Budget Question

[64nailhead]

You're really wasting alot of money swapping pistons. A running LQ4 6.0 can be easily found for $1500. There is no need to swap pistons or heads no matter what you find with your modest goal. A set of rings, bearings, oil pump, cam and springs. After that it's all a waste of money. $2500 should do it. Add in an aftermarket ECM for $650 and you still have the budget for the turbo, WG and BOV later to make 800HP.

Motorhead Mike's plan is VERY sound as well.


Throwing a full rebuild on an LS is not necessary due to availability and how they wear, unless of course you're after 4 digit HP numbers.

 

[fleming442]

That kind of torque would be easier with a 454 or 455 big block than a naturally aspirated LS.

And, sound WAY cooler through the exhaust!

 

[MechMan]

I will be swapping out the heads and cam. I plan on putting L92 heads on it with a LS1 intake. I haven’t figured out the cam yet

 

[Wraith]

Unless you need the room the LS1 intake would not be the choice to approach your torque goals.

 

[Wraith]

You're gonna be money ahead to find an L92 and swap the cam.

 

[motorheadmike]

Better chance at making 526hp/468ft/lbs with a NA LS.

OP sounds convinced of his plan - so I am just going to sit back and watch this unfold now.

 

[Wraith]

Better chance at making 526hp/468ft/lbs with a NA LS.

OP sounds convinced of his plan - so I am just going to sit back and watch this unfold now.

I concur.

 

[MechMan]

Unless you need the room the LS1 intake would not be the choice to approach your torque goals.

I meant to type LS3. Fat fingers on a phone keyboard. Nothing is set in stone. I am only in the planning stages.

 

[Northernregal]

Simple and proven NA combo.
GEN 3 LQ4
706 heads from a boring old 5.3
Elgin Sloppy stage 2 aka, 1840P
PAC 1218 Springs.
TBSS intake.

10.5:1 compression. Pump gas friendly. Tuned with flex fuel injectors or GEN 4 30lb injectors and will be able to make your goal. If you can’t find this combo at the junkyard for $700 I’d be blown away. Get the harness and ecm with the motor and run DBC with a return rail and you are gold. Don’t open it up or you’ll be tempted to “just upgrade this .... while it’s open”.

It’s easy man. Don’t over think it. 😉