LQ4 Jeep swap build advice
03-16-2019, 05:35 PM
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LQ4 Jeep swap build advice First post, Lots of good info on here but I need some advice for my LS swap. Biggest concern is I’ll want more power than stock.
I picked up a 2002 LQ4 (94k) and 4L80E for my Jeep rock crawler / do everything Jeep. Ive had this Jeep for 24yrs, it’s been my forever evolving project (1st car).
Jeeps specs: built 1-ton axles w/5:38 gears, 40” tires, coilover suspension, stretched body and frame 15”. Weighs about 5000lbs +
I drive this Jeep around town, on the hwy, off-roading, and exploring the desert with the family. I want it to be reliable, get parts anywhere and have enough power to have fun with and run on pump gas.
Option 1:
Leave it stock, delete emissions and torque management and run the **** out of it!
Option 2:
Install Vinci “ultra torque” cam (or other), delete emissions and torque management
Option 3:
Install 706 heads, Vinci “ultra torque” cam (or other), delete emission and torque management.
Option 3:
Install CNC ported 706 heads, Vinci “ultra torque” cam (or other), delete emission and torque management. This option I’m assuming will require a different torque converter?
What do you guys think?
I picked up a 2002 LQ4 (94k) and 4L80E for my Jeep rock crawler / do everything Jeep. Ive had this Jeep for 24yrs, it’s been my forever evolving project (1st car).
Jeeps specs: built 1-ton axles w/5:38 gears, 40” tires, coilover suspension, stretched body and frame 15”. Weighs about 5000lbs +
I drive this Jeep around town, on the hwy, off-roading, and exploring the desert with the family. I want it to be reliable, get parts anywhere and have enough power to have fun with and run on pump gas.
Option 1:
Leave it stock, delete emissions and torque management and run the **** out of it!
Option 2:
Install Vinci “ultra torque” cam (or other), delete emissions and torque management
Option 3:
Install 706 heads, Vinci “ultra torque” cam (or other), delete emission and torque management.
Option 3:
Install CNC ported 706 heads, Vinci “ultra torque” cam (or other), delete emission and torque management. This option I’m assuming will require a different torque converter?
What do you guys think?
03-16-2019, 06:37 PM
#2
TECH Senior Member
You are starting with a great foundation! Low enough compression to run regular, but with potential to give you a lot more power! I just looked up the Vinci cam. Looks good! TSP and Cam Motion have similar cams. 706 heads will raise compression but put smaller valves and ports on your engine. A great compromise would be a set of 243/799 heads that will breathe better AND raise your compression a bit, but not quite as much as the 706's. Save your money on the ported 706's; the 243/799's will be almost as powerful but are available EVERYWHERE as they were put on every 2007-2014 4.8 and 5.3 built during that time.
BTW the Vinci cam even with bigger heads should be able to use the stock converter. You do not want a high stall converter for off roading. Too much of a "rubber band" effect.
BTW the Vinci cam even with bigger heads should be able to use the stock converter. You do not want a high stall converter for off roading. Too much of a "rubber band" effect.
Last edited by G Atsma; 03-16-2019 at 06:48 PM.
03-16-2019, 08:29 PM
#3
Since it's a 6.0 how about L92 heads and the cams listed above? Maybe a small stall from guys like Circle or Yank? I had a Yank in my 67 Nova and until you nailed it you couldn't tell it from stock.
03-17-2019, 09:58 AM
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03-17-2019, 10:01 AM
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You are starting with a great foundation! Low enough compression to run regular, but with potential to give you a lot more power! I just looked up the Vinci cam. Looks good! TSP and Cam Motion have similar cams. 706 heads will raise compression but put smaller valves and ports on your engine. A great compromise would be a set of 243/799 heads that will breathe better AND raise your compression a bit, but not quite as much as the 706's. Save your money on the ported 706's; the 243/799's will be almost as powerful but are available EVERYWHERE as they were put on every 2007-2014 4.8 and 5.3 built during that time.
BTW the Vinci cam even with bigger heads should be able to use the stock converter. You do not want a high stall converter for off roading. Too much of a "rubber band" effect.
BTW the Vinci cam even with bigger heads should be able to use the stock converter. You do not want a high stall converter for off roading. Too much of a "rubber band" effect.
As as far as converters, that would be ideal. I want some power if I’m going to put a cam in but I’d like to stick with the stock converter, sounds like the Vinci would be ok?
03-17-2019, 11:09 AM
#6
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I would look for some 243/799's (they are identical; just different mfg. method. TOTALLY interchangeable). Vinci cam should be great for your purposes.
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03-17-2019, 12:45 PM
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Probably not a bad deal especially if they're local, since you would have shipping from anywhere else in the country. Shipping can add up, and many don't take that into account.
03-17-2019, 01:51 PM
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So you think the 243/799’s are worth the $250 more compared to those 706’s? That’s half the cost of the Vinci cam and some springs. I’m not on a tight budget just want to get the most bang for my buck since I have a lot more things to buy to complete this swap.
03-17-2019, 01:55 PM
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What kind of rough hp & tq gains can be expected from the heads and cam? A lot of variables and of course a proper tune. I plan on sending the PCM into 150tunes.com. Wayne has a good reputation on some off-road forums I follow and he’s reasonably priced ($150)
03-17-2019, 02:49 PM
#11
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706's are SMALLER than your present heads. They came on all LM7 5.3 engines and have smaller valves than the LQ4 heads(317 or 035). Your present heads are similar to 243/799's but have larger combustion chambers.
What you might think about is either/both milling the heads and/or thinner head gaskets to bring up the compression ratio. Then you would NOT need to buy any heads.
I just looked all this up and did not realize how similar yours heads are to the 243/799's before now.
What you might think about is either/both milling the heads and/or thinner head gaskets to bring up the compression ratio. Then you would NOT need to buy any heads.
I just looked all this up and did not realize how similar yours heads are to the 243/799's before now.
03-21-2019, 02:45 PM
#14
TECH Senior Member
True, they did come on LS6's but more lately on all 4.8/5.3 truck engines which do not use those springs. So buy a new set for peace of mind in case the old ones are REALLY old.
