Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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Lq4 swap into firebird

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Old Aug 31, 2014 | 12:27 PM
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Default Lq4 swap into firebird

Hi im very interested in this build/swap bc im looking to buy a 93 to 98 firebird and swapping in a lq4. Want to know some good builds and what all needs to be done to put a lq4 in. And if i need to change the trans or anything. What would be some good lq4 builds? I want to tty and run at least 500hp n/a and have nitrous 100 to 150 shot. Any info greatly appreciated.
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Old Aug 31, 2014 | 12:47 PM
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I already have a lq4 out of a 2002 chevy 2500hd. Just want to know what would be the best headers and bolt ons for now. I have a dynotune nitrous kit i bought for 500 new from dynotune ill be getting a firebird next week and i planned on dropping in the lq4 and i plan on having it auto with a stall converter
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Old Aug 31, 2014 | 01:33 PM
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Rather than researching the motor build you should be researching the swap. I think that you'll discover that it's cheaper to buy a 98-02 Formula or Trans Am than it is to swap a LS a motor into a V6 car, you'll need a lot more than a engine and transmission, there are a lot of little parts that will nickle and dime you to death.
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Old Aug 31, 2014 | 06:32 PM
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The car is going to be a lt1 or ls1 right away just want to know what a good build upwould be for the lq4 because swapping the lq4 in like a month or so.
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Old Aug 31, 2014 | 07:37 PM
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A lt1 car would be just as bad as a V6 so keep that in mind. As for the LQ4 unless your going to rebuild it with flat top pistons and either mill or change the heads anything you gain from the 18 cubic inches and better flowing heads will be a wash because of the lower compression ratio.
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Old Aug 31, 2014 | 09:27 PM
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I would recommend a 98+ v8 roller.
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Old Aug 31, 2014 | 09:54 PM
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Ive been reading and putting a different heads on will make better compression also the nitrous kit i have im looking for at least 500n.a then juicing it n be around 650. Any more input is helpful. Im looking at getting a cam n other stuff for 500hp.
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Old Sep 1, 2014 | 05:04 PM
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Originally Posted by hugeracer70
Ive been reading and putting a different heads on will make better compression also the nitrous kit i have im looking for at least 500n.a then juicing it n be around 650. Any more input is helpful. Im looking at getting a cam n other stuff for 500hp.
At that point you'll be pushing the limits of the stock rods and pistons when spraying it. I wouldn't consider it to be a very reliable combination. Also if the heads you choose have to be milled to gain compression you'll loose piston to valve clearance which will limit cam selection. The point I'm getting at is that just because you have a motor doesn't make it a good reason to use it. If a stock LQ4 shortblock was a good upgrade for a LS1 car everyone would be doing it, but between the compression loss and the added weight of a iron block it's just not worth it.
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Old Sep 1, 2014 | 11:27 PM
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Alot of people around here have been doing the lq4/lq9 swaps vs the 350 n stroking to a 383. Im intrested in this swap because you can build a hell of alot more hp/tq out of an iron block then an aluminium. And people are biased against these motors bc you can make around 450 to 500 n/a then juice it n be at 600 to 700. Well wat im going to do is do the swap but i want to know what would a good build be. I was thinking forged internals maybe now or later atm have 2500 bucks to spend. Let me know some good builds please. Really interested
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