mikesimpalass

I just recently put a lq4 6.0l into my s10 Offroad truck, and I have read that a lot of can be power gained on these engines with a tune. The engine internally is stock. It has ls1 exhaust manifolds, a very free flowing exhaust, electric fans and a cold air intake kit. Since the engine is basically stock, what are my best options for tuning? Sorry for the newbie question, I know a dyno tune would be best, but I don't know if the expense is worth the gain on a stock engine

MUSTANGBRKR02

iTrader: (91)

Where are you located?

mikesimpalass

IM near Pittsburgh

mikesimpalass

I should add that i would not be doing my own tuning, so handhelds and full suite programers are out. but what about mail order vs in person tunes? I would like to still run my engine on 87 octane. Would the potential gains be worthwhile on my engine?

MUSTANGBRKR02

iTrader: (91)

Not if your only going to pony up for 87 octane

mikesimpalass

Its for my trail rig, if you run out of gas in the woods, everyone has 87 octane. But i would be out of luck with 93. unless i Carried a few cans of octane booster with me

MUSTANGBRKR02

iTrader: (91)

i wouldn't build my car and tune it on the fact that im not going to plan for having enough fuel. Either need a bigger tank or better planning.

mikesimpalass

Planning or carrying more fuel isnt the issue, but sometimes stuff happens when your 4wheeling in the middle of nowhere, and the only fuel you can readily get is 87. relying on 93 octane fuel would be a lack of planing

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

It's a 9:1 compression motor.It will run fine on 87 and a tune. I tune them every day for 87 octane.

MUSTANGBRKR02

iTrader: (91)

Is it worth the expense to pick up 10-15 HP?

MontecarloDrag

iTrader: (3)

Stock LQ4 has 9.4:1 CR, it is possible to use 87 octane with a tune. Just keep the low octane table and make sure the knock sensors are good.
As long as you don't go WOT or tow a lot of weight when using 87, you should have no issues.

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

So you think a tune is only a HP number? There is a whole lot more you can do to a stock truck tune that has no bearing on a HP number but sure makes them drive better. On 87 octane.

And I guess it depends on what the tuner is charging. People spend $300-$400 for handhelds that don't do squat.

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

Don't go WOT on 87 octane? You can't be serious.

MontecarloDrag

iTrader: (3)

Yes, as serious as you are about the LQ4 being 9:1 CR

The OP just wants to avoid being stranded, there is no need to risk the engine racing w/87 octane from unreliable sources.

Wound-for-Sound

I'm assuming you don't have HP? I have a sweet program for a lq4 but it is a 93 octane table. I could pull some timing out for you though. Right now its like 32* and runs like a scalded dog to 6900.

2xLS1

iTrader: (25)

9:1 or 9.4:1 it doesn't matter. Saying you cant go WOT with an LQ4 and a tune on 87 octane fuel is just stupid.

MontecarloDrag

iTrader: (3)

I didn't say you can't, of course you can under the right circumstances.

But I have seen stock LQ4s knocking like a diesel with 87 and tunes so hacked I'm not going to advice someone to race his engine with 87 with a unknown tune and unknown circumstances.
If you want to, go ahead.

mikesimpalass

I already have my pcm programmed as a stand alone, with torque management disabled. IM probably gonna leave it as is. Doesn't look like the risk is worth the reward