Budget lq4 ~450rwhp
#1
Budget lq4 ~450rwhp
hi all, I had a similar post to this a few days ago but I have since changed my mind on what the build is going to be and instead of editing my old post I figured it would be easier to start a new one. I’m going to be building an lq4 or lq9 for my 70 Chevelle. I want to make around 450-500 horsepower at the wheels (I’d be happy with 500 at the crank too) but I want to do it as cheap as possible. I’ve been searching the forums and reading many builds but it seems most builds like this were done 3+ years ago (from what I can find) so I was hoping some people who have a similar build could offer me some suggestions, thanks
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I don't remember exactly everything we discussed days ago, but if you want cheap as possible a junkyard LQ4 or LQ9, and a set of used 243 heads would a cheap and effective start
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Best priced combo I would go with is stock LS3 heads and stock intake, custom cam, headers, exhaust, good air intake, and with a tune should get you to at least 450rwhp.
If you want to spend a little more get a under drive pulley.
If you want to be closer to 500rwhp get any aftermarket LS3 heads or ported LS3 heads and use the stock LS3 intake. The LS3 intake is a damn good intake.
If you want to spend a little more get a under drive pulley.
If you want to be closer to 500rwhp get any aftermarket LS3 heads or ported LS3 heads and use the stock LS3 intake. The LS3 intake is a damn good intake.
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That's really hard to say. Depends on weather you buy new or used, what brands, etc...Everything used, and stock 243's from a junkyard I don't know maybe 2 to 3 grand. If you buy new from a vendor maybe more like 5 to 6 grand. It really just depends on the exact parts that we are talking about. Let's not for get tuning, and other possible suspension and rear end upgrades since we would be adding a lot of power here
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Im in the EXACT same situation right now, Ive got a lq4 currently and a set of 243 heads Havent put the motor together yet as im still deciding what to do.
But with the stock 243 heads I could get around 425rwhp with LARGE cam, good springs, and a single plane with a 750 carb and my entire setup would come in less than $3500
But I purchase then engine with a dropped valve seat (barley touched piston) for $250
243 heads $450
springs $230
cam $300
gaskets $300
pushrods $100
intake, 750 carb, and ignition controller $1100
swap headers 1 7/8" $300
Misc lines hoses fuel pump ect $500
if I keep the Dished pistons ill be around 10.5 to 1 with slightly thinner headgaskets
Or I have thought about slapping some flat top Lq9/ls2 pistons to get me up slightly over 11:1 for $300 more that will gain what 15-20hp?
My problem is before I order the carb intake setup Im really considering going to the rectangle/square port LS3 style head with will cost about $300 more over the 243 heads and gain around 50hp more on the top end.
another option I have been considering is a sloppy turbo build on the cheap for around 550 to 600rwhp but still havent fully decided
Just to give you some Ideas
But with the stock 243 heads I could get around 425rwhp with LARGE cam, good springs, and a single plane with a 750 carb and my entire setup would come in less than $3500
But I purchase then engine with a dropped valve seat (barley touched piston) for $250
243 heads $450
springs $230
cam $300
gaskets $300
pushrods $100
intake, 750 carb, and ignition controller $1100
swap headers 1 7/8" $300
Misc lines hoses fuel pump ect $500
if I keep the Dished pistons ill be around 10.5 to 1 with slightly thinner headgaskets
Or I have thought about slapping some flat top Lq9/ls2 pistons to get me up slightly over 11:1 for $300 more that will gain what 15-20hp?
My problem is before I order the carb intake setup Im really considering going to the rectangle/square port LS3 style head with will cost about $300 more over the 243 heads and gain around 50hp more on the top end.
another option I have been considering is a sloppy turbo build on the cheap for around 550 to 600rwhp but still havent fully decided
Just to give you some Ideas
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If you choose the square port route on heads be very careful on cam selection.