6.1L Hemi vs LS2, which engine is better?

Answer 1

ls2--CHEVY ALL THE WAY!!! lol

Answer 2

Obviously, both engines are good, and both can be modded to out-perform each other. With that said, I'd favor the LS2 over the Hemi, mainly because the aftermarket for the LS2 is huge compared to that of the Hemi. Here are the base numbers I found for each engine:

6.0 LS2 V8: 400 hp / 400 tq
6.1 Hemi V8: 425 hp / 420 tq

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com/features/0405htp_ls2_inside_look_feature/
http://www.dodge.com/autoshow/news/news_6.html

Using base numbers, the Hemi is a bit better, but that is based solely on numbers. It really depends more on what you would be using the engine for. Again, I'd favor the LS2 though, just because it has a better aftermarket selection for mods.

Answer 3

Besides the slant 6cyl the Hemi is the only other motor designed by Chrysler that was respectable and here is why:

1. The "Hemi" was designed as an aircraft engine. And as everyone knows, aircraft engines have to perform their duty at red line RPM's. Hence the oversized heads and thicker block castings. This is the only way to design an engine that will run for any length of time "in the red".

The only drawback is dollars spent for horsepower achieved.
The "Hemi" is really over priced for real world use and expectations. Who will ever push one to red line rpm's for an hour or longer? The heads are thicker and heavier so this adds weight and so forth.

If you think back to one of the fastest production motors/cars GM ever made it was a turbocharged V-6. Literally made any V-8 look like it was sitting still when the gas pedal was punched.

I'd go with more horsepower for the dollar and a lighter design and construction.

Good Luck!