Swap it out?
Swap it out? I just picked up a 2000 Silverado 2500 with utility bed for cheap. It has the iron headed lq4 and 4l80e. I bought it because...well you can never have too many ls parts.
Now with that said, my question. In my sig I have a Lemans I have been trying to get done for eons. Since my goal is just 500whp, should I just yank out the 5.3\4l60e and toss in the stock lq4/4l80e, stiffer springs and keep the GT45?
Now with that said, my question. In my sig I have a Lemans I have been trying to get done for eons. Since my goal is just 500whp, should I just yank out the 5.3\4l60e and toss in the stock lq4/4l80e, stiffer springs and keep the GT45?
I understand and agree with the theory on displacement, but... what would you really gain by swapping engines besides displacement and it's resulting power potential (not guarantee)? You can hit 500 HP with the 5.3 and proper turbo setup, it's been done several times. Turbo engines aren't nearly as displacement sensitive as heads / cam engines since they are not relying as heavily on cylinder volume and cam duration to pull in air.
From simply skimming the last page of your build the engine is in the car and the turbo is mounted and only some additional assembly (and maybe mild fabrication) appears to be necessary for completion so why stop now?
I'm not sure I understand the logic behind the change since you are so close and would only gain around 40 cubes and "less favorable" iron heads. If you want the transmission, then use the 4L80E with the 5.3. That will require a different transmission crossmember, a crank spacer, slip yoke change and possibly a tunnel massage for clearance.
From simply skimming the last page of your build the engine is in the car and the turbo is mounted and only some additional assembly (and maybe mild fabrication) appears to be necessary for completion so why stop now?
I'm not sure I understand the logic behind the change since you are so close and would only gain around 40 cubes and "less favorable" iron heads. If you want the transmission, then use the 4L80E with the 5.3. That will require a different transmission crossmember, a crank spacer, slip yoke change and possibly a tunnel massage for clearance.
I'm with GoFast and would stick with the current engine. If you plan on racing a lot, you should expect to eventually hurt your current engine in some way. I would plan for that eventuality, and build your "version 2" engine. Use the lessons learned from your first engine build to perfect the second one. Sell the iron heads and whatever other dodads you won't need or want from the truck to finance your addiction.
But first, by all means, complete your existing engine and get your project on the street. Beat up on a few unsuspecting Fords to keep the interest level up
But first, by all means, complete your existing engine and get your project on the street. Beat up on a few unsuspecting Fords to keep the interest level up
Thanks gents. I will leave the motor and present combo for now and run what I have. I can always toss the motor and trans in later. I already have a set of aluminum 317s sitting on a wounded LQ4 I got for a $100 a few months back. I appreciate the intelligent and thoughtful feedback.
