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1950 Chevy Panel with 6.0 project

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Old Jan 30, 2015 | 04:50 PM
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Default 1950 Chevy Panel with 6.0 project

If this thread needs to be in a different area, please advise.
I have a 1950 Chevy 1/2 ton Panel truck and I want to upgrade to LS power.
I think a LQ4/6.0 engine with a 4l60e is the package I'm after.
I want the truck to be my daily driver with the ability to tow once in a while. I have a 16 ft double axle flatbed and a 22 ft enclosed double axle trailer. Max load on either trailer would be no more than 4k lbs.
I'm not looking to make the panel truck a street rocket, but I would like to cruse out on the highway at 75 and still have plenty of reserve power available. And I do have plans for a different rear axle and several other suspension mods.
So, with all the above requirements, will a stock LQ4 be up to the task? I would prefer to stay stock, at least in the beginning, till I learn more about the LS family of engines.
Mike
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Old Jan 30, 2015 | 05:32 PM
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From: alburnett, iowa
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plan sounds good. most LQ4 6.0 have the 4L80E automatic which will be fine for your use. 03 & newer have DBW throttle which is not a big deal to use it. I have an 03 GMC 2500 4x4 with 6.0 milage is 10mpg but is solid tow vehicle. truck weighs 5800lbs Ive towed a 18ft all steel car trailer with a 85 crewcab chevy with block no problem. total truck/trailer/truck was just over 15,000 lbs still got 10mpg.
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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 12:20 PM
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Thanks for the reply. Saw a 4l80e for sale at $450. Says 120k miles, and of course, good condition. Is that a good price?

Also, is the LQ9 the aluminum block 6.0 engine? if so, what did they come in and what years?

And could I 14-16 mpg is a much lighter vehicle than yours? I'm thinking my panel should weigh around 3800-4000lbs when done. Also would be a couple inches lower to the ground.

Mike
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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 12:33 PM
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From: Cedar,BC
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4L80E for $450,could be a good deal depending on your location but likely needs a freshening,if you want to tow on a regular basis don't even think of the 4L60E.LQ9 is just a slightly higher compression LQ4,too many variables to guess on mpg,I think you will enjoy punching the loud pedal too much so it will be tough to get a good number...
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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 08:53 PM
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From: alburnett, iowa
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I think the aluminum 6.0 motors were in Cadillac escalades I believe. the tranny for $450 can be a deal. I would see about pulling tranny pan to see how clean it is of debri clutch wear. Ive seen the trannys with over 200,000 still going strong. depends on care its had.
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