LQ9 / 4L60 Build Questions?
08-16-2013, 08:46 AM
#1
Staging Lane
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LQ9 / 4L60 Build Questions? What's up guys....After lurking for quite a while I have decided to start my LSX project. I have a 1971 Monte Carlo that I知 working on and I知 looking at putting a LQ9 / 4l60 in it.
I知 trying to keep the cost as low as possible for more power. I came across this article link on someone痴 post and what I need to know is will the upgrades used here work for an LQ9 and how well?
LS9 camshaft (PN 12638427, $166.81)
LS3 valve springs (PN 12625033, $8.78/each)
3-bolt camshaft gear (PN 12623754, $24.29)
LS3-style front timing cover (PN 12600326, $45.41)
I知 trying to keep the cost as low as possible for more power. I came across this article link on someone痴 post and what I need to know is will the upgrades used here work for an LQ9 and how well?
LS9 camshaft (PN 12638427, $166.81)
LS3 valve springs (PN 12625033, $8.78/each)
3-bolt camshaft gear (PN 12623754, $24.29)
LS3-style front timing cover (PN 12600326, $45.41)
08-16-2013, 05:49 PM
#2
I'm guessing the LS9 is a gen4 LS, what year is your LQ9? Cam sensor in the front(gen4) or rear(gen3)? I believe the LQ9 has the three bolt camshaft so you wouldn't need it or the timing cover unless it's a gen3 LQ9 with the rear cam sensor. It might become cost prohibitive if you have to use a 58x-24x, or is it 4x-2x, box for your cam sensor if the aftermarket even makes one. The issue is the LS9 camshaft does not have the cam phaser for the rear sensor.
I believe the blue springs are the same as yellow springs so i'm not sure why they show them alternated. GM HighTech is a great magazine.
I've done two similar swaps. Installed the 6.0 camshaft in my 5.3 after rebuilding it. Installed the springs as a head upgrade after a little port work. And, installed a Z06 camshaft in my 5.3HO I built for my Chevelle. I built the motor using mostly factory parts on the cheap.
I believe the blue springs are the same as yellow springs so i'm not sure why they show them alternated. GM HighTech is a great magazine.
I've done two similar swaps. Installed the 6.0 camshaft in my 5.3 after rebuilding it. Installed the springs as a head upgrade after a little port work. And, installed a Z06 camshaft in my 5.3HO I built for my Chevelle. I built the motor using mostly factory parts on the cheap.
Last edited by fox12303; 08-17-2013 at 07:22 AM.
08-18-2013, 02:17 PM
#3
Staging Lane
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Thanks FOX for the info. I'm looking at GEN III LQ9's and I can do without the LS9 cam swap stuff. I just came across the article saying 50HP for 300.00 bucks and it caught my eye.
Does your 5.3 have good power with the cam swap?
I know I can get 5.3 engines cheaper than the LQ9's but to get the hp of them I will need some upgrades (mods).
If I can do 300.00 bucks worth of upgrades on a 5.3 and get about 350 hp that's what I want to do.
Does your 5.3 have good power with the cam swap?
I know I can get 5.3 engines cheaper than the LQ9's but to get the hp of them I will need some upgrades (mods).
If I can do 300.00 bucks worth of upgrades on a 5.3 and get about 350 hp that's what I want to do.
08-18-2013, 04:19 PM
#4
My 5.3HO makes 350-75 hp according to desktop dyno and i'd say that feels about right. My car has good power and drivability is perfect. You can read my engine build thread if you like. https://ls1tech.com/forums/16235381-post7.html I'm actually replacing it with an LS1 i'm currently building, I have it posted in the classifieds. I would not hesitate to build another 5.3 but the piston swap and LS1 heads would push most to build the bigger 6.0.
