Silenttrouble

I have done a bit of research on the internet and there are various budget build and build such but most were written 3-5 years ago. Parts are outdated new stuff has been developed 3-5 years is a lifetime at today's parts development.

I have an 01 Trans Am with an LS1 in it right now. I would like to drop in an LQ motor and make it a 408 stroker. Ideally I'd like to see 550ish HP for street/strip application.

As this is my first full engine rebuild I'll gladly accept any help and advice one can get from a forum. As far as parts go I can't make up my mind on what parts to get because I have a major inability to make a decision and pull the trigger without knowing I made the right decision.

Heres what I was thinking based on what I have read on the internet. I am trying to go budget as much as possible, being that I have a Donor F-body LS1 for things like sensors and covers.

LQ Block
Main cam and rod bearings: Need manufacturer advice
Pistons and rings: need advice
connecting rods: need advice
Crank: need advice

Heads: I have no idea... I cant make up my mind... Some says L92 ported with valve upgrade... but i really need help in this department because I know how much heads mean to the build.

Ah hell I could go on and on about every major part the build and what manu i should buy from and it all turns out I just need someone to tell me for this power and on a budget buy this... Because I don't feel I'll ever know enough about combos to make the right decision.

Paul57

Well, it sounds like you are on the right track with a 408, heads and cam. I don't believe you would need a cam with more than 230 duration @ .050 but your best bet is to contact this guy for a custom... https://ls1tech.com/forums/generatio...heads-cam.html

At least your doing some research first. That is a smart move, rather than hopping on the first bandwagon that comes along.

You could run CNC'd LS6 (with non-stock valves) or L92 heads. Either one should get you the power you are looking for. Since you are trying to do this on a budget, I would probably choose whichever is less expensive. The heads you decide on will impact your cam specs. So, your best bet is to figure out the heads first. I have seen a couple posts where guys recommended the L92 heads only if you are above a 408 because of the jumbo valves causing shrouding issues. But, I am not an expert on that so you may have to do some more research or hopefully someone else can help confirm things.

oakley6575

iTrader: (3)

This is what I'm running and love it:

LQ4 408
Callies crank and rods
Wiseco -3cc pistons
Stock LS3 heads and intake
231/239 114+2 cam

This motor was built for a daily driver and has run perfect every second since I built it this summer. The stock heads and intake are really the limiting factors on my build. If I had the money, I would have put AFR 230 V2 heads on and it would run a ton better for my application. Let me know if you have any questions. BTW its running around 550hp at the crank.

01ssreda4

iTrader: (96)

Id go LS2 408 (aluminum)
Relocate the cam sensor
Some AFR, PRC, or TFS heads (let the engine builder tell you their preference)
Custom cam (Spec'd by TSP, Futral, Shane @ TR, or your engine builder)
1 7/8 LTs
Fast intake

smok'nZ

iTrader: (160)

id build a 427+ and run LS7 heads fast intake and 1 7/8 LT's like said above 408's are really common now and some heads cam stock ls1's are getting it done like stroker motors