My Grand National LQ9 build
03-22-2011, 04:59 PM
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My Grand National LQ9 build I thought I'd give you all an update on my extreme budget build. This is an 87 Grand National clone car. Things are moving along a bit quicker now since the tax refund. I got an LQ9 (yes I am positive it is not an LQ4) and have it in the car now. I am using the truck accessories that came with it, and the factory coils came with it too. I have installed a smaller P/S pulley to clear by steering box.
I'll probably order the F body Pacesetter headers soon and see where I stand. I am currently working on the flexplate and converter fitment. I have a 4L60 waiting. This will be a carb setup and I am still concerned about cutting up my hood.
I'll probably order the F body Pacesetter headers soon and see where I stand. I am currently working on the flexplate and converter fitment. I have a 4L60 waiting. This will be a carb setup and I am still concerned about cutting up my hood.
03-22-2011, 05:35 PM
#2
Great choice!
I would put an aftermarket cam in it... as the stock truck cam is done making power at around 4500rpm and takes a nose dive. Plenty of used cams for sale on here.
You should repaint the engine bay while you have the chance. Really makes a difference an most bodyshops would only charge a few hundred bucks if you stripped it clean and pressure washed/degreased it already.
I would put an aftermarket cam in it... as the stock truck cam is done making power at around 4500rpm and takes a nose dive. Plenty of used cams for sale on here.
You should repaint the engine bay while you have the chance. Really makes a difference an most bodyshops would only charge a few hundred bucks if you stripped it clean and pressure washed/degreased it already.
03-22-2011, 07:23 PM
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I was shocked/stunned at the high price of motor mounts at a certain hot rod shop in Georgia.....so for $65 I got Trans Dapt conversion Chevy S10 mounts and it's all good.
As far as Fuel injection, been there done that on a 5.0 Mustang - at first a speed density PCM, then a mass air one, and later a Megasquirt - IMHO a pain in the butt and it never ran right. So, carb because I feel that if has the potential to make as much power as EFI and for me, a little less price and hassle.
As far as cam, maybe down the road. FWIW, Car Craft (or Hot Rod? can't remember) got around 425 hp or so on the dyno with only headers and a carb, nothing else on a junkyard stock LQ4.
pic from the day I got it.
As far as Fuel injection, been there done that on a 5.0 Mustang - at first a speed density PCM, then a mass air one, and later a Megasquirt - IMHO a pain in the butt and it never ran right. So, carb because I feel that if has the potential to make as much power as EFI and for me, a little less price and hassle.
As far as cam, maybe down the road. FWIW, Car Craft (or Hot Rod? can't remember) got around 425 hp or so on the dyno with only headers and a carb, nothing else on a junkyard stock LQ4.
pic from the day I got it.
03-22-2011, 08:43 PM
#7
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Hi I'm also doin a 6.0 in my 82 class but mines an lq4. I'm have the intake with injectors and throttle body just need harness and ecm. Trying to find somebody that sells a 4 wire hook up harness.
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03-22-2011, 11:02 PM
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It should clear the stock hood with truck accessories and a carb. Check out this link just to make sure. http://www.maliburacing.com/forum/vi...787ed082bec4a4
lol.
03-24-2011, 01:16 AM
#17
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What size turbo is that? Im doing a 1981TTA, got the engine install, and car drives good, but the car came with a turbo V8. The cost of adding the turbo will kill my budget, but I got to have it. Just installed the stock interior. My 87 Grandnational is waiting for me to work on it, got to build a engine for a customers 87 TType, before I start on my GN.
03-24-2011, 07:37 AM
#18
mine is 6.0l with mpt76. gbody i had to cut the nose of the heater box off (because i was too lazy to get the ac delete one out of my local junkyard) and where the coil pack is i had to make a little cup in the box for the coil brackets so the stock ps pump just passes the steering box. downpipe is above the pass header. and as far as budget i have less than 6 grand into my swap including hptuners and the car. the wheels however came off my gn.