what cars have ls3 motors

[DawsonAnn]

The LS3 engine is a 6.2L V8 famously used in a range of high-performance General Motors vehicles, primarily from the late 2000s through the 2010s. The most well-known cars with the LS3 are the Chevrolet Corvette (C6, 2008-2013), the Chevrolet Camaro SS (2010-2015), and the fifth-generation Pontiac G8 GXP (2008-2009). It was also available in the Chevrolet SS (2014-2017) sedan and the limited-production Dodge Challenger/Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Jailbreak models for the 2022 model year, which offered it as an alternative to the standard supercharged Hemi.

This Gen IV small-block engine is celebrated for its robust power, simplicity, and massive aftermarket support. It produces between 426 and 436 horsepower in most applications, making it a favorite among enthusiasts for both its out-of-the-box performance and its potential for modification. While it's a pushrod engine, its design prioritizes low-end torque and reliability.

Vehicle Model	Model Years	Horsepower	Torque (lb-ft)	Displacement	Key Feature
Chevrolet Corvette (C6)	2008-2013	430-436 hp	424-428 lb-ft	6.2L	Lightweight sports car application
Chevrolet Camaro SS	2010-2015	426 hp	420 lb-ft	6.2L	Standard in the SS trim
Pontiac G8 GXP	2008-2009	415 hp*	415 lb-ft	6.2L	Final Pontiac performance sedan
Chevrolet SS	2014-2017	415 hp	415 lb-ft	6.2L	Australian-built performance sedan
Holden Special Vehicles	2007-2015	425-436 hp	405-428 lb-ft	6.2L	Australian-market variants
Dodge Challenger SRT	2022	485 hp	475 lb-ft	6.2L	"Jailbreak" option, naturally aspirated

*Note: The G8 GXP's official rating was 415 hp, though many experts believe it was underrated from the factory.

If you're looking for a used car with an LS3, your best bets are the Corvette and Camaro SS, as they were produced in the highest numbers. Their popularity also means finding parts and specialized mechanics is relatively easy.

[StPaul]

As a mechanic who sees a lot of these, the LS3 is a beast. You'll find it in the 2008-2013 Corvette and the 2010-2015 Camaro SS. It was even in the last-of-its-kind Pontiac G8 GXP. GM dropped it in anything that needed serious, reliable power. They’re everywhere now, which is great because they’re simple to work on and can make crazy power with just a cam and tune. Look for those models; you can't go wrong.

[AlexandraRose]

From a pure performance standpoint, the LS3's home was in Chevrolet's halo cars. The C6 Corvette utilized it to achieve a 0-60 mph time well under 4.5 seconds, while the fifth-gen Camaro SS leveraged it to compete directly with the Mustang GT. The key is the engine's high specific output and lightweight aluminum block, which contributed to superior power-to-weight ratios in these platforms. For a driving enthusiast, these are the prime candidates.

[MariaAnn]

When I was shopping for a used sports car, I wanted that classic American V8 sound and power without a crazy price tag. The LS3 was the answer. I ended up with a 2012 Camaro SS, and it's been perfect. It's got enough power for the highway, and everyone knows the engine, so maintenance is straightforward. The Corvette was the dream, but the Camaro was the practical choice with the same awesome motor.

[LaArya]

It's fascinating how the LS3 became a crossover star. Beyond the expected Chevrolets, it powered Australia's Holden-based models like the Chevy SS. Most surprisingly, Dodge offered it in 2022 as a naturally aspirated option for the Hellcat, dubbed the "Jailbreak" engine. This illustrates the LS3's esteemed reputation across brands. Its appeal lies in a proven design that delivers immediate throttle response and mod-friendly architecture, making it a timeless piece of American engineering.