What size is the throttle body on the LS3 factory?

The throttle body on the LS3 is 92 mm in diameter.

The LS3 is Chevrolet’s 6.2-liter V8 that powered several high-performance models, including the Corvette C6 and the Camaro SS, during the late 2000s and early 2010s. The size of the throttle body is a key part of the intake system, governing how much air can enter the engine at wide-open throttle and influencing throttle response, peak power, and potential gains from modifications. Below, we confirm the factory specification and explain how it’s applied in typical LS3 configurations, as well as what enthusiasts consider when upgrading.

Factory size confirmation

Before listing the official specification, note that the following reflects the widely documented factory setup for standard LS3 applications.

• 92 mm diameter electronic throttle body (EBTB) is the factory size for most LS3-equipped vehicles, including late-model Corvette C6 and Camaro SS variants.

Conclusion: The typical LS3-equipped platform ships with a 92 mm throttle body from the factory. While aftermarket upgrades exist that increase airflow, the stock specification remains 92 mm for the majority of production cars that used the LS3 engine.

Why the size matters for performance

The throttle body size affects the amount of air the engine can ingest at peak demands. A larger throttle body can reduce intake restriction at high RPMs and with increased boost or horsepower goals, but it also requires complementary changes to the intake, fueling, and engine calibration. For most stock and lightly modified LS3 builds, the 92 mm size provides a balanced blend of throttle response and airflow efficiency.

For enthusiasts pursuing higher horsepower, common considerations include upgrading to larger throttle bodies (for example, 96 mm or larger) and ensuring the intake manifold, porting, and ECU calibration are coordinated to realize the potential gains.

Upgrade considerations and cautions

When contemplating throttle body upgrades for an LS3, it’s important to pair the modification with other supporting changes to avoid diminishing returns or drivability issues. Below is a quick overview of common upgrade pathways and considerations.

• Aftermarket 96 mm or larger throttle bodies are popular among boosted or naturally aspirated high-horsepower LS3 builds. These require calibration to optimize air/fuel timing and RPM response.


• Calibrations and supporting modifications (intake, exhaust, cam timing, and fueling) are typically necessary to maximize gains from a larger throttle body.

Conclusion: The factory 92 mm throttle body is adequate for stock LS3 configurations; upgrades can offer gains in specific high-performance contexts but demand careful tuning and additional parts to be effective.

Summary

The LS3 factory throttle body measures 92 mm in diameter, a specification that applies across the common LS3-powered vehicles such as the Corvette C6 and Camaro SS. While enthusiasts may upgrade to larger throttle bodies to pursue extra power, those gains depend on complementary hardware and precise ECU calibration. For most owners, the 92 mm stock setup provides solid performance and reliability.

What size is a LS throttle body?

LS throttle body sizes vary by model, with many earlier engines using smaller, 75-78mm throttle bodies. Newer versions, especially those with four-bolt patterns, are often 90mm (like the LS3) or larger, with aftermarket options available up to 102mm and beyond. The appropriate size depends on the engine's requirements and whether a matched intake manifold is used, as a larger throttle body won't provide benefits without a matching intake opening.
 
Factory LS throttle body sizes

• Early models: The first Corvette (1997) had a 75mm blade in a 78mm casing, while early truck engines typically used 80mm cable-operated throttle bodies. 
• Four-bolt, new style: Many Gen 4 engines like the LS2, LS3, and LS7 use a 90mm throttle body. 
• Gen 4 truck: Some modern truck throttle bodies can be in the 87mm range. 

Aftermarket throttle body sizes

• Aftermarket options: Aftermarket throttle bodies are available in a wide range of sizes, including common options like 92mm, 102mm, 103mm, and 105mm. 
• Matching intake: To gain any benefit from a larger throttle body, it must be matched to an intake manifold with an opening of a similar size. Using a larger throttle body with a restrictive factory intake will not significantly improve performance. 
• Supercharged engines: Supercharged engines often show significant gains with larger throttle bodies because they can take advantage of the increased airflow to create more boost. 

Are all LS throttle bodies the same?

All LS (and LT for that matter) 4 bolt throttle bodies share the same size bolt pattern stock and aftermarket. However, bore restrictions, and oversizing will require you to have a matching throttle body. For instance some 102mm intakes will not seal a 92mm throttle body.

Can a stock LS3 handle 1000HP?

With the right combination of parts, the stock heads can support over 600 hp. The block can handle up to 1,000 hp with upgraded internals.

What size is the OEM LS3 throttle body?

The stock LS3 throttle body is a 90mm size, featuring a 4-bolt mounting pattern, a gold throttle blade, and an electronic, drive-by-wire system. Its intake manifold opening is also 92mm, meaning that a 92mm throttle body is a factory-matched size, but a 102mm throttle body with an adapter can be used for more power, especially on modified engines.
 
This video explains the LS throttle bodies and when to upgrade: 1mAuto GuildYouTube · Dec 28, 2024

• Size: 90mm
• Mounting: 4-bolt
• Blade: Gold-colored
• Type: Electronic, drive-by-wire 

Upgrading your throttle body 

• A larger, aftermarket throttle body, like a 102mm or 103mm, may provide more airflow and power, especially on modified engines with a new intake manifold. 
• To use a larger throttle body with a stock LS3 intake manifold, you will need an adapter that tapers the opening from 92mm to the larger size. 
• For the best performance gains, the throttle body size should match the intake manifold's capacity. A larger throttle body on a stock manifold may offer little to no benefit. 

This video discusses the effectiveness of a larger throttle body: 49sRichard HoldenerYouTube · Dec 13, 2019