Strokinit383

iTrader: (22)

Over the past 6 months or so, I've been collecting parts for a front mount truck manifold setup. Originally I was going to go with a 5.3, but I recently got a good deal on a LQ4....too good to pass up. I'm weighing my options as to whether I should sell the 6.0 and use the $ to fund the 5.3 setup, or build a 370.

What pistons and rods are you guys using? I'm looking for something fairly affordable, as I'm only looking for 600rwhp or so. I'm debating running forged pistons and stock rods/crank, only upgrading to ARP hardware and new bearings. But, if the rods arent too terribly expensive, I may just upgrade them as well.

Also, what dish cc should I go with on the pistons? Stock CR seems to be 9.5:1.

Opinions? Any good vendor's selling forged pistons/rods?

Thanks

Jon@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (18)

What heads are you planning on running and what block are you thinking. Those decisions need to be made first before you can pick a piston or set a compression ratio. As far as brands go, we have been running Callies crank and rods w/ Wiseco pistons and haven't had an issue w/ either. You could put a forged piston and rod on the stock crank and easily make the power you are looking for w/ minimal boost. The pistons and rods will be the same price w/ either block. You would just have to decide what way you want to go!

Jon

Strokinit383

iTrader: (22)

Sorry Jon, I should've specified. I am looking for piston/rod suggestions for the LQ4 iron block. Will be running the stock 317 heads, LS6 cam and springs, and stock LQ4 crank.

Jon@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (18)

For what you are looking at I would go Callies Compstar crank and Compstar rods. On the pistons, Wiseco has a -11cc piston in a 4.030" bore w/ stock stroke. With a factory gasket that will have you down around 9:1 static compression. You can bring it up w/ running a thinner gasket or doing a slight mill on the heads. Let me know what you think or if you have any other questions and we'll get you fixed up!

Jon

98Z28CobraKiller

iTrader: (17)

Callies, Wiseco, Diamond, JE

LS1RedZ

iTrader: (19)

Wiseco, K1 rods, Callies, Diamond. Im using K1 Rods and Wiseco turbo duty pistons.

fatmat80

callies rods and weisco pistons here..i have heard good things about diamond as well..

yelo04goat

iTrader: (11)

eagle rods and wiseco pistons her still building though (stock crank)

The Beast

iTrader: (16)

Callies Compstar rods and Diamond pistons

LS1DIME

iTrader: (18)

diamond pistons and eagle esp rods here with eagle crank

6undrpressr

are most of these pistons a direct replacement or will an overbore be needed? im looking to throw a set of rods and pistons into my 6.0 as well but just gonna do a light hone on the cylinder and have the assembll balanced

03supercobra

iTrader: (38)

Can't go wrong with Callies for the rods and crank, then Diamond or Wiseco for the pistons.

Jon@Texas-Speed

iTrader: (18)

Most of the Wiseco stuff is a +.005 bore so you can get by with honing the block. I believe Diamond has some stock bore shelf pistons but you will definitely want to do a light hone to seat the new rings.

Jon

bad6as

iTrader: (17)

for 600 just put in rod bolts and let it eat

6undrpressr

i was thinking of just rod bolts but want to do this instead. i have a nice ball hone just gonna scuff up the bores like stated to seat the rings. not a big fan of diamond from my buick stuff so have to see what else for a stock bore is out there.