Jc803

iTrader: (2)

So I've made up my mind on what motor swap and setup I want down to two choices. Need to know which would be better for a turbo build, LQ4 or 5.3.

I'll also add that I don't care about driveablility, fuel economy. I've already removed AC, heat, PS, cruise, ABS, an all other luxuries. This is purely a street/strip car.

Whichever build you think is best could you also add which head and intake combo you would run, along with anything else I may need to know or overlook, besides the common knowledge stuff like fueling ect.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

This may be a dumb question, but will an "LS1" turbo kit also fit either of these engines or do they require an engine specific kit?

Sorry, I'm an LT1 guy still learning before swap

Sales@Tick

iTrader: (3)

I don't think you can go wrong with either. I would run a 243 cylinder head if I was on a budget and an edelbrock super victor intake manifold with a 90* elbow and 90mm throttle body.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

I'm sorry but I have a lot of questions.
Has either engine seen better power gains that the other?
Which one can handle more hp as stock with the exception of all the ARP fasteners?
Also will any "LS1" turbo kits fit these or is it engine specific? Not sure if the engine dimensions and manifolds and everything are the same or not

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Oh yea almost forgot. Also I have state inspection in TX. I'm brand new to the LS crowd so dont know much. But the edelbrock intake is carbed right, so do you still keep the computer? I guess what I'm asking is, can I cheat emissions. If I keep the computer and can tune the codes out and pass the readiness scans, then the intake sounds great.

And the 243 heads will only fit on the LQ4 correct?

alexcoreas

iTrader: (1)

This should help you out

https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-swaps/1369110-lsx-engine-identification.html

Sales@Tick

iTrader: (3)

They make a fuel injected version for the LS engines. You'll need a cathedral port intake to work with 243's. 243's will work with the 5.3 or the 6.0.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Thanks, that will help when I go to pick a motor. But I still dont know which is better for a turbo build. I'm searching everywhere and no answers.

Also, the 243 heads have a combustion chamber size of 64cc, the LQ4 combustion chamber is at 71cc with a comp ratio of 9.4. The 243 heads would raise the comp ratio. Inst that bad for a turbo build? 9.4 is ideal right?

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Thanks Martin for the info. I'll start looking for the fuel injected version. I'm still confused about the higher comp 243 heads though. And while I'm asking away, just from what I'm guessing, wouldnt the LQ4 be the better motor just because of the larger displacement that would spool the turbo faster and give more low end grunt?

I'm just confused as to why so many people do a 5.3 build. I know the LQ4 is twice as much but they are both cheap as dirt.

}BlueFire{

iTrader: (8)

Alot of people do 5.3 builds due to them being half the cost. Alot of guys pick em up for around 300 where as the 6.0 is more like 700+... if cost doesn't bother you then pick up either a 2005+ lq4 or an l33 05-07. The lq4 has 317 heads which are basically a 243 with bigger combustion chambers and regular valves the 05-07 lq4 has the thicker ls2 style rods with floating pins and compression ratio of 9.41:1. The l33 uses 799 heads same chamber as 243 just with regular valves also. Also has the ls2 rods with floating puns and a compression ratio of 9.9:1. Lq4=iron and the L33=aluminum.

}BlueFire{

iTrader: (8)

The l33 is one of the stronger aluminum blocks too and there are a few guys at the 800+ hp level with it. So now the difference is do you want 100lbs lighter with the l33 or faster spool with the lq4.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Now thats what I'm talking about! Thanks BlueFire. No the price doesnt bother me. Even though the LQ4 is twice the price its still stupid cheap. And I'm assuming by that comment you agree that the LQ4 would be a better build? Of the LQ4 and L33 I'm going to pick iron block and faster spooling so, LQ4 it is. Thanks

If you dont mind could you recommend what heads and intake you would use? Martin introduced me to the Edelbrock intake with the elbow, and I'm sold. Just still not sure about heads. Maybe leave them stock because of the larger combustion chambers? And keep the comp ratio stock? and just get the edelbrock intake?

Also can anyone verify that any LS turbo kit will work on the LQ4 or if its motor specific? I would assume they are all interchangeable just want to be 100% sure before I buy anything.

BOBS99SS

iTrader: (2)

If money is not an issue go with the lq4,what turbo kit where you looking at?

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Havent figured it out yet. I see Huron speed has a polished truck manifold single turbo kit for sale right now for $2k until the 31st. Thinking about hopping on that. Turbos not included. Wow well is that one? I notice a whole lot of people are running 76mm turbos. Not familiar with turbo setups just yet so whats your thoughts

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...2-special.html

Heres the link

sschoeffler

iTrader: (24)

You can get the ebay single turbo kit for the 5.3 for stupid cheap. It wouldn't be big enough for the 6.0 though. Its made of big welded stainless steel. Nice peice for the price. The 6.0 turbo kit will cost you several thousand more. The 5.3 with the ebay kit will get you into the 800rwhp range.

jridenour31

Definitely go with the Huron kit over eBay garbage that's made out of thin 304 stainless that's prone to cracking. The turbo kit will fit any of the ls motors. Lower compression is unnecessary. You could run pump gas easily with 10.5.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Thanks guys for all the good info!

Tjabo

Why would you choose these? Do they provide a lot of flow in a low profile package that fits under the hood?

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Ditto. I'd like to know also