nickspeece

Hi everyone,

I finally got my LS1 based 2000 Z28 back on the road yesterday after a Textralia OZ700 install. However, the motor then decided to throw a rod through the side of my block. The motor is done. Here's the question. This car is not my daily driver so down time is not an issue. I want to make power as easily as I can. I don't intend on forced induction, maybe Nitrous.

The iron block LQ4 and LQ9 motors. Can you swap those into a 2000 Camaro, and how much is involved. I have seen people doing this with some of the older cars, but I can't find any threads about doing it in a 4th Gen. Below are the specs of the car. Any comments or suggestions are welcome!

2000 Camaro Z-28
LS1/6 speed Manual
Texas Speed 224/224 .600/.605 110 LSA Cam
Pacesetter long tube headers
Comp Cams 918 valve springs
Hooker cat-back

98mysticZ

iTrader: (11)

there isnt anything diff really except the bolt hole for the alternator... u have to drill one out...

merriman44

iTrader: (4)

Yep. To my knowledge there is less involved with this swap than the ls2 since the knock sensors are in the same place.

01WS6/tamu

iTrader: (37)

Change the oil pan intake and fuel rails and front accessories to the fbody stuff and you are ready to go.

nickspeece

Okay so the swap is easy to do. That's comforting, now is there a good reason either way to do it or to find another LS1? I figure the LQ4 6 liter is a good power candidate. What do you guys think?

01WS6/tamu

iTrader: (37)

no replacement for displacement.

nickspeece

Okay I know all I have is questions, but I don't wanna screw this up! Can I use the same cam shaft, heads, and intake? Does anyone think I SHOULD? I have done a little searching and don't see any reason why not. My goal is 500+ RWHP. I think I might be able to get there, but I want to make the right choices for parts. I was really happy with the parts in my LS1, just not the tune. Also, does the LQ use a different PCM or will the LS1 harness be okay?

You guys are the best!

98mysticZ

iTrader: (11)

u will still use ur factory ls1 harness and try and get a lq9 they have flat tops and ur ls1 heads will yeild a higher compression with that setup....

LSfan70s

About the price, I found my LQ9 with trans wires computer and absolutelly everything on ebay for $2800. Just need to wait for someone with the engine u want and the need of $$$. Good luck with your project

ls1leadfoot

iTrader: (1)

i have a lq4 in mine with a lot of top dollar parts and i am not making 500hp

build a stable engine and talk to the n20 guys.....i think forced induction is a hastle...but thats my 2 cents.....love mine thouh...makes good power on motor...thing about spray at this very moment
good luck....
get on fquick search built 6.0 camaro vids....you wont be dissapointed

aNuBiS

iTrader: (25)

He did mention it was a 6speed car. Being that these motors only had auto trans` bolted to them, what is needed to bolt a manual trans up to it. Flywheel wise, etc.

flirtnwithdisaster

iTrader: (6)

If it is the 2001 up lq4 or the lq9 all you need to do is go and get a pilot bearing (16 bucks oreilys) bolt up yor flywheel and clutch and put her together. Yes it is that easy. The extra weight on the car will look like you have drop springs on the front ,not bad though. If you already have it lowered you will need to switch back to your stock type or the v6 type springs or it will sit very low. a couple of grounds need to be repositioned and your alt bracket has 3 bolts that hold it to the block the 1 uper left bolt can be discarded but you will need to drill and tap the upper right hole. do this while the ps pump is not on. a little more room. 10 min fix time. bolt up your waterpump and accessorie along with the ls1 balancer (with a new bolt) and put her in. If you have headers go ahead and bolt on before you drop the body back down. The valve covers need to be changed along with your intake and fuel rails

nickspeece

Hey everyone, I know it's been a long time since an update came through, but I am in Iraq and have been for about 6 months.

I purchased a LQ4 with a set of aftermarket heads before I left. It needs a rebuild, which I will pay to have done. I don't trust myself that deep in a motor, and the kit is almost as expensive as having a shop do it.

So I am going to get the bottom end rebuilt to stock and then throw on my hot parts from the LS-1. I hear my cam, heads, oil pump, etc will bolt right on. Also going to do some body work and repaint.

Full restore was not my original plan, but there's nothing wrong with having a plan B. Hope all is well with everyone back in gear-heaven!

Later!