Conversions & Swaps LSX Engines in Non-LSX Vehicles
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LQ9/LQ4 vs. LS1/LT1

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Old 12-18-2006, 06:20 PM
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Default LQ9/LQ4 vs. LS1/LT1

I have a 76 bird looking to do a conversion on a budget. what are the pros and cons of each setup for the most bang for your buck? ( I will be using a t56 as well) Thanks
Old 12-18-2006, 08:09 PM
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The LQ motors run a little cheaper but weigh about 75 pounds more. They're also 6.0 litters as opposed to the 5.7 Ls1. You'll have to switch to an F body oil pan for ground clearence and possible an Ls1 intake manifold. I think that the accesories are set up a little differently but thats not really an issue. The computer can be reprogramed and you could change the cam if you're looking for more hourse power. I plan to do an LQ9 in my T/A. There a little bit stronger than the LQ4 because they come with stronger rods and the compression is higher due to flat top pistons which bring to I think 10:1. Theres a thread on here with some cool desktop dyno stuff if your interested in what you could do with the LQ motors.
Old 12-20-2006, 08:19 AM
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The LQ4s are cheap; I picked up a complete 2002 LQ4 with 50k on it for $1,300. An LQ9 is just an LQ4 with different heads to bump the compression. Personally, I think the LQ9 is a waste of money. Also, if you get an LQ4 that is a 2002 or later you can sell the heads (aluminum 317's) off of it for a decent amount. With the LQ9 you are probably going to want different heads anyway, so why spend the extra money? I have a set of 2002 241s with about 20k on them without rockers and an LS1 intake with LS6 injectors and fuel rail if you would be interested. I was going to do a 6.0 swap but ran out of money. I would take $140 for the heads and $110 for the intake.
Old 12-20-2006, 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by B4CU
The LQ4s are cheap; I picked up a complete 2002 LQ4 with 50k on it for $1,300. An LQ9 is just an LQ4 with different heads to bump the compression. Personally, I think the LQ9 is a waste of money. Also, if you get an LQ4 that is a 2002 or later you can sell the heads (aluminum 317's) off of it for a decent amount. With the LQ9 you are probably going to want different heads anyway, so why spend the extra money? I have a set of 2002 241s with about 20k on them without rockers and an LS1 intake with LS6 injectors and fuel rail if you would be interested. I was going to do a 6.0 swap but ran out of money. I would take $140 for the heads and $110 for the intake.
LQ4s and LQ9s both have 317 heads. It's the pistons that give the LQ9 a little higher compression.

I agree that the LQ motors are a great deal compared to LS1s, especially if you want to go FI in the future.
Old 12-21-2006, 04:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Oskar
LQ4s and LQ9s both have 317 heads. It's the pistons that give the LQ9 a little higher compression.

I agree that the LQ motors are a great deal compared to LS1s, especially if you want to go FI in the future.
You are right, but the LQ9 is always going to cots considerably more than an LQ4 just because people think it is a HIPO motor. Just slap different heads on the LQ4 and you pretty much have an LQ9, or like you said just put a supercharger on it.
Old 02-17-2008, 12:16 PM
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I have a 1966 Pontiac Catalina Convertible w/ LQ4-4L80E from a 2003 2500hd Chevy Pickup extended cab. I have converted the oil pan to the f body now I need to convert the intake and cable throttle body. I was told ls6 intake would not work. Can anyone tell me what intake will the truck intake is very tall I would like to go with a shorter one.
Old 02-17-2008, 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by B4CU
Just slap different heads on the LQ4 and you pretty much have an LQ9, or like you said just put a supercharger on it.
Like Oskar said, it's only the piston shape that determines the compression and thus HP of the LQ9..
Old 02-18-2008, 06:48 AM
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Originally Posted by teaswift
I have a 1966 Pontiac Catalina Convertible w/ LQ4-4L80E from a 2003 2500hd Chevy Pickup extended cab. I have converted the oil pan to the f body now I need to convert the intake and cable throttle body. I was told ls6 intake would not work. Can anyone tell me what intake will the truck intake is very tall I would like to go with a shorter one.
If you are useing the stock pulley configuration then the ls6 style intake will put the throttle body to close to the belt. You may have to switch to a F body pulley setup to work with the ls6 intake. Or do a victor jr/ performor rpm carb intake with a forward facing throttle body Elbow.
Old 02-19-2008, 09:56 PM
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I am also considering a conversion. Would love to have an Lt1 or Ls1, but can never afford it. After reading this Im very interested in the LQ4. How does it respond to supercharging?
Old 02-19-2008, 10:02 PM
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Btw, I have a '79 firebird. It has a 403 olds automatic. I would like more power and a manual transmission.
Old 02-20-2008, 12:21 AM
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Originally Posted by thunderzy
I am also considering a conversion. Would love to have an Lt1 or Ls1, but can never afford it. After reading this Im very interested in the LQ4. How does it respond to supercharging?
Generally well, but it all depends on how much PSI you're planning to throw at it. The official CR is reported as 9.41. If anyone is paying attention that's lower than even the Lm7's 9.49. In any case, this is probably good for sub-10PSI boost levels without worrying about detonation.
Old 02-20-2008, 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by thunderzy
I am also considering a conversion. Would love to have an Lt1 or Ls1, but can never afford it. After reading this Im very interested in the LQ4. How does it respond to supercharging?
in a previous build, made 520 rwhp with meth on stock 6.0 lq4 motor, except for ls6 springs and cam, stock manifold turbo kit with t76 turbo 1.00 a/r
on 10 psi, with ls6 intake and 60 lb. injectors, safe tune.
Old 02-20-2008, 07:54 AM
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Wow, thats impressive!
Old 08-03-2008, 01:28 PM
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i have converted the the accessories with the vintage air front runner its very nice. I have plenty of room no water pump inteferences but I need advise on an intake swap from the lq4 to ls1 or ls6. Fuel rails ,injectors, fuel pressure regulator ,inlet and return lines and throttle body. Any sugestions?



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