LY6 or LQ9 or LS2?
 

I am searching for a new motor for my 69 Camaro. I have a ton of parts already, but need some better direction. I have a set of LS3 heads, LSX dual plane intake, 750 double pumper, MSD 6010 ignition and 2216 Edelbrock cam. posted this a year ago, but I am getting more serious about replacing my 496, and at that time, i was just thinking about running an LQ4.

Anyway... I was thinking after researching more about it, and LY6 since it already has good heads. I assume with the VVT, it won't matter since it is a carb, since I am changing the cam? I was kind of leaning towards a LY6, running it, then having my LS3 heads ported for a later date.

Or would it still be better to get a LQ9, run my stock LS3 heads, and change the cam? I don't know much about the LS2, if that would work well with the LS3 heads? I have heard it would be down on compression. This would be going in a 69 Camaro, 700R4, 3200 rpm lock up converter, 3.90 12 bolt posi. Thanks in advance! :nod:

LQ4 is 9.4:1
LQ9 is 10.0:1
LY6 is 9.5:1 <same as the LQ4 but with LS3 heads ;)

You "could" just get a LQ4 or LQ9 and add your heads as well as a cam swap...or as you said and get an LY6 to start ?

LQ4 will be the cheapest of the 3. That's the route I took and added the LS3 heads.

Depending on your cam, and "if" you shave the heads for some more comp, you "may" (most likely) will need to fly-cut the pistons.

You could just order a short block and go from there or keep searching for a good used motor.....your call.

I thought about finding a short block, but I need all of the accessories, coils, etc. So i figure I will try to find a long block. I found one with 130k miles on it for $1600. but i have to drive over 200 miles to get it. Which I really don't mind. They have much better heads than either of the 3 don't they? I am not familiar with them.

If you are going with a turbo setup then I would do LY6, good setup and low comp for boost.

If you care about every little HP then go with the LQ4 w LS3 heads and make sure you get a good cam that matches your setup. LY6 is Gen 4 so has better internals, can take more HP.

LQ9 = not worth the money. IMO

what will the motor be used for? LS3 heads with a dual plan intake seems like a silly combination to me

Any one of them will work with your proposed combination. The LQ9, LS2, LS3 & L92 would have more compression. So, if you can find a good deal on one of those, it would be a plus.

It actually works pretty good. D&A Machine entered a couple rectangle port LS engines with the GMPP dual plane in Engine Masters and they were impressive. We also have a member here in the carb section (NewSchool72 I think?) with a 2nd Gen Camaro that built and exceptional performer with a combo very similar to what the OP is considering.

FYI, MSD 6010 won't run an LY6, you'll need an MSD 6012.

No kidding? Why is that?:scream:

Thanks Speed. I also have an opportunity to pick up a single plane GMPP intake for a reasonable price as well. Which do you prefer?

Its a gen 4, with a 58x crank trigger. The 6010 is for the old 24x Gen 3 engines. The 6012 is for the 58x Gen 4 engines.

If you already have LS3 heads, there is very little reason to choose an LY6 over an LQx shortblock.

I love my LS stuff by if I had a 496, I would freshen it up and make 750 HP without trying.

I have never seen back to back tests on the rectangle port manifolds. I have seen plenty on cathedral tests and tested the cathedral Vic Jr and Performer RPM myself. In general the dual planes will have better torque and performance below 5000 RPM. With your build you could probably go either way. If I were planning to just have a street cruiser, I might pick the dual plane. If I had aspirations to go faster or use nitrous down the road, I would pick the single plane.

6010 is for 24 teeth reluctor wheels, 6012 is for 58teeth reluctor wheel.

I like my 496 just fine, but unfortunately, it gets Crap for gas mileage, and I would like to drive it longer distances.

OD trans ;)

That is what I have...

And still an issue...hhhmmmm Then only thing would be keeping your foot out of it....no fun, but better MPG....yes, I can't do it either :drive:

If your happy with the bbc performance wise I would invest in a good efi system and get a nice crips street tune. I dont think the LS with a carb is going to be much better IMHO. You also could pull those 3.90 gears and swap to a 3.42. The motor will not care one bit. Im running a BBC as well in a 69.

That is a thought also. Possibly trying FI TECH system. If that works and I like it, and want to go to LSX, then i still have a kick ass fuel system! :drive: