thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

So I've been doing some research on lq4/lq9 since I found one local with a bad cam for $300 (dealership warranty pullout with around100k miles)

I'm seeing a lot of people estimating power at 420rwhp-460rwhp with ported 243 or l92 heads. There are a lot of people making the same numbers with head/cam ls1 engines too. I would think the torque would be higher with the 6.0 though.

Am I missing something? It seems like a lot of trouble to get the compression up on them for marginal power gains...and an added 80lbs or so.

I am planning a build for another engine for when mine goes down. Its starting to look like it makes more sense to build a ls1 based one so I can reuse my fast setup instead of selling it at a loss and buying a new intake/heads/ ect for the 6.0

DarkJuggalo

iTrader: (6)

i beleive its because you can stroke more cubes out of the 6.0 and makes more power in the long run? there is no replacement for displacement, but dont quote me on anything. im just going by what ive read.

kj598bbc

I dont exactly think you're missing anything, but as you probably know, considering you just bought one for cheap, 6.0's can be had for cheap: Ls1's are still pricey and imo an Lq9 with L92's and a good cam, springs, and pushrods should make your figure and maybe 30-40 more with the right drivetrain. Am i missing something ??? for the money i think thats reasonable.

lemons12

iTrader: (71)

For a simple cam only or H/C setup my choice would be ls1.. I don't like 80 lbs I don't have to have, especially on the nose.
They do make more TQ (15 from what I have seen) and barely more hp.. But the weight offsets it.

deadmanTA

iTrader: (7)

The 4" bore will flow more air with a good set of heads. If weight is a concern go for an LS2 block. Use a set of the AFR 225's or TFS 235 (LS2) heads and you can reuse the fast intake.

OUTLWZ

I may be wrong....But I believe there is only a 63lb difference.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

I think stock for stock the LS1 is the hands down winner. As the mod level goes up well that changes things. But really, a stock 6.0 doesnt have a very big advantage when comparing only cubes. Add in the weight difference which upsets overall weight balance more then it already is and you can see why me (cam/bolt ons) chose an LS over an LQ during my recent motor replacement.

kj598bbc

Definitely pros and cons, but imo the question is asked by and applies more so to a swap, and the process of buying Gen III or IV motors and thats where its sensible to buy and build Lq9 AND Lq4's. If i had an f-body or dedicated track car i'd build an Ls1 or ^^ cause i'd be more weight considerate.

lowbirdws6

iTrader: (62)

lq4 or 9 for strength, for serious hp and tq in a forced induction motor. the cast iron block will handle more horsepower without any distortion whereas the aluminum block will deflect and self destruct if pushed too far! unless you're going to turbocharge you car use the ls1.

Monte4ever

iTrader: (2)

I went with a brand new iron block (LQ9) because of its ability to be reused. These blocks can take a .030 and more overbore unlike the aluminum LS1. Run it hard for some years, break it down, bore it and use it again.

thunderstruck507

iTrader: (18)

thanks guys

that's kinda what I was starting to think after a short period of reading, they are cheap and are great for boost or a budget starting point

I ended up not buying the engine, I guess when mine finally goes down I'll assess damage and decided if I want to rebuild the ls1 or go to something else

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't severely misinformed about the power potential of a mild/budget build on a 6.0...without serious damage to internals I would much rather invest the extra money in better heads or maybe a stoker kit