What’s the difference between a Camaro SS L99 Automatic / Camaro SS LS3 Manual / and a Chevrolet SS LS3 Automatic?

The 2010-2015 Camaro SS comes factory equipped with either a LS3 Manual or an L99 Automatic – both are similar designs, but they have some differences. The main difference between the two is the LS3 produces 422HP and the L99 produces 400HP.

Layout

• The L99 and LS3 engines are both built on the same platform, featuring 6.2L of displacement and eight cylinders. The camshaft of the L99 engine has slightly less duration than the one found in the LS3, giving the Camaro SS paired with this motor a smoother ride. The compression ratio of the L99 motor is 10.4:1, as the pistons have valve reliefs machined in the top halves of the pieces. The LS3’s compression ratio is 10.7:1.

Performance

• Consumers might favor the slight power increase in the LS3 over the L99, even though both engines demonstrate high performance values. The LS3 engine is rated and advertised with 422 brake horsepower and 408 lbs/ft of torque. The L99 engine has a slightly less horsepower output rating, as the vehicle is advertised with 400 brake horsepower and 410 lbs/ft of torque.

Transmission

• The basic difference between the L99 and LS3 motors is that each one was built for a specific type of transmission. The more powerful LS3 engine is paired with 2010 Camaro SS models that feature the manual transmission. Likewise, the L99 comes from the factory in automatic Camaro SS automobiles from the same year.

Fuel Efficiency

• Fuel consumption has become an important aspect to modern consumers when buying vehicles. Automobile companies had to completely redesign engines in order to maximize energy yet maintain performance values. Because both the L99 and LS3 engines share the same layout and many of the same parts, the fuel efficiency does not differ greatly between the two. However, the LS3 engine is advertised with an average of 16 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. The L99 is rated at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.