66 BADBOY

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys,

I'm trying to plan my engine build BEFORE I buy anything for it. Going in a 3200lb car, 4L60e, 3.73 gear, roughly 26" tall tires. I really want to use a set of 2007 and up Chevy truck gauges in it.

The "plans" are....

2005 LQ9
1 7/8" headers
X-pipe after headers
3" as far back as I can get (might have to go 2.5" after mufflers to get over axle).
LS6 intake, rails, injectors
L76 DBW TB (get it ported)
Alternator and MAYBE power steering
No A/C
I'd like the cam to be like PREDATOR-Z's "cam only LQ9"
Stall converter to be figured after cam is spec'd.
Changeover accessory drive system.
Changeover oil pan, pick up, and tube with Trans Am type to fit my car.
New wiring harness to match the injectors, etc.
Get the ECM programmed.

From what I understand in talking to an ECM guy, I need to use the L76 TB (or an LS3 DBW) if I am going to use the 2008 Chevy gauges that I want to use due to something called CAN technology (I think that is what it was called). Its the newer style "language" that the ECM uses.

If I don't use the 2007 and up guages, I'll just stick with a ported LS6 cable TB.

I cannot afford new heads right now, but thought about maybe getting the stock LQ9 heads milled. Is that worth it?

Anyone see anything wrong? (besides complicated as heck to get the wiring/ecm stuff).

THANKS!!!

gtatransam101

Why would you want lq9 heads is this a force induction build?

bww3588

iTrader: (49)

because they are the same as LS6 heads with larger chambers.

Gaunt

iTrader: (11)

I approve

As to port the LQ9 heads, I would say find out how much you want them milled. An untouched set of LS6 heads isn't expensive at all, and if you don't mind the bump up in compression ratio, I would go that route. I would have done it myself but I was on an extreme budget, and most of my car was only built to handle my current power level.

nastychevelle

iTrader: (7)

im pretty sure a l76 TB wont work...

Gaunt

iTrader: (11)

Good catch, LS6 won't accept that L76 throttle body, I'm reasonably sure

66 BADBOY

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm mainly after the LQ9 because there aren't many low mile LS1's out there, and I'm liking the 6.0 of the LQ9 vs the 5.3 of the LM7 engines (or L33).

I was kinda hoping the L76 TB would work. I've seen pics of it and I thought it was the same shape as the LS1/LS6 TBs. I think it would be really cool to have that dash in the car, but I think its going to get awful $$$$ to do.

And for the heads, you guys are saying to forget milling the LQ9 heads, and just get LS6 heads then? Would that be cheaper than milling? I was just going with the LQ9 heads because, well, they come on the LQ9 and I didn't really know how hard or expensive it would be to swap to other heads.

Sorry for the dumb questions, but then again, this is the newbie section!! LOL

Thanks guys!!!

Gaunt

iTrader: (11)

On a budget, you are absolutely fine on Lq9 heads. I'm pretty sure you can pick up a complete set of LS6 heads for around the $400-$450 range (unported), but it gives a nice enough bump in compression ratio that it's worth it. I am not quite up to date on how much it would cost on milling the Lq9 heads to your desired specifications, but it might be worth it to find out.

As for the L76, it's a 90mm throttle body (if memory serves), and fits the LS2/L76 intake manifolds.

04blackbeauty

i have a set of ls6 head w/rods. also a ls6 cam, oil pump and timing chain i would sell you if your interested (575)219-7312