upgraded version of the LS1’s 241 heads, are available on LS6.

These heads perform even better than the 241 heads they are based on, flowing roughly 210 cfm on the intakes side and 75 cfm on the emission side.

Sodium-filled valves and hollow-stem steel valves are two appealing aspects of the 243 heads, which are superb for the current vehicles’ forced induction.

Although there have been some changes, the LS2 still uses its same 243 casting heads.

Also, their valves for exhaust are the only difference between the LS6 and LS2 243 heads; the LS2 has no sodium-filled valve, while it still uses the LS6 valve springs.

The heads on the LS2 and LS6 are nearly identical. Thus, these interchangeable heads can be used with various bore sizes.

LS2 Intake vs LS6: Which Is Better?

fast intake manifold ls1
LS2 Or LS6 Is Better

LS6 gets a larger camshaft, near-perfect cylinder heads, and an improved intake manifold.

Meanwhile, LS2 is also a good item that can be purchased and used for less money.

LS6 seems to be superior to stock intake, but an LS2 with some aftermarket components, such as some light head work, would be a good bet in real-world settings.

Anyway, the evaluation and final decision are up to your demands. Replace the right one for your intake manifold when it’s broken, overheated, or when your engine makes loud noises.

FAQs

Is The LS6 Intake Good?

Yes. LS6 intake has good capabilities and application, allowing it to flow considerably well. It’s indeed a sought-after item in the market.

However, the market also offers two other types: LS2, LS1 fast intake manifold, FAST LSXR 102, etc. Each one has distinct pros and cons. Your choice should stick to your requirements and budget.

How Much Hp Can A LS6 Factory Intake Handle?

A stock LS6 produces more horsepower than a fast intake manifold LS1. Also, LS6’s power output may touch over 850 hp with modified internals and proper upgrades.

What Does LS Stand For?

The LS designation for an automobile engine denotes its intended use in high-end, high-performance current vehicles like the Chevrolet.

The LS amazing engine is Chevrolet’s primary V8 and is used across GM’s RWD lineup.

The Bottom Line

You’ve just got the differences between an LS2 intake vs LS6. Now, you’re all set to acquire a good bet for your liking.

Let’s consider their differences in design, port size, fuel lines, dual exhaust feature, hood pins, marginal increase, fuel crossover, thread starter, high-quality polymer materials, head codes, power gains, stainless steel bolts, fuel rails, engine mounts airflow, cowl hood, and more for a rational decision.

Try to share this post with other guys who are car owners managing to pick the optimal intake.

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