6.0 vs 5.7
07-10-2013, 12:26 AM
#1
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
6.0 vs 5.7 Hey guys I am sure this 6.0 vs 5.7 has been beat to death but I wanted to know what you guys thought. My buddy has two motors for sale, one is a 6.0 truck block auto with the complete truck set up. The other is a 5.7 ls1 with an auto and all the parts needed harness ect. He wants 1600 for the 5.7 and 2000 for the 6.0 truck block. the 6.0 has 40k and the 5.7 has 70k. What do you guys think? I want one but trying to see what you guys think is the best deal. I kno with the 6.0 I can hit 550 plus hp with some bolt ons, and the 5.7 could hit 450 plus with bolt on. Just trying to see what you guys think based on some of your previous deals and experiences, Thanks guys.
07-10-2013, 12:46 AM
#2
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Roma/Edinburg TX
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It really depends on what your goals are. The 6.0 is going to be heavier by couple of pounds but it will be stronger since its made of iron.. Find out what year it's from I've heard 04++ is the way to go. Also what are you putting it in.
07-10-2013, 12:52 AM
#3
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its going into a 69 Camaro, I think it is newer then an 04 but I will find out. Will one give me a bigger ceiling like better for super charger that kind of thing? I guess really whats better for a street cruiser that might go cross country once or twice. I guess durability is the really important. I really appreciate any and all feedback.
07-10-2013, 01:00 AM
#4
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Roma/Edinburg TX
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its going into a 69 Camaro, I think it is newer then an 04 but I will find out. Will one give me a bigger ceiling like better for super charger that kind of thing? I guess really whats better for a street cruiser that might go cross country once or twice. I guess durability is the really important. I really appreciate any and all feedback.
07-10-2013, 01:07 AM
#6
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am starting to think the 6.0 block might be the best option. With the ls1 I still have to tweak the heads, intake manifold and cam. I really wont be saving especially when you take into account the power I will gain with the 6.0. This still is kind of a tough call for me.
07-10-2013, 01:14 AM
#7
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Roma/Edinburg TX
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Find out what year it is and if its an LQ4 or LQ9 that makes a difference in power too due to the pistons. Find out if the 2000 ls1 has 243 heads or an ls6 intake? Why do you have to tweak the heads? With the one your looking at are they 241s..
Trending Topics
07-10-2013, 01:27 AM
#8
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am going to look at both motors on monday. I was told to get the desired power from the ls1 I gotta change to truck heads that have been ported put a better cam and ls6 intake. I guess it would be better to make sure it doesnt have them ahead of time before I waste money. I want to paint it regardless but still I might have the good stuff already. Good point.
07-10-2013, 07:38 AM
#9
I just put a 2004 6.0 LQ9 into my '67 Camaro. I think the 6.0 is a better starting block and will have more potential for power throughout the range.
But the LQ9 is an ugly motor (truck motors in general are ugly). The alternator sticks up too high, the intake is a pig, the wiring harness is ugly, the accessories are closer to the radiator, etc. It depends on what you're looking for. The 5.7 will look a lot cleaner if you aren't going to do much to it.
I ended up swapping out all of my accessories, brackets, heads, intake, cam, harness, computer, etc. If I had thought it through, I would have been better off just buying a short block or even a long block and building it. I ended up selling off the heads, intake, wiring harness, computer, etc.
Just know what you want before you start spending money. With that said, I'm very happy with the engine and the performance now that it's up and running.
But the LQ9 is an ugly motor (truck motors in general are ugly). The alternator sticks up too high, the intake is a pig, the wiring harness is ugly, the accessories are closer to the radiator, etc. It depends on what you're looking for. The 5.7 will look a lot cleaner if you aren't going to do much to it.
I ended up swapping out all of my accessories, brackets, heads, intake, cam, harness, computer, etc. If I had thought it through, I would have been better off just buying a short block or even a long block and building it. I ended up selling off the heads, intake, wiring harness, computer, etc.
Just know what you want before you start spending money. With that said, I'm very happy with the engine and the performance now that it's up and running.
07-10-2013, 09:17 AM
#10
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just put a 2004 6.0 LQ9 into my '67 Camaro. I think the 6.0 is a better starting block and will have more potential for power throughout the range.
But the LQ9 is an ugly motor (truck motors in general are ugly). The alternator sticks up too high, the intake is a pig, the wiring harness is ugly, the accessories are closer to the radiator, etc. It depends on what you're looking for. The 5.7 will look a lot cleaner if you aren't going to do much to it.
I ended up swapping out all of my accessories, brackets, heads, intake, cam, harness, computer, etc. If I had thought it through, I would have been better off just buying a short block or even a long block and building it. I ended up selling off the heads, intake, wiring harness, computer, etc.
Just know what you want before you start spending money. With that said, I'm very happy with the engine and the performance now that it's up and running.
But the LQ9 is an ugly motor (truck motors in general are ugly). The alternator sticks up too high, the intake is a pig, the wiring harness is ugly, the accessories are closer to the radiator, etc. It depends on what you're looking for. The 5.7 will look a lot cleaner if you aren't going to do much to it.
I ended up swapping out all of my accessories, brackets, heads, intake, cam, harness, computer, etc. If I had thought it through, I would have been better off just buying a short block or even a long block and building it. I ended up selling off the heads, intake, wiring harness, computer, etc.
Just know what you want before you start spending money. With that said, I'm very happy with the engine and the performance now that it's up and running.
Wow Brent, I hope you dont take this the wrong way but I have a mega man crush on ur motor! That was very impressive, how much did you spend in extra bolt on stuff, the intake, fuel system and brackets? Great job, what do you think were your final numbers power wise, and what all do you recommend doind to the lq block? Is Lq9 better than lq4? Sorry for the barrage of questions.
07-10-2013, 09:40 AM
#11
There are pros and cons to both engines really, like others have mentioned. In the end, you can do more with the 6.0, like put l98 or ls3 heads on it with minimal mods. The ls1 engine is roughly 100lbs lighter so it makes up for the smaller cubes in that regard. IF you are going to go FI in the future, def. go with the 6.0. Just a no brainer. If it is the acc. and ugly intake you are worried about, just buy a ls6 intake and fbody or vetter acc. setup and wala.
@ badintentions = the 69 camaro really isnt a heavy car, even decked out, it is still lighter then a 4th gen.
@ badintentions = the 69 camaro really isnt a heavy car, even decked out, it is still lighter then a 4th gen.
07-10-2013, 09:47 AM
#12
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Roma/Edinburg TX
Posts: 561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are pros and cons to both engines really, like others have mentioned. In the end, you can do more with the 6.0, like put l98 or ls3 heads on it with minimal mods. The ls1 engine is roughly 100lbs lighter so it makes up for the smaller cubes in that regard. IF you are going to go FI in the future, def. go with the 6.0. Just a no brainer. If it is the acc. and ugly intake you are worried about, just buy a ls6 intake and fbody or vetter acc. setup and wala.
@ badintentions = the 69 camaro really isnt a heavy car, even decked out, it is still lighter then a 4th gen.
@ badintentions = the 69 camaro really isnt a heavy car, even decked out, it is still lighter then a 4th gen.
07-10-2013, 09:58 AM
#14
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are pros and cons to both engines really, like others have mentioned. In the end, you can do more with the 6.0, like put l98 or ls3 heads on it with minimal mods. The ls1 engine is roughly 100lbs lighter so it makes up for the smaller cubes in that regard. IF you are going to go FI in the future, def. go with the 6.0. Just a no brainer. If it is the acc. and ugly intake you are worried about, just buy a ls6 intake and fbody or vetter acc. setup and wala.
@ badintentions = the 69 camaro really isnt a heavy car, even decked out, it is still lighter then a 4th gen.
@ badintentions = the 69 camaro really isnt a heavy car, even decked out, it is still lighter then a 4th gen.
I have been thinking more and more about going 6.0. What's better the lq4 or lq9 and does anyone have recipes for big power on the cheap? I guess ls6 I take but what heads and cam selection get the most power easily?
07-10-2013, 12:19 PM
#15
LQ4 and LQ9 are identical except the LQ9 has a flat top piston so it has more compression. Different LQ4's and LQ9's have different cams depending on the year.
I haven't added up all my receipts (kind of afraid to), but I made 458/410 on the dyno before they had to shut it down @6200rpm due to drive train vibration. They said it would probably make 475rwhp next time.
Feel free to ask questions, I have a build thread on Pro-Touring and Team Camaro detailing most of it. And thanks for the props.
I haven't added up all my receipts (kind of afraid to), but I made 458/410 on the dyno before they had to shut it down @6200rpm due to drive train vibration. They said it would probably make 475rwhp next time.
Feel free to ask questions, I have a build thread on Pro-Touring and Team Camaro detailing most of it. And thanks for the props.
07-10-2013, 12:21 PM
#16
The fact that the aluminum block is 100 lbs less than the iron block is a big pro. Which will shed a good amount of weight off of that already lightweight '69 Camaro (which btw are not heavy cars by any means, approx. 3100-3400 lbs depending on engine & options). The iron 6.0 block maybe made out of stronger material but even the aluminum LS1 block will sustain a lot of power, even in a boosted application. It's the internals that are the weak point for both engines, not the blocks, right? If you plan on boosting it and pump out 550-600+ hp out of either engine, upgraded internals will be required, eventually a smart idea anyways. Being able to fit the inexpensive LS3 topend on the 6.0L is also a nice pro though. But a set of cnc ported 243, 799 or 5.3L heads, an LS6 intake and aftermarket cam on the LS1 will also pump out 500hp easily and not break the bank.
I don't understand the whole, "If you're going to go FI definitely go with an iron block" business. Either engine will require upgraded internals past a certain power level. If you're not going crazy on the power you're not going to harm the aluminum LS block as long as there's a well suited rotating assembly for the power being made.
I don't understand the whole, "If you're going to go FI definitely go with an iron block" business. Either engine will require upgraded internals past a certain power level. If you're not going crazy on the power you're not going to harm the aluminum LS block as long as there's a well suited rotating assembly for the power being made.
Last edited by R6cowboy; 07-10-2013 at 12:31 PM.
07-10-2013, 01:28 PM
#17
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LQ4 and LQ9 are identical except the LQ9 has a flat top piston so it has more compression. Different LQ4's and LQ9's have different cams depending on the year.
I haven't added up all my receipts (kind of afraid to), but I made 458/410 on the dyno before they had to shut it down @6200rpm due to drive train vibration. They said it would probably make 475rwhp next time.
Feel free to ask questions, I have a build thread on Pro-Touring and Team Camaro detailing most of it. And thanks for the props.
I haven't added up all my receipts (kind of afraid to), but I made 458/410 on the dyno before they had to shut it down @6200rpm due to drive train vibration. They said it would probably make 475rwhp next time.
Feel free to ask questions, I have a build thread on Pro-Touring and Team Camaro detailing most of it. And thanks for the props.
Is there a way to tell a lq4 from a lq9 wothout opening them up? Just by looking at them?
07-10-2013, 04:40 PM
#18
On The Tree
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The fact that the aluminum block is 100 lbs less than the iron block is a big pro. Which will shed a good amount of weight off of that already lightweight '69 Camaro (which btw are not heavy cars by any means, approx. 3100-3400 lbs depending on engine & options). The iron 6.0 block maybe made out of stronger material but even the aluminum LS1 block will sustain a lot of power, even in a boosted application. It's the internals that are the weak point for both engines, not the blocks, right? If you plan on boosting it and pump out 550-600+ hp out of either engine, upgraded internals will be required, eventually a smart idea anyways. Being able to fit the inexpensive LS3 topend on the 6.0L is also a nice pro though. But a set of cnc ported 243, 799 or 5.3L heads, an LS6 intake and aftermarket cam on the LS1 will also pump out 500hp easily and not break the bank.
I don't understand the whole, "If you're going to go FI definitely go with an iron block" business. Either engine will require upgraded internals past a certain power level. If you're not going crazy on the power you're not going to harm the aluminum LS block as long as there's a well suited rotating assembly for the power being made.
I don't understand the whole, "If you're going to go FI definitely go with an iron block" business. Either engine will require upgraded internals past a certain power level. If you're not going crazy on the power you're not going to harm the aluminum LS block as long as there's a well suited rotating assembly for the power being made.
Will an ls1 with ported heads, an ls6 intake, and cam upgrade last a very long time? Does anyone have a cam in mind for use? I think 450 rwhp is a good goal, how much can either take motor take hp wise without internal upgrades?
07-10-2013, 05:16 PM
#19
They are both great engines, but the added compression give the LQ9 the edge.
LQ4 (9.4:1) = 300-325hp/360-370tq
LQ9 (10.0:1) = 345hp/380tq
Also, if you are keeping the heads, stay away from the 99-00 models, as they used iron heads.
-----edit-----
I just remembered the LQ4 has a U in the VIN and the LQ9 has an N. But I didn't see a stamping anywhere on my block.
Last edited by 67rally; 07-10-2013 at 06:41 PM. Reason: Added info.