69z28camaro

I'm looking to build an LQ4 408 stroker to get around 550rwhp. I'll be getting my tax return soon so I'm hoping to pick up an LQ4 from the junk yard soon for about $800 but I wanted to get some questions answered before I start buying anything.

This will be going into my 69 camaro which has a 4 speed muncie and 12 bolt rear end with 4.10 gears. I'm set on building a LQ4 408 stroker with LS3 heads and still using a carb. What's the best "bang for your buck" rotating assembly package/combination to help get to my goal of around 550rwhp?

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

id suggest different heads for starters. mods in sig - hoping for 525-550rwhp

I've got JE pistons, and eagle h beams and crank.

69z28camaro

How come you say different heads?

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

If you want big power you need to match everything closely. The ls3 stuff is great n all, but you can get better heads more suited for your build. You can get better ptv clearance, more compression, and better flow through smaller runners and make better power.

69z28camaro

Makes sense. Are there heads that would fit better for around the same price or better? What do you suggest?

Chaos07

I know Texas speed has some good heads for a 408. Like the Prc 237

krissoto

iTrader: (3)

Summit sold the iron blocks for like $750 new if I'm not mistaken, of your just after the block, u can go that route.

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

Well what do you really want to spend? Theres several options and routes you could go.

69z28camaro

I've been looking at the Texas Speed and Performance rotating assembly kit for around $2000 which seems to be the best price.

I need the accessories as well since I'm putting this in a 69 camaro that currently has a 327 in it. Otherwise I would just go for the block.

I kind of want to be around $5000 for the engine build but I'm flexible on price. I don't have endless amounts of money and don't need the expensive stuff but still want something good and reliable.

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

Well Id look into these options:
PRC - 237, 247 cathedrals, and the small bore 260cc ls3 like I have
AFR 230
TFS 235
TFS 220 as cast worked over by TEA

If youre going through the expense of building a stroker then you really need a good set of heads to make use of those new found CIs.

69z28camaro

Are there any cheaper options than these? These are over my budget. I like the $700 price of the ls3 heads and i really don't want to spend much over a grand on heads. What set up makes the ls3 heads good?

leeluther252

iTrader: (17)

The problem you are going to have is trying to make 550rwhp n.a. for $5000 while starting from scratch. The stock ls3 heads in a street car just arent going to cut it. They will work fine but you wont hit the power you are trying to make.

69z28camaro

Alright. So what is the realistic budget of a LQ4 408? I'm new to the LS stuff so just wanted to plan things out before I go spending money. I want to stay as low as I can but I'm willing to up my budget. I don't think I could go more than 10 grand though.

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

Yea if ypu want to play you gotta pay. My mods are in ky sig and you see what im hoping for. Those ls3 heads flat out arent going to do it. Youve got valve shrouding and limited ptv clearance with them further stopping you from your goals.

bozzhawg

You can use the LS3 heads, you'll be fine and make plenty of power.

fastvet

iTrader: (2)

Lq4 750
Texas-speed 6.0 stg 3. $1600
Big Cam 400
Stroker 2000
Ls6 intake, maybe 200 used
90mm throttle body, 250-350
That right there is over 5 grand. You still need, timing chain. Ls6 oil pump. Lifters. Pushrods. Rockers. ALL the gaskets. Water pump. Crank pulley. Coils. Sensors. Timing chain cover. Valve covers. And the list goes on and on and on and on. All this might get you close to 500. 500 is plenty, trust me. Of course it's always fun to have more. If u want one for less than 5 grand look in Craigslist or in the classifieds of this forum. You might get a stock ls1 for about 1500 and just go from there.

69z28camaro

What if instead of going with LS3 heads, I just had the stock LQ4 heads port and polished?

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

Thats a way ******* better idea. You can get great flow through a small runner, mill the **** out of them, run a hefty cam. and you wont have all the ls3 conversion stuff like the rockers rails etc

I think the ls3 heads would be a good choice if you want to flycut or have valve reliefs but otherwise....

69z28camaro

Since I'll be getting a engine from a junk yard, how much does it matter that the heads would be higher mileage? Would the port and polish clean them up to be like new similar to boring cylinder walls?

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

Yea as long as they arent cracked or anything everything will get swapped out.

I dunno what you wanna spend on heads in the long run but go look at ballistic speeds ls3 heads theyre pretty reasonable and theg would net you more power over the 317s and youd get the ls3 intake cheap and it flows pretty good.