good engine build plan?

[lineman8]

I've got a 6.0 LQ9 that I plan on boring .030, new flat tops, reuse the crank, and rods, and redo the 317's. What is a good cam, valvetrain combo? It will be backed up by a 700R4, and probably a 3.42 geared rear end. I'm gonna cruise it, everyday drive it, power tour it. What do you think? Comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Fras]

Sounds like a good plan. I started off with an Lq9, and put an ls3 intake and new ls3 heads on it. It's cheap, $300 for intake and $750 for the heads. Then you need to buy some little things here and there, but the set up is badass. Cam for me is a 222/230 .597/.609 114 LSA +2. It's great low and mid range power with hardly any lope.

[lineman8]

Thanks for the info. Will the LS3 intake work with the 317's, or should I make a head change as well. Trying to build dependable, and cheap, but I want it to have some power also. I just don't want to throw parts together that don't match up, power wise. As for the cam, I want it to have a good sound but not to aggressive. Would you still suggest this cam, or one with a little more lift/duration? What kind of hp do you think I'm looking at with this plan? I know you're using the WAG system on this,(Wild Ass Guess), but just curious.
Thanks again

[Chevelle598bb]

If you are trying to build a reliable motor that makes good power for the least amount of money keep the 317 heads and just have them redone. They will make good power and you already have them. If the truck intake will fit under your hood you can use it or get an ls6 intake if not. I am a huge proponent of ls3 heads but you will have an extra 1000 just in heads and intake. Then you must change your injector plugs, lengthen the map sensor wiring, new map, new 90mm throttle body ($$$), and a few other odds and ends.

Now for some cam recommendations what are you looking to do with the car? Just cruise? What converter, what vehicle, weight? Now is your 700r4 tv cable operated or is it an ls 4l60e that will be controlled by your computer. If it is not I highly recommend going with a 4l60e since whole tuning the efi you can tune all aspects of the trans also.

[lineman8]

I'm putting it in an 87' shortbed C-10. I plan on cruising, power tour, stuff like that. The 700R4 is what came in the truck from the factory.

[lineman8]

As for the converter, what would you recommend, I don't think I would need a stall would I? How much would a 4L60 cost me?

[cornfedbill]

I worked on the LS1/LS6, LS2, LS4 the LS7 intake and fuel systems. The LQ9 intake is much better than the LS1 or LS6. It has a much transition from the plenum to the runners and breathes much better. Not to mention it has a much better sound.

If this were going into my truck, I would have the LQ9 heads redone and use the stock LQ9 intake.

The LS3 heads are better than the LQ9 heads, but may not be work the extra expense for your application.

That's just my two cents worth.

[Chevelle598bb]

I would use your truck intake and the 317 heads since you can fit it under the hood and you already have it. I recommend a cam in the 220-228 range with about .560-.580 lift and around 114 lobe sep. it can be straight up or split pattern you won't see much difference in power. That will give you a little bump and make good power. Then use a good beehive spring such as comp 918 or PAC springs. Also use a hardened pushrod. Then you will be good to go. Run a converter around 2500-2800.

The 700 will he hard to use and tune behind an injected ls motor. If it was carbed then it wouldnt be so bad. A 4l60e will be light years ahead of the 700 as far as tuning, performance and economy go. Plus the lq9 computer and harness already work with the 4l60e. With the 4l60e you will be able to tune the engine more due to more sensors, change shift points, lock up clutch speed, shift speed and other items with the computer and not have to mess with it. 4l60s are not cheap to buy an start around 1000 for a decent trans and go up from there. Good converters start around 600 and go up. Unfortunately with transmissions you get what you pay for. I build my own and with the best parts you can put in a 4l60 and best converter I have around 1800 or so in it.

[Fras]

Yeah. It's definitely easy to spend more money than planned. Just come up with a budget add about 20-30% and see what you can buy. Bottom line is even with that bone stock lq9 and 700r4, you will be grinning ear to ear when you go out playing. As far as those heads with an ls3 intake, i don't think it will work. I think it's a different size/shape port

[lineman8]

Thanks for all the input and help guys. Much gratitude. I'll pony up for the 4L60. Be a bit of time though. It's a work in progress, but I've got a good direction to go in. Again, many thanks.

[Fras]

I would use your truck intake and the 317 heads since you can fit it under the hood and you already have it. I recommend a cam in the 220-228 range with about .560-.580 lift and around 114 lobe sep. it can be straight up or split pattern you won't see much difference in power. That will give you a little bump and make good power. Then use a good beehive spring such as comp 918 or PAC springs. Also use a hardened pushrod. Then you will be good to go. Run a converter around 2500-2800.

The 700 will he hard to use and tune behind an injected ls motor. If it was carbed then it wouldnt be so bad. A 4l60e will be light years ahead of the 700 as far as tuning, performance and economy go. Plus the lq9 computer and harness already work with the 4l60e. With the 4l60e you will be able to tune the engine more due to more sensors, change shift points, lock up clutch speed, shift speed and other items with the computer and not have to mess with it. 4l60s are not cheap to buy an start around 1000 for a decent trans and go up from there. Good converters start around 600 and go up. Unfortunately with transmissions you get what you pay for. I build my own and with the best parts you can put in a 4l60 and best converter I have around 1800 or so in it.

I ended up going with a 4L80e. Is there any pros/cons to the 80 vs the 60. They seemed pretty close in price when I was shopping. My lq9 had a 4l80e behind it when it was in the truck.

[Chevelle598bb]

The 80 is stronger but larger, heavier and takes more hp to turn. If your lq9 came with an 80 then stick with it.

To the op, check and see what trans you lq9 came with. That way you know what your ECM and wiring harness will with.

[lineman8]

All this info is great. I went to another website with the same questions, one that is geared toward this style engine, and got 1 reply. Not much help at all over there. But all you guys have been great and I really appreciate it

[lineman8]

Fella's, I'm looking at a CompCams XR275HR13 cam for my build. Going on your recommendations, it's 222/234 duration, and .566/.576 lift with 113 lobe sep. What ya think?

[Fras]

Look up a guy named Patrick G on google. He's a nerd (in a good way) when it comes to cam specs. He did mine and I'm extremely happy

[lineman8]

I found him, haven't got in touch with him yet. Thanks

[72nova]

lineman8, where in kentucky do you live. I am in louisville and out of local 369.