LQ9 build.....

[blackfoot2004]

Just picked up a LQ9 with aluminum 317s from an Escalde from Travis (daytonayellaz) and I am wanting to get the most bang for my money.....which bolt ons, cam swap, and intake would be the best..I know there is a ton of builds on here and ls1 tech but looking for combos that people have already done and are running....Would the Car Craft build....head swap and cam be the best as I am wanting to keep it Fuel injected....have some money for parts but dont want to waste money on heads if the 317 could get me around the 500 hp range with other parts. I have been reading on here and Ls1 tech but thought you guys might be able to post some of ur combos that you are running so I dont have to read every post for the next two weeks....

[blackfoot2004]

Damn no help with this?????
:mad:

[Chevelle598bb]

317 heads will work with an lq9 to make 500 hp. You will have to use more cam than what you would with an l92 head to make 500 hp.

We need to know more info on your combo to steer you in the right direction. What car, weight, gear, trans, intake manifold, header length and primary size, power brakes or not and are you going to tune it yourself? Also what is the purpose of the car? What will the car be primarily used for.

[blackfoot2004]

It will be going into a 69 camaro with a full TCI suspension under it, no idea on weight should be close to stock, I plan on running a t 56 magnum and the rear end is a ford 9 in with i believe 4.30s. I would run any intake that would help me to my goal. I really like the Fast intake but not sure it would be worth the money. Looking for a LS6 intake right now. The car will be mostly a weekend and nice weather car...some track days but not many....Mostly looking for a stout motor that can be driven in traffic if needed....Would buying the LS3 top end be easier to reach my goals or not worth it. I will have someone tune it for me as I am new to Ls motors

[blackfoot2004]

I dont have headers yet and plan on running power brakes..

[Chevelle598bb]

For that horsepower level an ls6 intake will get you close to it. The intake is an important factor when choosing a camshaft. An ls6 intake will use a completely different cam from a motor with an edelbrock victor jr single plane. Same is true if you were looking at running one of the edelbrock proflo intakes or a new Holley Hiram set up.

The ls3 set up would be much easier to hit the horsepower goal you are looking for with less camshaft. Making for a more drivable and tunable engine. The cost of new ls3 heads are about 750 for the set and you would need to upgrade the valve springs which you would have to do anyways on the 317s. An ls3 intake you can buy complete for 300 bucks with injectors that will support up to 550 rwhp. If you bought an ls6 intake then you would have to buy a set of 36lb injectors which would run you 250 bucks or so. Plus the ls6 intake cost 300 also. So buy the time you upgrade and sell your 317 heads for a few hundred bucks it will come out about even. Remember you will need new head gaskets and bolts. I am a huge proponent of the ls3 cylinder head. You must be careful of can selection because the are much more picky than the cathedral port heads. But for the price and what they flow you can beat them with a stick. Just keep the cam overlap under 5 degrees and the intake valve closing event under 50 degrees and you will be alright.