Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Thirdgen Trans AM LQ4 Build First Start!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 26, 2013 | 08:48 AM
  #1  
ghettocruiser's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 2
From: West Chester, PA
Default Thirdgen Trans AM LQ4 Build First Start!

Hey all!

I havent really posted on tech much. Mostly because my car has been down for the last few years. The other day I FINALLY got it to the point where I could start it.

Ive been building an LQ4 for a while now. Started with an 04 Silverado 2500 LQ4. After digging into it, I found it had a trashed thrust bearing. So, it got new everything basically. New (reman) crank, deglazed the cylinders, all new bearings, ARP rod bolts, PatG cam, new timing set...and some other odds and ends. Its going to run my old MTi Stage II heads. 862 castings. Not too many people running that combo, so we'll see what happens there. Still have my fast 90 and NW TB. And eveything else that was on my LS1 before I killed it.

I wont get into the build TOO much unless you all want to see pictures or more details. But here is the first start video. I still cant believe how quick it fired up. I need to track down a high idle issue. Scan gauge is saying my TPS is at 50% with throttle closed. And my AFR is 12.5:1 according to my wideband. So...something is going on. Not sure if its tune related or if I just messed something up. Going to double check my wiring and TPS sensor.







Check out my youtube channel for more build videos. I have the deglazing video, block assembly, ARP install, head assembly, Racetronix pump install etc on there. Along with some other random stuff from the build.

Thanks for checking it out!

Justin

Last edited by ghettocruiser; Oct 1, 2013 at 10:19 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2013 | 10:20 AM
  #2  
ghettocruiser's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 2
From: West Chester, PA
Default

Fixed my issues. Turns out the TPS was bad. From sitting I guess...?

Anyway, everything seems to be working great now. Still have a couple small bugs to figure out. Might have a fuel pressure issue, but I have to verify with a mechanical gauge.

Here is a new video after installing the TPS. Seems like its good to go now.


J.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2013 | 12:53 PM
  #3  
RBD_305's Avatar
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
Default

Very detailed and neat build bro, what are your plans for this car? (Street/Strip)?
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2013 | 03:05 PM
  #4  
ghettocruiser's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 2
From: West Chester, PA
Default

FUN!!!

Haha. Its going to see mostly street duty. But I want to do some fun nights at the track too. Plan to get some good tires for the back for track use, but otherwise run it like it is.

Majority of its time will be on the street though. Driving to work, on nice days, etc. I really want to get to some cruise nights and meets since its been so long. Once Im done getting it back together, the next big thing is paint. The car is a very straight and solid 40k mile car. Only 3 dings to speak of and all original panels. Interior is "done", or as done as I want. Engine bay will be pretty much good to go. Its not spotless. But, I drive it. It sees rain (hopefully not much this time), and sits outside. Cant expect it to stay show quality.

J.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2013 | 05:57 PM
  #5  
warnd's Avatar
Teching In
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Default

Nice ghetto! Always watch your threads on thirdgen, happy to see that you got her sorted out and fired up. Sounds mean after you got all the little things figured out. You going to paint the car the same color?

Really like your gauges by the way. Definitely copying that setup for my 92 z28 swap lol. Should I prepare my wallet accordingly or is it not as bad as I am anticipating?
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2013 | 03:14 PM
  #6  
ghettocruiser's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (17)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 2
From: West Chester, PA
Default

Thanks warnd. I thought about starting a thread over here at least for the build portion. Not really sure why I didnt. Maybe I still will...esp once I know it works haha.

Color..not sure. It might be matte black for a while until I can save up for a good paint job. When it does get painted, it will either get the same scheme (dark blue metallic on top with silver GFX) or it'll be black like my old car.

Guages werent too bad. I got some online and some from autozone when I worked there. So I was able to order them at a good price. If you go for a full set up, then add in fuel pressure, programmable fuel level, and wideband, the price skyrockets.

There are some other options out there that I would probably go with if I ever re-do it. First on my list is Sport Comp II's. I have one in my turbo legacy and its a great looking gauge. Love the backlighting. The other would be those thin gauges from speedhut. I think they're from speedhut... They offer GPS speedo, customizable front faces, and the lighting Im after. At a decent price.

J.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:58 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE