Firebirdzig

What would it take to get an 06 LQ9 completely stock with 60k miles on it to get 400-500 horsepower. Same question for a 2002 bone stock LS1 with 65K on it. I want it to be able to drive a couple hundred miles for trips and be reliable. What are the pros and cons for using an LQ9 and LS1? It will be going in a 68 firebird with T56 trans. Thanks

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

Well the LQ9 is a 6.0 vs a 5.7 for the LS1. The LQ9 is an iron block whereas the aluminum for the LS1. The iron block is about 100lbs. heavier but can withstand much more power

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

400-500hp is a wide gap.

But the short answer is either will need the same things. There is no huge difference between them other than the extra 100lbs on the nose from the iron block and you will probably spend more money on the ls1.

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

The iron block might let you keep the front springs you have now, chances are you have an iron block now and an aluminum block will raise the nose. If you are completely redoing the car and buying springs that is a non-issue but if you like the suspension you have now it could be a big issue.

Either will top 400rwhp easily, the higher power you want to go the easier it will be with the larger bore, they have the same stroke.

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

I probably should have mentioned that I switched to a LQ9 when my LS1 blew. I transfered over my HCI to the 6.0. I actually like it better to be honest...has better torque that is broader and just feels better overall. As far as the springs and suspension...didn't notice a difference whatsoever between the two

96capricemgr

iTrader: (1)

I only thought of it because a friend has a similar car and has noticed changes in the suspension with engine combo changes.
I wonder if the T56 is lighter than whatever was in the car too.
Realistically the car probably had an all iron smallblock heads and intake included so even a LQ4 may be lighter.

Firebirdzig

So what kind of combinations are we talking about and price for let's say 450 horsepower from a drive able, dependable ls1 and LQ9?

svede1212

iTrader: (3)

I would look at more than a peak HP number especially on a street car. A LQ9 or a stroked LS1 will have a broad, big torque band.

Firebirdzig

I don't really want to bore or stroke either of them. I more want to do bolt on, cam, springs, push rod kind of stuff to make the power.

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

With the mods in my signature I'm roughly 450 rwhp n/a and 550-575 on the nitrous, and my heads are pretty cheap as well

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

450 crank hp can be done with headers, good exhaust, ls6 intake, and a mid size cam. You will need to outline the weight, gears, transmission, etc and call a sponsor to get a cam recommendation. I use Cam Motion, in the past I have also used EPS with excellent results. Martin @ Tick is a very active sponsor here as is Texas Speed.

450 rwhp will take a good set of ported heads on top of that

2muchboostNY

iTrader: (8)

If you can get them for around the same price my vote is the LQ9. Its a 6.0 with a broader torque band and newer technology including bushed floating wrist pin connecting rods.